The Trainer's Bark!, Media News and Referrals

Last updated Fri, May 2, 2008

The RDT LLC Trainer's Bark! is for and about the trainers that make our classes a fun place to train. If you have a brag or an interesting article to share, please submit. Either mail or leave a note when attending class.

Pawformance Results!

Enhancements to our Awards and Schedule pages are done! Thanks for your patience...both are much easier to navigate now with the new links. I wish I would have added them years ago!
My next project - a Chelsea Golden Retriever page!

A Message from Mary T.

In the last message I wrote: "What a great start for us back at the Howell Rec. Both Puppy and the Obedience & Manners classes - filled! And in this note, I have to share that we are not holding classes through the Howell Recreation Department.
: (

Our program is under review. Due to my current endeavors, phone consultations and private lessons are not available at this time. Please check back for possible fall and future offerings.

My best, Mary T.

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Our Best Testimonials!

2008 New Pets with trainers that have had previous Results trained pets:

Mike H. with 'Tripper' - Miniature Schnauzer
Larry and Bev H. with 'Shady' - Golden Retreiver
Marianne J. with 'Arthur' - Collie-Rough Coat
Bonnie L. with 'Spanky' - Jack Russell Terrier
Mary S. with 'Zoe Girl' - Labrador x Boxer x Pit Bull Terrier
Shirley S. with 'Roxie' - Standard Poodle

2008 Returning Results pets and trainers:

Cindy H. and 'Tux' - Akita
Krystal T. and 'Miller' - Labrador Retriever
Karen W. and 'Lexi' - Australian Cattle Dog x Labrador Retriever

2008 Referrals:

Denise L. & Meara - Soft-Coat Wheaten Terrier; Russell & Nicole W.'s friend; Pat G. & - English Setter; Craig F. & Grady - Flat-Coated Retriever; and Jessica J.

Thank you for the past referrals

Veterinarians and Staff at:
Animal Clinic of Pinckney, Brighton Animal Hospital, Companion Animal Hospital, Dandy Acres Veterinary Clinic, Fowlerville Veterinary Hospital, Hartland Animal Hospital, Healthy Pet Veterinary Hospital, Highland Veterinary Hospital, Howell Animal Hospital, Mill Pond Animal Hospital, Roadside Veterinary Clinic, South Lyon Animal Hospital, Town Center Veterinary Assoc., Towne & Country Animal Hospital, Veterinary Medical Center, White Lake Veterinary Hospital and Woodland Animal Hospital; Brady Kennels and Bathe Your Buddy LLC.

See the RDT LLC Trainer Awards page for present & previous years accomplishments in

Agility Obedience! Conformation! Junior handling & certificates Other Awards

Click on Trainer Awards

2007 Referrals:

Michelle D. of Town & Country Vet. Hospital - Polo TDI, CGC, SAR in training - Border Collie; Faith H. - Oak Grove Dog Groomer; Ann A. - Millie - All American; Jackie C. - Maggie - Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier (now in TN); Peg E. - 'great' Great Danes; A Gannon Road 'garage sale' neighbor; Joann and Dave "Red" C. - Boomer - Border Collie X at Red's Frame Shop, Howell; Marie D. & Polo TDI, CGC - Border Collie; Jeff W. of Todd's Services and Peggy W. & Olive - Rottweiler; Roger F. & Rudy - German Wirehair Pointer; Karen M. - Kaler Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers; Marlene C. & Rowdy (at the bridge) - Golden Retriever; Kathy K. & Sadie - Golden Retriever; Mary M. & Bailey - Boxer; Ed and Christina G. & Tiny - Newfoundland; A lady with a spotted, grey hunting dog at a dog park(?!); Craig F. & Grady - Flat-Coated Retriever; Dorothy R. and Laura M. of Countryside Veterinary Hospital, Howell; Tom R. & Scout - Bernese Mountain Dog.

The Best Testimonials - 2007 Returning Results trainers with their new pets!

