How To Turn Puppy Into Kujo Aggressive Dog

All pups have sharp teeth. All pups are mouthy. One of the biggest complaints we get from clients is that the pup is biting them too hard. (In fact, at seminars we do we frequently get people holding up their scarred and scabbed hands as evidence of their problem.) If you treat your puppy like a human child or baby and do not take the role of pack leader (or the pup's real dog Mom) and the puppy begins biting too hard, nipping, lunging at people and generally getting away with bad behavior, there is a very real possibility that the pup will learn to bite people.

Recently we heard about a 7 month old chocolate lab who had bitten her owner several times (hard--drew blood) and a number of other people recently. We ended up bringing the dog home with us after she bit Kate as she put the leash on the dog. It was too serious a matter to leave the dog in her own home environment because the behavior was escalating and the family did not have the experience to know how to react properly with this dog.

The dog is a sweet tempered dog almost all the time. Typical Labrador Retriever. Except when she feels threatened or is being pressured to do something she does not want to do. The first time she bit the owner in a nasty way, she was only about 5 months old and her owner needed to wash the mud off her paws before going in the house. The "correction" that was given to the dog at that time was for the owner to yell "No!" and turn his back on her. (This advice came from a "trainer" at the obedience class at a big box store.) So the dog won that battle. Turning your back on a dog is NOT A CORRECTION!

Now this sort of behavior does not just suddenly appear. This undoubtedly started in puppyhood. At about 5 or 6 weeks, the breeder should be taking over slowly from Mom the duties of caring for and disciplining the puppies. (Caring for a litter of puppies is VERY TIME CONSUMING and if done correctly should set up the pups for a successful life.) This is a very big reason to get your pup from a reputable breeder and not a pet store where the pups most likely came from a puppy mill.) It is very important for the pups to stay together as a litter until at least 7 weeks. If the pup is going to an only dog home, I recommend that the pup stay with it's litter mates as long as 10 or 12 weeks. From 3 weeks to 4 months is a very critical time in the pup's life. The more time the pup can spend with other dogs in the early stages, the better the pup's chances of being well adjusted.

When the pup bites Mom, he will get an appropriate correction. She may give a little shake on the scruff of his neck and after he learns that lesson, all it may take from her is a look and a warning growl. We see the pups take a submissive position to Mom and other older adult dogs when they get a correction from them. Often the vocalize to "cry Uncle." This may look to a human like a really sad, pathetic thing and it might be tempting to feel sorry for the pup--or even "save" him from the situation. Wrong! Dogs are not furry humans! Dogs are not "politically correct." Dogs speak dog and conduct themselves the way they need to in order to have a well balanced and effective "pack." What we humans need to do to be successful puppy raisers is to study the pack behavior and take the role of pack leader.

The breeder should be knowledgeable and experienced enough to be able to give proper dog-like corrections to the pups after Mom turns over the duties. If the pup bites the people feeding him and cleaning his quarters--even though the bite might be playful, he should get a little correction. When the new owners take the pup home, they should be willing to give appropriate, dog-like corrections too.

This is where so many new dog owners get into trouble. If people are not willing to give their pup a correction for transgressions like biting too hard and are not willing to be pack leader around food, then the likelihood that a behavioral problem like aggressive biting will develop increases. And once the dog becomes a mature adult, the problem becomes much more difficult problem to fix.

Luckily for Lucy, the 7 month old Lab, she is still enough of a puppy that her aggressive biting behavior can be changed fairly easily. Our job is not finished though with fixing Lucy's behavior. In order for these changes to stick once she returns home, the people in her life must be willing to change their behavior. They must learn how to deliver swift, appropriate corrections to this dog when needed. Otherwise the dog will return to old habits and the bad behavior will become worse.

Most aggression that we typically see is a direct result of human ignorance. In order to live well with dogs, we must understand that we must give them what they need. They need us to be good pack leaders. In the absence of leadership, dogs are hard-wired to step into the leadership role. It is not something they "decide" to do, it is something that kicks in through instinct. A dog "leading" humans is a recipe for disaster.

In Memory Of Silverbrook's Ginger Lei Senior Hunter

Silverbrook's Ginger Lei SH went over the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. She was only 10 years old.

