what clients have to say

Bentley here, you must remember me, the little white ball of energy that tried to go around your dogs! just wanted to say THANK YOU to you for training my mom (Pat). Since she went to class for puppy training level 1 (and brought me along for the ride), I am a calmer dog and listen to her (sometimes - can't let her think she won the battle - I want to go back to see you).

I'm still pretty cute (so mom says), and not fully trained, but I'm getting there. We practice every day. I still won't "sit & stay" for long (too many distractions and I am sooooooooooo curious) but what is it two-legged people say - practice makes perfect!!!

Anyway, I just wanted to drop you a line while mommy is busy with something else and the computer is free. Yes, I still have my spot under her monitor and under the living room table.

OH! yeah! I have to tell you, I'm starting to walk nicely beside my mom, every time I start pulling she goes the other way, what's up with that? I'm fully grown now and I'm all of 8 lbs and I found out that I have a voice. I bark at mom, my toys, my bone (not very loud - after all I'm a small fireball), and specially mom when I want to go out. Once in a while when I bark for nothing she puts her finger to her lips and says "SHUSH", I guess that means to use my inner voice, not my outside voice.

I attached a couple of pictures for you to remember me by.

Once again, Thank You Sylvia and see you soon.

Bentley (Bichon Frise/Maltese),
and
Pat

"Thank you! Thank you for not judging when I jump up and down. Thank you for praising when I mastered my "down". Thank you for loving us all the same and all that positive reinforcement when I dropped everything and came! Thanks you for understanding we're not all "Best in Show". However, we all can learn be it fast or slow.
We are Weimer's, Labes, Golden's & Dane's...
You never seem to care, you just treat us the same.
So paws up and cheers to you! Thank you for helping our owners learn "A Dog's Point of View."

Your grateful new friend,
Abby Girl (Boxer/Mastiff x)

I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you to you Sylvia for all you have done for us and our 4 legged friends. It was wonderful at the walk-through Saturday and thank you for your genuine caring and kind words. Your programs (obedience, pet therapy) are some of the best...that's why I travel the distance I do to attend. Each week has offered something new and valuable not just while doing the pet therapy but also while out and about with our dogs. Thanks again Sylvia!

Gail Lange & Haillie (Springer Spaniel/Setter X)

Hi Sylvia,

Thank you for all the great training and support with Maddy through Level 1and Level 2 ... We couldn't have made it this far without you and it has
made a world of difference!

Thanks again!

Carrie Merner
Maddy (German Shepherd/Rottweiler)

Nimbus finished his Level 1 training at Delightful Dogs on Oct. 30th and got 2nd place. Of course he got 1st place in my eyes. Nimbus is a quick learner with positive reinforcement and learns most things within 3 tries. He loved showing off in class. We have level 2 booked for January and look forward to the classes. Sylvia is absolutely wonderful and was quick to respond to any questions I had via email and the over the phone. Nimbus used to love digging and chewing on grass roots, but Sylvia helped us get him more interested in his digging hole, which he now runs to first thing even though it's covered in snow.

Sylvia also recommends to her classes, visits to "The Get Along Gang," a day of dog socialization (max 9 dogs) supervised by a certified positive reinforcement trainer. Nimbus has benefited greatly by the days he's spent there. He always comes back tired and has a great chance to meet a variety of other dogs, which we feel is important.

Shannon, Luke and Nimbus
(Vizsla/Shepherd x)

Hi Sylvia,

Sorry I had to rush out of there after our puppy class last night. My husband and kids were in the car. I was hesitant to drive given the weather conditions but my husband offered to take me which was great.

I just wanted to say thank you for a very positive experience. I really enjoyed the last six weeks and I think that Jackson has come a long way. Truth be told, I wasn't sure I would become as attached to Jackson as I was to my last dog, Colby. His sudden passing after only 5 years was devastating. But over the last couple of months since Jackson has joined
our family, I've become extremely attached to him and I think your classes helped that happen. I definitely plan to continue to work with him at home
and would really like to sign up for level two in the spring (once the lousy driving conditions are done).

