Dear Linn and the ‘Zen Pack’,

Thank you for setting me on the right path to understanding dog behavior and psychology as well as the human behavior.

Three years ago, I decided to change careers from dogwalker to dog trainer. I enrolled at a very well known national dog training school where I became a certified pet dog trainer (CPDT). I apprenticed under a few trainers, and even paid a trainer for weekly sessions with some of my own dogs. I was teaching a weekly obedience class and doing private home consultations, but there just seemed to be something missing.

I continued my search with clicker training, but I felt none of these methods helped me to better understand why a dog is displaying a certain behavior and how to really stop or change that behavior. ‘Sit’ ‘Stay’ and ‘Come’ for treats were of little help to me when dealing with a fearful, anxious, nervous, or aggressive dog.

I became hooked on Cesar Millan’s, The Dog Whisperer. Finally, someone who is actually dealing with the psychology of the dog! Through the Dog Psychology Center I learned about your shadow program. During that intense 30 days, I learned that I had much to learn about dogs and dog psychology. I also had to take a look at my own behavior, fears, and past and how it affects my relationship with dogs. You made it very clear that if we are not disciplined, how can we expect our dogs to be. If our dogs are not fulfilled then we are not fulfilled.

I learned what a true leader is to dogs and the importance of trust and respect. The honesty of your own experiences and struggles helped me to learn from my mistakes, leave them in the past, and live in the present. It was amazing to watch you deal with your own pack and your daily sessions with your clients. I witness over 40 of your consultations. Each client had a different problem and yet your solution was always the same, even after you tailored it to a particular dog and client. Your mantra is engraved in my mind forever and I try to apply it to all of my practices.

The feedback I have received during the six-month video critique has been priceless.

As I struggled with this knew knowledge on a practical level, you continued to remind me to stop, get control, and then move forward. I have already been able help so many people and their dogs. Your guidance and leadership will forever be valued and appreciated!

Your faithful student,
Colleen Steckloff