She taught me a lot over the years. She was my first pup that I got for hunting & retrieving. Boy, did I have a LOT to learn. For the last couple of years she had been teaching people new to the sport of retriever training how to handle a dog on marks and blinds. A good handler makes it look easy on even a green dog. A great dog makes a green handler look good.

Ginny continued to help teach new handlers until almost the very end. Good-By Gin Girl. We miss you so much and we will see you on the other side.

Human Components Of Dog Training Can Be Challenging

Tune in to KLAY 11.80 am this Saturday at 1:00 pm pacific time for a discussion with Kate Johansson, Tacoma dog trainer, on how a handler's expectations, attitude, body language and heart can influence dog behavior. If you want your dog to be different, YOU need to be different!

Recently some members of our training, picnic trial club wanted to change the rules of running in the mock trials we put on several times a year for our retrievers. They wanted to allow "training equipment" to be used while running the dogs. The reasoning went that everyone knows that dogs "know" when they are at a trial. That is why they act so much more excited and are so much more difficult to control. There is something about the excitement of a trial and all the many trucks and the more formalized waiting for a turn in front of the judges--having to wait behind all those holding blinds, etc.

We've been hearing this for years. How dogs "know" when it is a trial and act differently. So, if we could just have a "trial" and use "training equipment" the dogs would learn not to behave differently at a trial.

Problem is that the dogs are NOT reacting to the different atmosphere of the trial. We humans are. We are in competitive mode. We are being judged. There are spectators watching us. We had to get up in the middle of the night and drive a long distance to get there. We had to pay a significant entry fee for the opportunity to be judged. We might have had to get a hotel. We have a LOT invested in this trial. We have been training for months or years for this opportunity. And now its show time!

And the dogs look at us and sense something is different--about us. If we want our dogs to act the same way at a trial that they do in training--we need to learn to act and feel the same way we do in training. The only way to get comfortable at trials and tests is to enter our dogs in a lot of them. The more "line time" we get taking our dogs to the line in front of the judges at trials, the better we will get at doing it.

Trying to trick the dog into thinking he is at a trial while still being in training mode might give the trainer/handler a false sense of accomplishment. But when that handler gets out of his truck at a real trial next weekend, his dog is going to know something is different. Because that same old feeling is going to come back to the handler.

We see this problem in pet dogs too. The problem of owners/handlers having anxiety, nervousness, and negative emotions while dealing with their dogs. Many, many dog problems are really confidence problems with the owners. And that is where so much education comes in to play with dog training. Training dogs is easy. Teaching and building confidence in the owners can sometimes be more challenging.

Fast Pup Dog Training at Tacoma Home Garden Show

Tacoma dog trainer Kate Johansson and Fast Pup Dog Training will be at the Tacoma Home & Garden Show Wednesday, January 27th through January 31st. Today we will be holding a discussion about "Puppy Basics," how to start your puppy off on the right "paw." Please come by and say "hello," to the dogs!

Kate Johansson Talks Search Dogs NDSDF KLAY 11.80 am

Photos by Denise Hess











Today on Dog Talk Radio, Tacoma dog trainer Kate Johansson will be interviewing Bill Murphy of the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation out of Ohai, California about selecting and training search dogs as well as discussing the on-going search in Haiti for surviving victims. NDSDF has a number of dog/handler teams on the ground in Haiti and they have found and helped save numerous victims of the earthquake.

Catch the show on KLAY 11.80 am Tacoma at noon on Wednesdays and at 1:00 pm on Saturdays.

Don't let New Years Celebrations Screw Up Your Dog

Occasionally we get inquiries as to how to "fix" gun shyness.

I always urge everyone to make sure your dog is properly introduced to gun fire in a very positive way. Since I have always taken great care with this issue, I have never had a dog in my care who developed the problem.

If you buy your pup from a reputable gun dog breeder, the breeder should have introduced the litter to all kinds of loud noises as well as bird wings and live birds. Your job as the new owner is to continue to expose your pup to loud noises--but carefully. Guns at a distance. (We recommend using a starter pistol that uses the same kind of ammo as a commercial grade nail gun. You can buy different strengths of ammo, the lighter of which produces a softer noise.)