It really means a lot that you want your "students" to keep in touch with you. It's rare to find someone who isn't only in it for the money. We will certainly keep in touch and let you know how Jackson is doing. You may even get an email now and then asking for advice (lucky you!) and hopefully
you'll be seeing us again.

Thanks again.

Sandy
& Jackson (Golden Retriever)

In November of 2005 I adopted a dog from the Cambridge Humane Society. She came as a rescue from hurricane Katrina. At the time she was about 8 months old and I knew from the start she was for me. A very loving and gentle soul.

After a few weeks I was starting to feel overwhelmed about how to deal with some of her issues that were likely a result of her situation as well as never being trained. She was afraid of other dogs and didn't know about the outside world from being in a kennel for three months. She wasn't house trained very well, didn't know any commands, was afraid to go for a walk when she couldn't see her house and did not handle being alone. Even with all of this she was a very good girl who just wanted to be loved.

Sylvia came into my life when I needed her the most. Bella and I attended our first puppy class just before Christmas that same year and from there we did level one and two. Bella and I passed each level. Sylvia celebrated our successes and was always positive with her criticisms.

In Sylvia I found someone I could trust to guide us who had our best interests at heart. She always made the time to answer a-mails, return phone calls and took time after class when it was needed. She was really there for me and was so supportive and encouraging when there times I was feeling like nothing was working. She gladly shared her wealth of knowledge with me and helped me in my approach with Bella.

The respect and compassion she has for dogs and her commitment to their well being makes her an excellent teacher. From her I learned so much about how not only to train Bella but what makes her happy and content. She really cares about their welfare and how they feel. In class each one of us was special to Sylvia.

I am so grateful for experience Bella and I had with Sylvia.

Sincerely,
Debra Murphy

I thought I have seen and heard everything when it came to training but did I ever get my eyes open yesterday when I took Kya on a 8K walk around the Floradale dam. I came across a woman with a large boxer who trained the "baw method". I am not sure how to spell it but that is the way it sounded. I was proud of myself for keeping a straight face when watching her in action. I put Kya in a sit stay to talk to her and walked away from her. The woman tried to put her 2yr old in a sit stay but it would not keep it and that is when I heard her yell "BAW" at the top of her lungs. She said it was to mimic the mothers growl and she took classes from a man I believe lives in Elmira. When the baw did not work she then threw a bottle with something in it at him so as not to hit the dog but startle him. It still did not listen and it ran to Kya and was boxing her. I was a proud momma when Kya keep her sit stay and did not stand up so I said to the woman I will reward Kya for her excellent sit stay while your dog is on top of her. I did not ever think I would see the day Kya could keep a sit stay when a dog was at her that way. The woman grabbed her dog and keep yelling baw. I told her that I went to you and Sylvia and we use positive reinforcement. They do not use food at all. Well proof is in the pudding as they say and I could see her method does not work so I hope she could see from Kya that there is a kinder and gentle way to train a dog. I just want to thank you and Sylvia once again.

Kendra Henrich & Kya (Golden Doodle)

 

Hello again Sylvia, Laura had just read the emails you and I had written one another. We both appreciate your advice in little Rocky's sinus problem AND excellent training. Laura and I would love to help you out any way we can in regards to the quotes for the IPDTA, we would be honoured if you used them. Again, thank you so much for being a wonderful instructor and we'll let you know how Rocky is doing from time to time. If you need any class member input don't hesitate to email me.

Thankfully Yours,
Wayne Evans and Laura McCarthy

Hello again, this is Wayne Evans...Rocky's dad lol. I thought I might email you and see how things were going. Is the new boston terrier doing as well as our little Rocky in class? He's a smart little pooch, Laura and I really liked your class and wish we were closer to take some more. We learned a great deal and are extremely happy she enrolled him with Delightful Dogs. Here are a couple of pictures of Rocky just for fun, and thanks again for the wonderful class. We recommend Delightful Dogs very highly to our pet owning friends.

