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Claudia Sihler
CPDT-KSA, IAABC-ADT
Phone (907) 357-2521
1400 Regine Ave
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Full Member
Approved Trainer
Member
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More Happy TalesNew Training
Facility!
We are pleased to report our classes have been a huge success!
Here are some of our happy tales -
The
greatest benefit is the bonding with my dog, one-on-one without
my other dogs interfering. I discovered Chance is quick to learn....
It was difficult to get Chance to “watch”without using
my hand towards the face, also the “leave it”was
difficult. I like the positive reinforcement with no scolding
and the calming
exercises. An interesting aspect was to go two steps back when
the dog pulls on the leash, before going forward again. I think
overall the course was excellent, very fun and we learned a lot!
Mary and Chance, Adolescent Preschool graduate
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We
learned several new commands at the classes, the most difficult being
the Stand/Stay. The classes are very organized and I like the learning
environment and the small number of people in class. It's great to
make the training fun while also being very effective. The course
is excellent, thanks Claudia for your help!
John and Canuck, Adult Middle School graduate
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It
was very interesting to observe the dogs' progression each week –all
dogs, not just mine. The greatest benefit from the classes was
to gain more control over my dog's behavior.
Joe and Buddy, Adult Middle School graduate
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The
greatest benefit although the most difficult exercise for me
and my dog was the off-leash work . I like the tons of tricks and
ideas,
the variations and multiple tasks –the dogs have no time
to get bored. And even off-leash there were no “zoomies”at
this excellent class.
Julie Schrecengost and Cassie, Adult Middle School graduate
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The
classes gave me great tips on encouraging my dog to behave –which
helps me being patient! The most difficult exercise was keeping
his attention during class –Huck gets so excited he tunes
out. The class teaches kind and positive ways to help my dog do
his best. I loved watching him socialize with other pups and people,
and the very sensible tips. The course was excellent! Happy tale
from home: Huck was off leash and spotted one of the cats. He went
to bplt after him and I yelled his name loudly and he stopped in
his tracks! Then I yelled, “kennel up!”and he ran
right into his pen and sat down. Crisis averted! I was so proud
of him!!
It is a huge step for him to focus when he's excited.
LoriAnn and Huckleberry
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The
greatest benefit from these classes is the teaching through positive
reinforcement. The most difficult exercise for us was the down.
I like the small classes and again the positive techniques. The
course is excellent and I love the play sessions for the dogs.
Teresa and Nina
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I
feel the greatest benefit from the classes is the enhanced relationship
with my dog. Classes and homework give us the different exercises
and time together to build on our relationship. I could see that
teaching and mastering the basics is a major stair-step not only
to further training but also to behavior modification and correction
of unacceptable behavior. Any exercise with distractions was
very difficult. Training at home has a low level of distraction
and
I find those are hard to build in at home. I appreciated the
good background and reasoning given for the way an exercise needs
to
be approached –taught –and the individual attention
given when needed. The course is overall excellent.
Liz Carryer and Jasper
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The
classes trained us, the owners how to get Sage's attention. The
standing for a prolonged time was the most difficult exercise.
We like most about the training program to see the results! After
this excellent course, we have improved on the motivation to
keep Sage's attention. We're getting better! ;-) I was impressed
with
how well the command ‘watch' works with Sage. Too bad it's
only one hour per week.
Maija + Roy Fritts and Sage
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The classes helped me having well behaved dogs at home with almost
no negative communication. It's very difficult to have Romeo
paying attention to me in class. It's great to learn how to
get my dogs to want to obey me. Romeo now almost never pulls
me while on leash, and he used to be so hard to control. The
class is excellent.
Susan and Romeo
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It
was great to learn how I can train my dogs successfully. The training
program has lots of benefits I had already learned with Romeo,
now I additionally enjoy socializing my new puppy with other dogs.
Susan and Lucy
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The
greatest benefit from the classes is Milo being a pleasant family
member. It was difficult to keep Milo in a stand stay and to have
him obey without treats. We greatly enjoyed the puppy playtime,
and it's my favorite joy to socialize Milo with other puppies.
Such a wonderful change from previous dogs who were more isolated
as pups and would subsequently try to kill any other animal they
met! With Claudia's class, Milo has learned to successfully interact
with many different personality dogs. I can bring him along with
me places and not worry about a fight or liability of other pets
getting hurt.
Milo
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Rosie
and I greatly benefited from learning discipline without raised
voice and from socializing. The most difficult exercise for us
was not jumping up when greeting. I like most the positive reinforcement
used at the class. Rosie was able to socialize with people and
other dogs in a controlled setting. She seemed happy to be there
and to please. The teaching was informative and Claudia obviously
loves pets/ animals, which makes her a great dog trainer. I would
love the class time being more than the one hour!
Gabe Kitter and Rosie
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China
walks much better on a leash, and it was a good socialization
opportunity. Overall, her behavior is much improved. The most
difficult exercise
was the ‘watch me' when there were distractions. I like the
small size and individual attention! The class taught practical,
everyday behaviors like ‘come' and ‘leave it'. The
course was excellent.
“I walk much better on a leash and I respond better to verbal commands.
My owner is much happier and now I can go on to agility classes!