Always associate the sound of gun fire with the excitement of a mark (an object thrown by a helper in the field who will fire the pistol at a distance away from the pup.) We train at a field that is next to a freeway, and the freeway noise muffles the sound of the gun fire quite a bit. We introduce guns there and then move out to more wide open spaces where the guns can be heard more clearly. Once our dogs are extremely birdy and used to closer and closer gun fire, we can expect to shoot over them with no problem. If properly introduced, the sight and sound of a gun should produce giddy excitement from your dog--not fear.

Fireworks can frighten a dog. Since we will have a hearty helping of fireworks tonight to welcome in 2010, be sure to minimize how much your dog can hear them. Having a radio or television on will muffle the sound of the celebrations. Make sure as the owner, you act as if nothing at all is wrong. If your dog shows any kind of distress, add some more background noise and IGNORE the dog's discomfort. If you fawn over your dog, petting her and telling her "It's OK," you will be rewarding the behavior and shining a spotlight on a problem. While it makes sense to comfort a frightened child, comforting a dog who is exhibiting stress will have unintended consequences.

If you have a dog that for whatever reason is noise or gun shy, GunDogSupply.com sells a two CD set called

Noiseshy Cure Thunder & Fireworks 2-CD Set

that uses music and recorded thunder & fireworks sounds for desensitization and behavior modification. You can also order a blank starter pistol from these folks. We have done business with this outfit for years and the customer service is top-notch.

Fast Pup Dogs Experience Freedom At Car Show

At Fast Pup Dog Training we want every owner to experience peace of mind about their dog's behavior and every dog to experience the freedom that comes from being reliable off leash.

Check out the new video of our dogs attending a car show in downtown Puyallup.

Imagine being able to walk down a busy street with your dog off leash! Trusting your best friend to walk with you on the sidewalk and not having to worry about traffic!

This Makes House Training A Snap

These four week old puppies are already getting used to a crate

If you want to make house training your puppy as easy as snapping your fingers, you need to use a crate. And not just any crate. The biggest mistake we see people making in terms of selecting a crate is that they go down to the big box store and buy a HUGE crate--one that will be big enough or even too large for their puppy when full grown.
The crate needs to be SMALL. Just big enough for the pup to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Then as the pup grows, replace that really small crate with another that is just a little bit bigger. Think of the size of the crate as a comparison to the size of a bed you would get for a human baby. We don't have human babies sleep in a king sized bed. The baby feels (and is actually) safer in a small bed such as a crib or play pen. But don't make the mistake of humanizing your puppy and trying to keep them in something like a play pen. Dogs need to feel safe by being inside something.

Yikes! "Isn't putting a puppy in such a small space cruel," we always get asked. Nope. Not at all. Dogs naturally den. In the wild, they seek out or dig a small, dark place for safety, to sleep and have pups. Just a couple of weeks ago, when our dog was getting ready to whelp pups, she kept clawing her way under a small twin bed we keep in the office for the dogs to lounge on. That is where she naturally felt safe. In such a small space she could barely get in and out of.

Using the dog's natural instinct to den gives you a great advantage in house training, making your life easier and to giving the dog what she needs. People make the mistake all the time of thinking of their dogs' needs in terms of human needs, which are not the same. Giving your dog what she needs will ensure successful training and make your dog feel much safer at the same time.

Another advantage of using a correctly sized small crate from the beginning is that it is easy to move the small crate and pup around with you in the house. Dogs are pack animals and they have a strong need to be with their pack. When I am raising a pup, she stays with me as much as possible for bonding, but she stays in her crate a great deal of the time. She is right there next to me as I work on the computer or tidy up the kitchen. I can talk to her and she can let me know if she needs to go outside, but at the same time she is contained in a small space that she won't soil.

Keep the pup on a schedule. You can either pick the pup up and carry her outside to eliminate, or you can move the crate to the outside door, opening up the crate and encouraging her to go out on her own. You should always give the dog plenty of outside time after she eats and drinks. Then, take her out every couple of hours or when she acts fussy.

If you will progress from smaller to larger crates for the first couple of months, and you stay very consistent about using the crates, you will find that your dog will become house trained effectively by about five months or so.

Training Starts at Birth for Tacoma Dog Trainer Johansson

New! Puppies in training!


Pups shown here are Joanie & Litter Mates. Our pups are less than two weeks old as of this posting. Watch for new pics as they grow!

Joanie, our five year old black Lab, AKC SH (Senior hunter)
blessed us with a rainbow litter on December 13th, 2009. Joanie was bred to Max, a Master Hunter (AKC) who is also the chief duck dog for a hunting club on Sauvie Island outside of Portland.