Yours Truly,
Wayne Evans and Laura McCarthy

I would like to commend Sylvia on her loving and devoted attention to the needs of our 4 legged friends. I would highly nominate her for any and all awards possible to bestow on a person of her skills and qualifications. She guided Tucker ( my 7 month old blonde lab) and myself gently and efficiently from a wild and unruly life style, to one of calm controlled living. I called Sylvia on her business line after having a very stressful day with Tucker, it was after business hours, but I think the pleading tone in my voice tugged at her compassionate side and she called me back that same night. Tucker has come along way in the 6 week coarse we are completing tonight, as confirmed by friends Tucker transformation has been amazing. He even came on a first call the other night when a skunk had wandered into our backyard and we needed him in immediately. We are enrolling Tucker in Sylvia's level 2 class because level one was so rewarding. Thank you Sylvia.

Angela Smith & Tucker (Yellow Labrador Retriever)

Dear Sylvia

I would like to thank-you for everything you have done for Sasha and our family. I really don't think that I would have made it through the first couple of months with all my hair in tact if it were not for you.

When we first brought Sasha home I did not realize how different Huskies are and how much work they take. You would spend hours pretty well everyday with me on the phone talking me through every thing, and giving me suggestions to make mine and Sasha's life easier. I never would have thought that it would be as easy as giving her her own toy box.

I would like you to know that I appreciate everything that you did for us . Not only do you love and care for your dogs but for every other dog as well.

You are such an amazing person, I don't know how you find the time to take such good care of your dogs, and teach all of the classes you do in a week, plus be married, its hard enough just to be married and have one dog to worry about. (L.O.L)

I looked forward to every class we had together, because you made learning fun, which made me want to keep going. it was never one of those things when you say to your self "oh god I have to go to puppy class". I don't think I would have had such a great experience with some one else. I really enjoyed all of the little jokes you made, the whole experience was wonderful. I will continue to recommend you to anyone who is considering taking classes with their dogs.

So once again thank-you for everything, and just being you.
Julie

I would like to lend my support for Sylvia Gottschalk's various nominations for 2006. I recently completed Sylvia's Level One Puppy class at Delightful Dogs. At our first class I was immediately impressed by Sylvia's passion for what she does and the genuine care and attention for the puppies in our class. Sometimes as an owner of one excited puppy I felt overwhelmed by the attention and patience required and I was in awe of Sylvia's natural patience and love for all the puppies in the class. I was grateful and relieved for Sylvia's understanding. It was wonderful to interact with Sylvia's own beautiful dogs and to see her love for them. A few years ago I attended a puppy class in another part of the province with another yellow Lab and there is no comparison between what I learned then with what Sylvia taught us at Delightful Dogs. I was blown away by Sylvia's knowledge, understanding and one-on-one attention with her smaller size classes. I came home each week full of excitement with Sylvia's words of encouragement and ready to continue the training at home. I like the way she structured her classes and somehow by the end of our six weeks I knew that my puppy (and me!) actually learned valuable, life saving lessons. Amazingly a young excited Lab can pay attention and learn! Now that it has been over a month since our last puppy class I continue use the training learned at Delightful Dogs. I look forward to continuing lessons with Sylvia in her Level Two class in September.

Gayle Campbell and Molly (yellow Labrador Retriever)

Hi Sylvia,

I couldn't find the email you had sent me, so I'll just send you one to let you know that I would be thrilled to see Bella's picture on your website. You have my full permission to use it!

I also wanted to thank you so much for being such a wonderful teacher and person. Raising a puppy is something very new to both Donny and myself (I've had dogs but usually from the humane society), and I can't express enough gratitude for you always being there for me to call with concerns or questions. I can tell that you so genuinely love all of the dogs that you work with and that is a huge part of what made our experience with Delightful Dogs so wonderful.

Donny and I have recommended your classes already to several friends because of the wonderful care and help you've given to us. I really do appreciate everything you've done for us - it was a little sad leaving last night after watching all our puppies grow and change so much together. I love the fact that we got to know your dogs as well - it's exciting to get an idea of how Bella is going to look when she's older. It just touched my heart so much to see her playing with the full-grown huskies! We definitely want to get another one in the next year or so to keep Bella company.

We will be back for level 2 for sure and I can see myself getting into the activi-joring class as well. I would love to get her into the sledding in the future but I don't want to get too far ahead of myself!!