China |
To
know that with repetition and praise my dog will do anything is
a great
benefit I derived from the class. The most difficult exercise for
me and my dog was the "Stand".; I like best about the
training program is that there's no scolding, yelling, pulling,
etc., only;
all positives; -; you don't leave frustrated.; This course is excellent!!
Kenna Loyer and "Jimmy" |
Claudia
is a wonderful and positive instructor. I have seen incredible
results both
in my own dog and other dogs who were extremely wild in just
a few weeks of taking Claudia's classes. We had a dog with
the "zoomies" who
had a tendency to run off and herd other dogs. Claudia was able
to help us "correct" this problem in just a few weeks
using positive training methods.
All classes are
incredibly organized, have weekly features, homework sheets,
etc. Certain topics are modified to adapt to dogs with different
learning abilities and for handlers facing different challenges.
Class sizes are small and this allows individual attention for
each participant at each class.
Claudia
is also always available for questions and extra assistance
via phone,
e-mail, after class, etc and is always willing to make the
time. She goes above and beyond as an instructor for both obedience
and agility. I would highly recommend classes to anybody and
everybody.
Julie
Schrecengost & Cassie |
I
had heard several success stories from Claudia's classes and
private consultations.; So, when my new puppy Rita didn't seem
to tolerate
handling by strangers, I enrolled in; Claudia's puppy classes.;
She taught me a "gentling" exercise which uses positive
methods to teach any dog to trust and have self-confidence at
the same time,; It even worked with my older dogs.; By the last
class
session Rita was much more tolerant of handling and played happily
with the other puppies.;
I have taught nearly
100 puppy classes of my own graduating many puppies.; I've had
dozens of pups in my home as well as trained several dog for
competition and therapy.; I learned several new things from Claudia
and appreciate her balanced and professional approach.; I fully
intend to take more classes from Claudia.
Lynn
Tatro* & Rita
- July 2003
*The
Better Companion's 100th Student; (Rita sez "Thank you!" for
the dried liver treats Claudia.) |
I
have had 2 dogs in Claudia's agility classes. Tess who
is a chow/Terv mix, needs a focus for her energy. She is frequently
over looked at
home because we have primarily sled dogs. This summer I decided
Tess and I needed something to do together to reward her for
being such a wonderful companion. Tess has found her niche
in advanced agility and has me hooked trying to be the handler
that
this athletic 8 year old gal deserves.
Pearl
is different situation. She is perhaps the fastest dog in
my sled dog team.
However, she lacked confidence, focus, and trust in me to
perform 100%. I entered her in beginning agility hoping that
being
positively challenged and rewarded for her accomplishments
could help her gain that needed confidence. As classes proceeded,
Claudia had to modify some of her regular structure to help
this shy girl accomplish our goals. Pearl loved doing much
of the equipment and as classes progressed I could tell she
became more and more sure of herself. Pearl's graduation
and my reward was Sunday morning when I took a 10 dog team
out
on a run with the 4-wheeler and a wagging and confident Pearl
was in lead.
Thanks
Claudia for your help and patience adapting to both these
gals needs!
Jamie
West
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Claudia's
behavior/dog obedience classes have really meet a need here in the
valley. Her classes are designed for the average person looking for
some professional guidance on how to train/manage their average dog.
Moses and I started our first class when he was 10 weeks old. At
6 months
he began showing alpha male traits and too much aggression for a
young dog. He had a lot of energy and wanted to call all the shots. It
got to the point I thought I might have t to get rid of him because I
could never trust him; he seemed to be too strong of an alpha male. My
husband and I really loved him and wanted to make it work.
He
had a very rocky start, but I saw something loveable in him and
was determined
to try and turn him in to a
dog I could trust and take with me in public. Thanks to a
lot of help from classes and consultations with Claudia, we've
turned the corner and he is 14months old now. Moses and
I are on our 5th obedience class and we've had one agility class
which, to Moses was like being at a doggie amusement park!
I
can tell you from first hand experience, there are no quick fixes
though
if you want a well behaved, reliable
dog. It takes a real commitment on the owner's part. A single
class or a single private consultation won't do it. If you want
to see
real changes you need to take numerous classes and work with
your dog daily. But in the end the results are worth it. Moses
has really benefited from the structured class environment and
exposure to other dogs. He has been exposed to so many dogs,
he now sees them all as potential playmates instead of a threat
he has to take on. It is also quite empowering and rewarding
to see the process you've made in changing the dog's behavior
for the better.
Moses
and I are going to keep taking Claudia's classes. He really
enjoys them and I am learning the fundamentall behavior modification
skills that will help Moses to become an
even better companion and family member in the years to come.
Nancy
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I
enjoyed the 1-on-1 time with my dog. The most difficult exercise for
me was to have Buster walk without pulling on the leash. I liked having
him sit and lay down without snacks. The course with The Better Companion
is really good.
Greg Lawalter and 'Buster
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| ;It
was great to learn a proper way to get results. The most difficult
part for Sport was the distraction. I liked the easy-to-understand
training program. The course is excellent. My dog started puppy school
at 5 years of age and made a huge difference after one course. You
CAN teach old dogs new tricks!
Cindy Nielsen and Sport |
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