There are two chocolate females, a chocolate male, a black female and black male and a yellow female. The dogs were born in our guest bedroom and spent the first three days snuggled with Mom on blankets in a small plastic wading pool. Then they were transferred to the whelping box in the garage under a heat lamp.

The pups are handled by Kate on a daily basis, even when first born--without eyes open. Today, Christmas day, the pups' eyes are starting to open. By next week, we will be spending more time playing and interacting with them. They have already started riding in the truck inside a crate. As they grow, we will be putting them through tests to see how they react to challenges of problem solving. We will be introducing them to toys, balls, bird feathers, and even birds as they get a little older. They will be exposed to loud noises and introduced to far-off gun fire and duck calls. By the time they are ready to go to their new homes, they will be crate conditioned and used to sleeping through the night in their crate.

They will be ready to go to their new homes between 7 & 8 weeks of age. One or two will be staying on to be trained as gun dogs by Kate. The pups who stay on will begin their obedience training between 7 & 8 weeks old. They will first learn to sit and wait patiently for their food. (The pups will be at the bottom of the pack and will get their food after everyone else has been released to theirs.) They will start learning to sit, stay and come. They will learn the "place" command by age 3 months. They will also be introduced to marking and retrieving birds and bumpers.

Warning! Pet Dog Training Franchise Watch Out!

If anyone is tempted to sign a Franchise Agreement for a Pet Dog Training Franchise Business Opportunity, Watch Out!

Read this article: http://www.franchiseremedies.com/franchise-fraud.htm

Please feel free to contact us for details!

All I Want For Christmas In Tacoma Is A Well Trained Dog

Santa (Or Kate Johansson) Can Deliver a Well Trained Dog!

Fast Pup Dog Training's Version of Reindeer!


Below is a picture of Jody Vosburg's Jack Russell Terrier, Roxy.

Here is a letter from Jody:

I had not planned on getting a dog yet, when Roxy my Jack Russell Terrier came in to my life in May 2008. I had a new home and property that was not fenced. A friend knew I needed a companion and that I wanted a Jack Russell someday and she could not keep Roxy. When I saw Roxy she was exactly what I had pictured so I brought her home. I and my mother were afraid to let her loose knowing she had not had any training and how Jack Russell's are not known for coming when called and are great at running off exploring.

It all started when I went to the Harbor Hounds Walk in September 2008 with a friend and her dog. First thing when we parked--Roxy got excited with all the surrounding distractions and bolted out for the car and away from my friends daughter who wanted to walk her. Thank God no cars were coming and she just ran to the first dog and it was nice to her and we got her caught. The rest of the day went great but I really didn't like not having control without a leash.

Kate had a booth and demonstration at the walk. There were several dogs doing what they were told and not running off in the demonstration and I was impressed. I also got to take Roxy through an agility course they had set up and she really liked it. I took a brochure and went home to talk it over with my mom.

We decided to go for a demonstration at one of her classes that happened to be in Kent. Again there was several dogs of different breeds, ages and their owners all working with their dogs with out a leash together . They were all sitting and staying while one walked around the one's staying. I thought Roxy would never be able to do that! She couldn't even sit still to watch on a leash! After the class, Kate did a personal demonstration and worked with Roxy for a few minutes then she told us about the program and the cost with the equipment. I was a little set back initially at the cost and we decided to go home and talk about it. Before we got home to Port Orchard we had decided it was worth it for Roxy's safety and our piece of mind. Also the lifetime classes and walks. The next day I faxed in my sign up form and I am so happy.

I can go anywhere with out a leash. As a matter of fact Roxy did sit and stay at her 1st class! I was amazed--and I know my mother would not have believed it if she had not been there to see it! I am glad I invested in this program. Roxy goes everywhere possible with me and I do not have to use a leash or worry she will run away and get hurt or lost. She is also great in the house and does not jump on people when they visit which is an added bonus.

Jody and Roxy
Port Orchard WA

Roxy is a Jack Russell Terrier Owned By Jody Vosburg

At Fast Pup Dog Training we work with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. We believe all dogs deserve to live a rich, full life with the freedom that comes from excellent training. When your dog is trustworthy--even off leash around severe distractions, owners experience such peace of mind. Breath a sigh of relief with a well trained dog

Dog Trainer Kate Johansson Hosts Tacoma Radio Show

Fast Pup Dog Training's New Radio Show Saturdays At Noon On KLAY 1180 AM Tacoma. "Dog Talk Radio!"

