Comments on: Shelter dogs “Loved” to Death

By: Don Brunner

Don Brunner — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 12:09:26 +0000

As an animal lover, shelter volunteer and strong advocate for responsible pet guardianship I have spent years reading/researching volumes of books and methods. In theory the purely positive methods set the standard in ideals, but in the real world with real problems/real people most never come close to achieving the relationship they desire with their dog using PP training techniques. 12 – 15 months ago I came across Jeff Gelman’s website and watched almost all of the 260 video’s he has available and was astonished with all he is able to accomplish. His explanation of the proper use of the recommended Herm Sprenger prong collar was wonderful. I purchased one for by black lab mix who consistently pulled on his flat collar while walking and my walking problems were over. He self corrected his walking behavior while only putting minimal tension on the end of the leash and I have never had pull to “snap” a correction. Since that time walks are wonderful. I am now enrolled in Duke’s Genesis Training program; I have watched the video’s on puppy training and I am 2/3 through the core and have not once encountered anything objectionable or even questionable. If saying NO to your dog is considered cruel and inappropriate, then it is no wonder we have so many problems with dogs and people. It is my hope to learn all Duke has to teach, make it work for me and my dogs and then be able to help members of my community to build better relationships with there dogs and hopefully reduce the number showing up at our local shelter.

By: Jenni M.

Jenni M. — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 04:36:15 +0000

I think this topic is very interesting, since it’s obviously pressure from the uninformed public, that causes these rescue organizations to set such restrictions.

My favorite comment I ever received for using a prong collar, was from a lady walking (read being dragged by) her own dog on a choke chain…. calling the prong collar cruel.

It takes all kinds doesn’t it?

By: Duke Ferguson

Duke Ferguson — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:51:14 +0000

HYJ Thanks for your comment. by reading the posts It is obvious to me you don’t truly understand what exactly we do and how we do it, so your perception is not really accurate. This is fine, I don’t expect you to understand as you don’t know us at all nor do you understand all aspects on what can be achieved with balance in applying tools to motivate attention.
Just to make clear a few things. We teach all behaviours with food, treats, toys and affection with a clear marker system. Behaviours are not taught with an e collar. The e collar is added in to the equation to help reinforce a behaviour and gain attention in distractions. The tool properly conditioned is effective because its motivational and can be used more gentle than a vibration. Our training is done in a positive, humane, non personal, non fearful, non intimidatig manner. Dogs trained in our system are excited to train and get equipment on because they see it as fun, food, freedom.

Thanks again for your opinion, since you don’t want to continue the conversation any further I respect that so please don’t. It is not my intent to get a last word in I just want to add a little clarity. I agree to disagree. If you would like to know more about what we do and how we train your welcome to sign up for the Free videos on the home page on the website. you can get a better insight on the Core foundation on how we train. The Free videos will give you a better insight.

Take care!

By: Kary

Kary — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:46:20 +0000

HYJ that is the biggest misconception of the E collar. It is thought of as a torture device when in fact it is more like a tap on the shoulder. When used properly they are used on such low settings most times the owners can not feel it themselves. It is just a clear communication to the dog on what we are asking. The crazy part is it IS easy! They understand right away! not because it hurts….because it works! IF a correction is used it may feel uncomfortable but much more comfortable than constant stress,a dog fight, or worse yet….DEATH! It allows dogs who once found other dogs, people, park sect stressful and allows them to RUNa no PLAY and be a dog!

By: Holly Flemming

Holly Flemming — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 20:48:16 +0000

Yesterday I was looking for new batteries on the Unleashed Potential site for my collar and remote, they have been dying for weeks now and I haven’t bothered to change them because my dog rarely needs to use it anymore. When I was on the site, I came across my testimonial I wrote when I went through training with Ted, it’s on page 8 and was written when Rolo was 5. He’s 8.5 now and this training saved my dog and greatly enhanced his quality of life. My dog is still happy, still wears his collar regularly in case we end up in a situation where someone else’s dog is not being controlled, and is now able to go so many places we were never able to take him. I have recommended Ted to many people who have needed a helping hand, his methods work because he is adaptable, open minded and willing to work with your needs, your family’s needs and your dog’s needs. I wish I had learned of them before 5 years went by.

My 3.5 year old testimonial:
Rolo is 5 years old and all things chocolate labs are supposed to be; hyper, fun, goofy, lovable, etc. But, he was also stubborn and unruly. We had tried puppy obedience classes when he was small, he pulled so badly we couldn’t get him into the classroom and inside, he was too distracted to learn anything. The classes didn’t seem to help at all and to be honest, I’m not sure we “passed” them. We had a private trainer in two different times over the years, we learned basic obedience, but Rolo was dominant and stubborn, it took him weeks to give in to the down command. I tried books, videos and searched the internet for help. We had different collars, leashes, halties and harnesses. Over the years, we’ve adapted our lives around Rolo’s issues. Moving across the street away from other people and dogs while walking, not taking him to places like the lake or the park, keeping him fenced in the yard because he’d run as soon as he’d realize he wasn’t leashed, and putting him outside or in another room when company came because he’d jump all over them. It was embarrassing to have people in, it was embarrassing to take him out. The last straw came when we had to take him to the vet and his behavior landed us in a private room away from everyone else. I was feeling desperate to have some control over my life and this dog, and found Ted from Unleashed Potential during one of my internet searches. Ted came to the house and gave a demonstration, explained his methods and left all the information I needed. At first, I was very skeptical, I had tried a lot of things so far and wasn’t convinced this was going to work. But, after talking to Ted some more, I decided to go ahead, and the results have been amazing. Rolo now plays in the front yard while I shovel snow without a fence! He’s been skating with us for the first time and never once wandered off, not even when two large dogs showed up. He has been learning to greet people without scaring them, and has advanced enough to take him off leash in Point Pleasant Park. We still have a lot to learn, but I’m confident we can master it. We even made it to the vet without being removed from the waiting room!! Ted from unleashed potential K9 is awesome, he understands what each dog needs, he’s available whenever you need him and is always encouraging. I have never felt embarrassed over my dogs behavior with Ted and am impressed on how quickly the results were seen with his direction and support. I’m really looking forward to summer, cottages, lakes and beaches, Rolo is loving his new freedom!!
Holly Flemming
Halifax, NS