So anyway I just wanted to thank you again for always being there, Bella is growing into a wonderful little girl and we owe so much of that to you. We'll see you again in level 2 :)

Take care, and enjoy the summer (even though I know you'd rather be sledding in the winter!),

Jennifer Prendergast & Bella (Siberian Husky)

Dear Sylvia,

This is a gift to say thanks! Yes. Thanks for all the things you'd expect...things like being an excellent trainer and things like caring for each dog that walks through your door as if it's your own and things like spending countless hours on the phone problem solving. You excel at what you do. But this is also thanks for something else.

In my world, there are very few people who understand my love and devotion to animals in general. Dogs in particular and my Boxers specifically. I became discouraged sometimes feeling that people think me strange. Many think I need to get my priorities straight.
You've helped me stop pretending, stop making excuses and to enjoy who I am and how I was made.

Often when I feel alienated, I think "Sylvia gets it! Sylvia understands!" THANKS FOR GETTING IT! You have no idea how much that means.

Name Withheld, (Boxer)

"Thought I would also share a story with you. On Saturday my husband and I and the boys thought it would be a wonderful day to walk, walk and walk. On our excursion there is a path we take with lots of trees which also gives us the freedom to really run with the boys. Man can Caesar run. My husband had Caesar and me with Winston. While walking the path the branch grabbed onto Caesar's leash and it unlatched from the collar. Caesar still in the run mode ran quite aways. But during this run he looks to the side where he was trained to look and no one there. Caesar stops looks side to side turns around and sees where we were. There were young drivers testing on the run
near where we were.

I gave Caesar the come command and he ran as fast as he could to me stopped and sat in front of me. Sylvia, I had tears in my eyes. It was the most scary feeling I had when he was loose from us yet it was the most wonderful feeling when he did the commands he was taught. You are the first I thought of since it was your expertise that helped us train or teach Caesar. Winston during this time sat on the ground as quiet as could be waiting for his buddy to return. I just cannot express the feeling that surrounded us at that moment when Caesar returned to us. Teaching both the boys and me and the family have saved Caesar's life at the particular time. The ending of this story could have been drastic but instead it ended up great.

Thank you for being you and training the boys."

Regards,
Denise Elizuk, Caesar (deaf Sheltie) & Winston (Sheltie)

" I have taken several classes at a different place as well as some private training and although satisfied, we are totally amazed and pleased with the way that Sylvia actually runs her classes. She has an excellent rapport with all of the dogs and the owners and genuinely loves the dogs. It is very apparent in her down-to-earth and sensible manner. She is tremendously encouraging with the owners and never makes anyone feel as if they have failed. Each week she reminds us how far we have come, and the progress we have made, which is extremely important for all of us. The small size of her classes is an indication of the excellent individual attention that we all receive. We have just completed level 2 with our 16-month Newfy and will be signing up for level 3 as well as in the spring."

Mrs. Pat Anderson & Branna (Newfoundland)

" I would like to vote for Sylvia Gottschalk, I like her method of training and the way she treats the animals. I am very impressed with how far my dog has come in such a short time."

Amber Lynne Beaty & Tanuki (Border Collie/Labrador x)

" Hello Sylvia, I Just wanted to send you a picture of our wonderful Puppy Tasha...she's been doing really well. We've continued with her training at home, and she's been an absolute joy to have, along with her older (but much smaller) sister Chevi. Thank you very much for teaching us to teach our dogs to be respectful, loving companions. Our friends always compliment how well behaved and gentle our dogs are...many thanks and hats off to you and your techniques."

Anna Daynard, Chevi (Black Labrador/Border Collie x)& Tasha (German Shepherd/Rottweiler x)

"I'd like to thank you for all of your help with Scout. Your sensible approach, your generosity of spirit, and your compassion have left me amazed - and more than grateful - on any number of occasions. You have so clearly helped to make Scout a better dog, and us into better dog people. So often I find myself singing the praises of Delightful Dogs!"