Check out our recent radio shows! Visit our website (see link to right) and click on the radio button on home page. Then you can listen to shows and interviews. Recent guests include Jim Charbonneau from Country Kennels (a FIRST-CLASS boarding facility,) Rema Strauss from K-9 Rejuvenation (a wonderful warm water canine aquatic spa,) Kristy Baird (from Dock Jumping Labs) and certified veterinary technician,Kelly Buchanan (from Portland Avenue Small Animal Hospital.)

Fast Pup Clients' Well Behaved Dog Travels Cross Country

Greetings From Kenny, Katie & Sandy Bayness

Recently Fast Pup Dog Training Clients Katie & Kenny relocated to Ohio with their young Labradoodle, Sandy. We miss you guys! Merry Christmas & good luck in your new home!

Hi Kate!! Sorry that its been a while since we've written. We just wanted to give you an update about how things are going and how Sandy is doing. We made it cross country, and had a blast on our trip. I attached a few photos from the trip as well as a few once we got to my mom and dad's house in Ohio.
Sandy did marvelous on the trip, she was very well behaved and I think she enjoyed going to the different places and making new dog friends along the way :)
Sandy is enjoying living in the country for the time being and she likes being able to go outside and just run. She is behaving great and still is able to do everything we ask of her.
My mom works at a school for disabled children and one of the teachers has actually asked if we would like to bring Sandy in to visit the class. It's amazing how calm and easy going she becomes around disabled people or older people.

Kenny and I have jobs so we are looking for houses currently, we called about a house yesterday that actually has a pretty big yard that would be great for Sandy to have some room to play at home. We will keep you updated with new photos and let you know how everything is going. I hope class is going great. Are you still having the offleash walks? Tell everybody we said hi!

Thanks for everything,

Katie (and Kenny & Sandy too!)

Fast Pup Dog Training Tacoma Sunday Classes

Sunday Afternoon Obedience Classes

Thanks to Danny Phillips for taking this and many other pictures at class.


Imagine how wonderful it would be to be able to walk down a busy city street with your dog off leash and listening to your every command! Your dog walking beside you and not straying into traffic. You walking with your dog in the most relaxed state--even though cars are whizzing by just feet away. Most people just shake their heads in disbelief when we talk to them about such things. But check out our blog to see all the testimonials about what happened when people took a chance to learn our training methods.

Please be our guest! Fast Pup Dog Training holds classes twice a week in the Federal Way--NE Tacoma area. We offer no cost, no obligation demonstrations with our dogs and a free assessment of your dog immediately following our classes. We specialize in off leash control around severe distraction. We offer dogs the opportunity to live a full, rich life with off-leash privileges and we offer owners the greatest peace of mind about their dogs' safety. If your dog pulls on the leash, jumps up on people, runs away or has other more severe behavior problems--we can help!

Tacoma Dog Trainer Trains Chihuahuas & Pomeranians

TRAINING A FOUR-POUND CHIHUAHUA
FROM DANA of JAGUAR WOMAN DESIGNS

This is a digital painting Dana created of her dog Lily, a tiny Chihuahua

When Dana first came to us, she brought her big Shepherd mix Xena for help with her training. After having Xena in our program for several months, Dana decided that she wanted Lily to have the same freedom and quality of life that Xena enjoyed after learning to be reliable both off leash and on leash. By teaching dogs focus and self control, the dogs develop confidence they never had when driven to distraction. Whether you have a four pound Chihuahua, or a 200 pound Mastiff, Fast Pup Dog Training can help your dog live their best life.

What Dana Said About Lily's Training

Last night, I took Lily, my 4 1/2 pound long haired Chihuahua, on an off-leash cross-country walk we do with our trainer, Kate, from Fast Pup Dog Training, along with about 12 other grrrreat big dogs of all kinds: a giant Cane Corso, a energetic young Doberman, lots and lots of various rambunctious retrievers lurching and leaping through the brush around her.