Laura M. with "Clipper" - Newfoundland
Rachel E. with "Buju" - Bouvier des Flandres
Julie H.-P. with "Venus" - Leonberger
Linda and Stephanie N. with "Sassy" and "Lacy" - Standard Poodles
Amy S. with "Teddy" - Labradoodle
Susan W. with "Bailey" - Shih Tzu/Lhasa Apso
Gretchen C. with "Bosch" - Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Amy S. with "Zoey" - Labrador Retriever
Theresa S. with "Star" - Golden Retriever
Lei M. with "Lakota" - Australian Shepherd
John M. with "Frazier" - Shetland Sheepdog
Julie H-P. with "Fitzy" - Leonberger
Lisa C. with "Kona" - Labradoodle
Jim S. with "Hoover" - Chesapeake Bay Retriever X
Kathy P. with "Sadie" - German Shepherd Dog
Linda K. (past trainer spouse Bob) with "Smokey" - Bouvier des Flanders
Stacey K. with "Mattie" - Golden Retriever
Fred A. with "Winston" - Labrador Retriever
Margaret G. (past trainer spouse Ed) with "Ranger" - Newfoundland
Paula W. with "Gigi" - German Shepherd Dog
Judy R. with "Bullet" - German Shepherd Dog
Larry and Bev H., Howell, with "Kasey" - Golden Retriever
Julie H-P. with "Hannah" - Leonberger
Marti A. with "Molly" - Shih-Tzu & Mix
Kim A. with "Kacy" - Labrador Retriever
Tom N. with "Chester" - English Springer Spaniel

Results Dog Training LLC - In the News!

October 2007 - Our Puppy Class page made the #1 Google - the #1 non-paid search hit - #1 of about 1,910,000 hits!!!! Thank you to all that contributed! Which explains why the phone has been sooooo busy!

Wow - ! Our RDT LLC Puppy Classes page was a #1 Yahoo Puppy Classes search result in 2006! Very cool - #1 of about 2,710,000 hits on 09/04/06! And #12 Google see "Pawformance" Puppy Class; RDT LLC - of about 2,620,000 on this same date. Through the fall - still page one ranking. Thank you!!

Livingston Parent Journal, March 2006 issue, Raising A Dog In A House With Children has many tips in the article written by Mary T. Ratelle Hepp. A good read if you have little people that visit, too!

Raising a Dog in a House with Children

Reprinted from the March 2006 Livingston Parent Journal

Michigan's The Livingston County Press - Argus Hometown Newspaper 'Neighbor' feature story titled 'Dog whisperer' tames wild-at-heart canines on Mary T. Ratelle Hepp and the RDT, LLC program! Published Wednesday, April 13, 2005.

American Kennel Club (AKC) Gazette, See the January 2005 issue page 37 - Pictured doing the Agility A-Frame is Golden Retriever from our Michigan theme litter Chelsea's Say Yes - Holly! and breeder-handler Mary T. Ratelle Hepp.

The Marketeer Livingston County's foremost circular featured an article written by Mary in the June 1996 Pet Issue titled Your Dog and You - A Very Important Relationship!! with cover dog Golden Retriever "Mike" (bred, owned and handled Mary T.) holding a copy of The Marketeer - photo by George Moses.

AAA's Michigan Living Magazine March 1996 pictured Mary with Golden Retriever Tricks! (Chelsea's Ropin' Tricks CD, CGC) being awarded an obedience placement in 1995 at the prestigious Detroit Kennel Club show at Cobo Center.

Dog World Magazine , an international publication featured an article on the unique approach Mary uses in her Results Dog Training program in their September 1991 issue titled Think Like Your Dog.

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Unsolicited Notes of Appreciation - from those that took time to write,
before this column was started:

We just wanted to say...Thanks for all you do to make us good - Thunder RE, NAJ, TDI & Lightening RE, NAJ, TDI - Shetland Sheepdogs

Mary...I do look forward to getting...back in class. We love and miss you! - Lei M. and the girls - Raven CGC and Dakota - Australian Shepherds

Dear Mary, Thank you! Thanks for teaching me about dogs, dog training, & myself. You have made it possible to have a deeper & better relationship with our dogs, & all the dogs to come. Learning a different language (dog!) is difficult, & you have been very patient. Thanks again, Lee F. & Ace, Zoe RA, CGC, & Cassie TDI, CGC, too! -Golden Retrievers

Mary, ...We enjoyed ... look forward to Makena being able to take part next year (Canine Good Citizen Test) ..."Okay, Bye" - Linda and Lloyd P. & Makena & Molly - Golden Retrievers

Dear Mary T., Oh what a long conversation we had with Mom - (Natalie B., Italian human). ...This is just a special thank you for taking extra time with her. ... Thank you again, Thunder and Lightning B. - Shetland Sheepdogs