With warmest regards,
Eva, Robert and Scout (Border Collie/Australian Shepherd X)
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"Hi! My name is Lexxe Neu. I am a 7 year old Rottweiler. I am writing this because I would like to nominate for the Awards Banquet, my dog trainer Sylvia Gottschalk for the Best Dog Trainer Ever. You probably would like to know my reasons, so I will tell you my story... "
- Lexxe Neu and Linda (Rottweiler)
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"I was sooooooo thrilled with Lucy this evening. Her entry was extremely admirable :-) The comparison to her entering a class of dogs at another school last September/October , is unbelievable.

We owe her comfort zone to your teachings and philosophy. We are so grateful. Thanks very much. Although Lucy has "lots" of room for improvement, her state of mind and ability to focus and relax is very rewarding. We are so happy for her :-)

Lucy is an amazing little girl and you are helping us bring out the best in her. Thanks Sylvia, for your devotion to your vocation and love of animals. YOU are amazing !"
- Sue McCarthy and Lucy (Jack Russel Terrier)

"You care so much about the puppies and watching them grow and learn. Harley and I could not have succeeded the way we have without you."
- Marlene and Harley Swider (Border Collie Cross)
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"I feel it was more than expected. Very thorough explanations with each maneuver. Sylvia is excellent with dogs and knows the background of each breed."
- Wendy Keller & Harley (German Shepherd/Siberian Husky Cross)

"Whistle comes much more quickly and quietly when called. I would recommend your private training, as I believe Whistle is a much better behaved dog since completing the basic obedience training."
- Elizabeth Novakoski & Whistle (Long-Haired Chihuahua)

"The training was beyond my expectations, the way in which Sylvia instructed me, each and every time I had great success. My puppy was house-trained in one weekend. Walking and behavior exercises were also successful, and Sylvia had a lot of great tips. I would and have recommended Delightful dogs with complete trust."
- Cathy Ferguson & Bailey (Bichon Frise)

"I am so bonded with my dog from the results of this class. I leaned so much. My do Sheila was so different before and now she is trained well I also liked how I was given solutions on problems I had with Sheila. I would really recommend this class for any and every dog and owner. Thanks so much. You get lot's of help with things that need to be improved and advice. Awesome class. Thank you again!"
- Tina Casey & Sheila (Border Collie/Jack Russell Terrier Cross)

"The training suggestions provided were easily implemented and a great way of POSITIVE TRAINING!. I have given pamphlets and cards to several friends with new puppies, and I believe they will definitely benefit from any of Sylvia's courses."
- Mandy Bradbury & Milo (American Bulldog)

"Positive training is the best method and I feel it was successful. I have recommended Sylvia and I always will."
- Cathy Ferguson & Bailey (Bichon Frise)

"The training was what I expected and my dog has improved. I was impressed by the training."
- Josh Dickson & Keera (Rottweiler/Labrador Cross)

"You are the best dog trainer ever! I will recommend you to all my friends."
- Heather Nageleisen & Miles (Collie/Yellow Labrador Cross)

"Daisy is now much easier to handle on a walk, no pulling unless allowed for the "playtime" part of the walk. I have passed out several brochures to friends and acquaintances. Sylvia is a definite "dog person" and is very loving and welcoming to my dogs."
- Mandy Bradbury & Daisy (American Bulldog)

"Very successful. Shadow learned so much and I am so pleased and happy with Sylvia's training and with her calmness and patience with Shadow and me."
- Maggie Losereit & Shadow (Siberian Husky/Alaskan Malamute Cross)

"Roxy became a whole lot more social with other dogs. Perfect class for beginners. As well as those that need that extra little bit to become the Delightful Dog."
- Ermanno Caroppo & Roxy (Yellow Labrador Retriever)

"A very good mix of socializing and training. A very positive approach to training . Very helpful on difficult situations."
- Donna & John Dokter & Smokey (Siberian Husky)

"Lexi has been very good at home and is a different dog. This training was very successful. I feel Sylvia knows a great deal about dog training and the best ways to have a better behaved dog. It was a great experience."
- Diane Wright & Lexi (Black Labrador Retriever)

"Covered all things laid out with success. Enjoyed all classes. Look forward to coming back."
- Brad MacKinnon & Remington (American Bulldog)

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