We crossed many streets where all the dogs had to sit/stay and wait to be commanded, one by one, by their names, to cross the street and sit/stay on the other side. People often say that Chihuahuas are bad candidates for obedience training and at the very least you have to start very young. But there was Lily, doing her sit/stays and distant recalls and following at my heel and dodging and weaving as those heavy dogs shot past her. Yes, she was intimidated! No, not once did she snarl or launch herself as so many defensive Chihuahuas do.

Lily has always had a pretty calm temperament for a Chihuahua but she has learned to contain herself much more in the Fast Pup Dog Training.

I wish more people could have seen her, dainty little thing, trucking along at a steady clip in the middle of that pack of big old rough doggies, delicately sidestepping them and running under them when they came charging out of the underbrush straight at her, always returning right to my side! And sitting in a firm sit/stay at the side of the road despite the distraction of passersby and bicycles and loud children. I thank Kate, our terrific trainer at Fast Pup Dog Training.

This is the little dog who almost gave us a heart attack when she ran between our feet and out into the busy street one day. Now I do not worry about that because when I say "Lily, sit! Stay!" She does it. I have been able to have her do a successful sitstay reliably in front of our open gate now and trust that she will not set one foot outside our yard.

That peace of mind is worth a great deal to me. And on top of that, I'm able to take my favorite companion everywhere with me and nothing fazes her. She's never the nervous Chi people expect. She's always calm and open to the world. She does not shiver and freak out when meeting other dogs. She's a perfect intimate companion! The trainer is great! The training is fabulous. But let's give the balance of credit where it really belongs: to the dog!!!!!

Dana Sitarzewski
www.jaguarwoman.com

Another digital painting by Dana of Jaguar Woman Designs. This one is of Corky, a nine pound Pomeranian--one of the Fast Pup dogs.

At Fast Pup Dog Training we work with dogs of all sizes and temperaments. We believe all dogs deserve to live a rich, full life with the freedom that comes from excellent training.

To see more of Dana's fabulous paintings and designs, visit

www.jaguarwoman.com

Tips For Success With Puppies

TIPS FOR TRAINING PUPPIES

Who does not LOVE a little puppy? But we have to remember that puppies quickly grow to be dogs. It is important that we start setting boundaries and rules on the first day. I make all my dogs sit and stay until I release them on their name to go to their food. I start that training the very first meal the pup has at my house. By the second or third day, the pup usually understands sit and stay for food.

We get many calls for help with house training. I always tell the caller that there is no "silver bullet" for house training. The greatest success comes with using a crate only big enough for the pup to stand, turn around, and lie down. So for a Labrador Retriever pup, I use a very small crate to begin with--one about the size of a cat carrier. The pup will outgrow it in one to three weeks, and then I replace it with the next biggest size. I progress through four to five different sizes of crates as the pup grows.

Dogs are naturally denning animals. They seek out small, dark places to sleep and for safety. Many people tell me they think that using a crate is "mean," or "cruel." It is definitely not! The first night home, I put the pup in the crate and set it on a chair--right next to where I sleep. This helps the pup feel safe. She can see me and hear me breathing. If she is fussing a lot, I might even move the little crate next to me in bed. She feels part of a pack and does not feel alone. But she can not go off in a corner and make a mess. Then, early in the morning I carry the crate with the pup in it to the sliding glass door and open the door to the crate to let her go outside. And praise her like crazy when she goes outside.

I start teaching the dog to come, sit and lie down, using food and praise for treats. (Most dogs love food, but enthusiastic praise is even more exciting for most dogs.)

Socialization around people and other dogs is super important. If you can find another puppy owner, it is a great idea to get together and let the pups play together.

Never hit or shake a puppy. This will only cause her to fear you, and possibly create fearful or aggression problems in the adult dog.

If you have a dog that you want to play retrieving games with, remember to keep retrieving super fun for the dog. And remember to quit playing with the pup before she gets bored or tired. Always leave them hungry for another play session.

Thanks For Stopping By The Fall Tacoma Home & Garden Show

Tacoma Fall Home & Garden Show

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the show! We loved meeting all of you and we are looking forward to seeing everyone again.

WE ARE SCHEDULING NO COST, NO OBLIGATION DEMOS NOW!
Be sure to call us to get on the schedule. These are fun demonstrations of our dogs' training. You will get to see retrieving demonstrations, agility and obedience with our dogs. The demos are great fun for the whole family. We will have you bring your dog out for a free assessment and go over all of our programs and methods at that time.

Tacoma Family Breathes Sigh Of Relief With Fast Pup Dog Training

Kate-
As I sit down to write this letter I have to chuckle; I never thought I would be writing a dog trainer to tell her how well behaved my yellow lab has become!
Murphy, our 11 month old yellow lab has been in three homes from birth to the young age of 15 weeks. We considered ourselves his permanent family and we were determined to train him ourselves and have him meld into our family. After a month or so of having Murphy we realized he had some behavioral problems. Jumping, snapping, clawing the door, digging holes all day long, and knocking people over, pulling on a leash, barking at the fence and listening only to the sound of a food bowl rather than our requests.

After 6 months of having Murphy I was placed on bed rest due to complications in my pregnancy-With an 11 year old, a 4 year old, a baby on the way and many people in and out of our home (helping hands!) Murphy became increasingly difficult to deal with. My parents (self titled lab lovers!) took Murphy to stay with them while I figured out how to deal with our new life. Murphy continued to cause trouble and act out-We were faced with bringing home a new baby, a hectic family life and still another lab at home-We decided we should give Murphy to a better home. When we decided to look for a home for Murphy we felt like failures and it dawned on me that he would be the same dog just in a different home, how would someone else handle this situation? What if we were sending Murphy into a home that was also un able to deal with him and ended up harming him in some way?

I got online and began to research dog trainers-There were so many! I then called our vet to get a recommendation-they faxed me over your (Kate) website. I contacted Kate and talked for a long while over the phone. After talking with Kate I realized that she "knew" Murphy-She knew what was going on and she was so positive about his potential. My husband and I set up a consultation and within minutes we were stunned, impressed and convinced. Kate's dogs not only listened to her and obeyed but they were able to relax, be silly and play! We immediately enrolled Murphy in Kate's program. We have now had Murphy working with Kate for over a month. Murphy continues to have his normal lab puppy moments (pulling on my bathrobe in the morning, bringing me a tennis shoe as a gift and knocking his food over when he gets excited) but Murphy is also able to walk down a busy street with another dog, a toddler on a bike, neighbors waving hello and other animals passing by- all OFFLEASH! The off leash aspect lends itself to many other successful moments with your dog-Not only are you on a peaceful walk but your dog is able to get their exercise which leads to less negative behavior-Off leash also allows your family to enjoy the dog instead of kicking them outside for the day-Off leash allows the dog to learn to have fun and be attentive-Murphy is able to walk out the front door, go to the car, wait to get in and hop in calmly. Murphy is able to go to people's homes and wait at the front door while I chat, regardless of what they have going on inside. Murphy is able to sit and wait for our guests to come in the door, set their coats down and get settled before he says "hello"
We loved Murphy when we first brought him home-Now; we enjoy Murphy and look forward to many years of friendship. I would recommend Kate and Fast Pup to anyone with a puppy or even an older dog. If you consider yourself a dog lover give yourself and your loved dog the best gift, talk with Kate-The results are amazing.
Perry and Erin Smith
Tacoma

Tacoma Dog Trainer Kate Johansson Helps Calm Distracted German Shepherd

After veterinary technician Kelly Buchanan saw the incredible changes in an aggressive dog (Buddy) she referred to us, she was ready to try our training on her own rescue dog, Villa, a two year old German Shepherd. Here is her testimonial.

Villa learned the place command.

Dear Kate:

I am writing this note to you to tell you how truely surprised and impressed i have been with your work with us and Villa and the progress we have made! After 10 years of working as a vet technician, I have seen many badly behaved dogs. Never did I think I would own one!

Into our life steps, Villa, a 2 1/2 year old german shepard that needed a home. When Villa came to us, she did not have any "household manners". She wouldn't sit, or come when called, she jumped and chased our cats, and knocked down kids. I wasn't sure how in the world we were going to make it work out! Villa wasn't able to go on a walk on the leash without her prong collar, and even then, she pulled and choked herself the entire way. I was terrified to walk her around other dogs, strangers, or small animals.

Although I was hesitant to use a different training method than I was used to, I decided to trust Fast Pup Dog Training as I had seen some impressive results with dogs I knew from my work. Even though I really didn't have the money, I decided to go to a meet and greet and watch the free demo and see what it was all about. Thank goodness that I did! Kate,you even suggested we bring Villa that day. We had our three kids tagging along, my husband , myself and this big dog! What a site we were to see being dragged through the parking lot by this dog who obviously was "in charge" as I yelled NO and HEEL to no avail. How embarrassed I felt as Villa barked at all the other dogs and strained at the end of her leash as though to attack them.

By the end of the demo, it was clear that the dog that was acting up was clearly OUR dog, Villa! So off she went with Kate to do some work and exercises. After about 5 minutes, I was invited to participate. How great it was to walk around that area with her, and have her finally paying attention to me! I was in charge! What a difference. I learned so much that first day and knew that I couldn't afford NOT to sign us up. It was that clear. Truely, once you get a glimpse of what you and your dog can do with the proper teaching, you will be astounded and hooked! Its a great feeling of accomplishment and the dogs feel so much more sane with clear limits and rules.

Now Villa is not the "stressor" that she once was for me. I know that I can walk her with or without the leash and trust her to stay with me, ignore distractions and obey me without question. Her home manners have improved also! Villa does not chase the cats anymore, and she stays out of areas of the house that I do not want her in. (no more baby gates for us) There is no counter surfing or begging at the kitchen table during dinner. Even my 11 year-old son, can ask Villa to sit and stay for her food dish. She will not budge until he releases her.

It is such pleasure to live with an animal. They are here for us unconditionally, for comfort and security and companionship. My relationship with Villa has changed dramatically after enrolling in Fast Pup Dog Training. We now can enjoy each other's personalities and play together without fear of all the bad behaviours. I can take Villa on walks/runs and be at ease. My children can take Villa to the school park and throw the ball for her and not fear she will run in the street or attack any animals they might meet. If I had one piece of advise for your future clients, "you owe it to your animal to at least come and see what the training is all about. And you owe it to yourself to give your dog the opportunity to have a better future. It really is worth it! Good luck!

Special thank you to Kate J

Sincerely

Kelly and Sean Buchanan

and kids

and Villa

Fast Pup Tacoma Changes Lives of Pit Bull & Disabled Owner

When Scott, who uses a wheelchair and has limited use of his hands. brought his dog Puka to us we loved her gentle, sweet temperament. But Puka was not obedient. If Scott dropped her leash by accident, she would slowly wander off--ignoring his calls to come back to him. Below is his testimonial about Fast Pup Dog Training.

My name is Scott and my dog is Puka--an American Staffordshire Terrier. When I got Puka she was a hundred miles per hour, back and forth, I couldn't control her. She was so strong, so fast, and just full of energy. I am in a wheelchair and this was becoming a problem. It was making it hard to take her anywhere. So we enrolled into a dog training class. It was six weeks of hard work working with a leash. After six weeks we made a little progress. Being in a wheelchair also made it hard to hold the leash control Puka and manuever my chair. There has to be a better way!!

I was online looking for Remote Training for Dogs. Up came a free seminar at The Sportsman Store in Federal Way. Puka and I are there! We got there and Kate saw me struggling with Puka. Kate took Puka and started working with her. That was all I needed to see. We signed up right there and started training the next week.

Puka and I got our Remote and Training collar and went to our first class. This might sound crazy but OUR LIFE CHANGED! Puka and I picked up on the training immediately. I couldn't wait to show everybody, how good, the wild and crazy Puka was obeying and listenig to me. It was 180 Degrees! She is by my side and does whatever she is told.

These days Puka goes everywhere with me. From to the park to the grocery store to the mall to the lake. It doesn't matter because she is so well behaved. There is nothing better then when your dog obey's and listens to you in any public situation. Everywhere, I mean eveywhere I go people tell me "I wish my dog would do that", "Wow ! your dog is so good", "My dog could never do that". That is what I thought until I started Fast Pup Dog Training!

I cannot thank Kate and Fast Pup Dog Training enough for really CHANGING MY LIFE and making my wish come true!!! MY DOG OBEY'S ME!

The Fast Pup Dog Training is the BEST PURCHASE I've made for my dog and myself ever! If you are tired of being embarassed because your dog pulls you down the street or you can't control your dog around other dogs and people in public. This training is the way to go. If I can train my dog being in a wheelchair, it can work for anybody and every dog!

Thanks Kate,

Scott Bottorff