Mary, 25 years ago you had a dream. You believed in that dream and stepped forward to make it come true. It is because you believed that you have been able to inspire others to reach some of their dreams. Raven & I thank you that you "dream", "believe" and "Inspire" us on our new little journey together. As Raven clelbrates "1 year" and you "25", we just want to say, "Thank you, Mary!". You are an awesome woman! Lei M. & Raven CGC - Australian Shepherd

Thank you so much for all your help! Hunter and I Love your way of "training". To me it's a way of bonding with my big puppy! If only every one could do it your way their would be alot of happy pups. ... she said "Wow, I wish my puppy had manners like him. Thanks, Jenn & Hunt - Springer Spaniel

Mary T. - thank you so much for all that you do, and being a part of our 4 lives. Thank you for all of the special time & attention you... Thank you also...All our love & gratitiude, Adrienne and Tony M. & Chandler and Lucy - Beagle Mixes

From the Dogs, this isn't just any "puppy love" ... our hearts belong to you! Tug CGC & Sammy CGC (Ann C.) Newfoundlands

Dear Mary, Thank you for the update on RESULTS! My Ruby (Doberman) is so incredible and sweet. She comes EVERYTIME. I'm writing to let you know we lost our dear Maddie (Weimaraner) over Labor Day. ... she was 13, it was a shock as she seemed so spritely! I fondly recall all 3 classes with her at Results! Thank you! Gina DeM. Doberman and Weimaraner

Hi Mary! Thanks so much ... we each have so much respect for your knowledge as well as your training methods. ....Thanks again for everything! Cathy and Greg S. & Riley CGC - Golden Retriever and Ginger - Labrador Retriever

Mary, Thanks for all your time & patience while training my new owner Kim. She's trying hard but still is so human and requires lots of help & instruction. I think she's starting to get it!! I weill try to be as patient as cainine-ly possible with her this winter; sit when she says sit stay when she says stay etc.; but, most iimportant of all I'll try to remember your (and my) favorite words "Don't k--l her d--d". Merry Christmas Love Jasper C. - English Setter

Thanks for the great classes! Kim C. - Jasper - English Setter

Thanks! For coming in and teaching us all about our classmate, Jack. Austin, Cameron, Cody, Doug, Krist, Robert, Sarah, Stephan, Tyler, Mrs. H. - "You were GREAT!", Mrs. L., And of course, Mrs. B & Jack! (Classroom Therapy Dog - Hilton Road Elementary, Brighton MI) - Golden Retriever

Oui Mary T.! Dear Mary T., If you are reading this card, then that means that there are 2 new Rally Novice A titleholders at the "dog house". Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! We (& mom) - Natalie B., Italian human) couldn't have done it without you! Thunder RA, CGC and Lightning RA, CGC B. - Shetland Sheepdogs

Dear Mary - thanks for all of your patience and understanding the past few weeks. While Sammy CGC is on the mend, it's been nice to have so much support & concern in the process. Thanks again! Ann C. - Newfoundland

Dear Mary, Just wanted to send you a note of thanks for all of your help with Jack. I think he is making great progress in the right direction. Your program has worked wonders. (smile). Sincerely, Jennifer A. Cock-a-poo

Hi Mary, Thanks for all your help and dog wisdom. We appreciate it! And God knows I need a bit of wisdom! Champion Beacon (Laura M.) - Newfoundland

Dear Mary, I think of you as "the dog whisperer". You are wonderful with ALL the dogs. Thanks for teaching me skills to better communicate with Duffy. Fondly, Faye and "Duffy"

Dear Mary, On behalf of all of us, we just wanted to say "Thank You". We throughly enjoy training with you & think the experience we've had so far has been extrodinary! ... Thank you for giving us the gifts of your experience & knowledge, I can't tell you how much of a positive experience everything has been! ...Love, Greg, Cathy S. & Riley CGC - Golden Retriever

Mary, Grady & I appreciate all you have done for us. ...Once again, thanks for all you do. You are our hero!! Craig and Grady -Flat-coated Retriever

Dear Mary, Thank you for ... I really enjoyed class ... Millie's behavior is pretty good except she still doesn't "come" on command. I'm still trying. :) Ann A. Mixed Breed

Dear Mary, Thanks again for being so helpful ... regarding Meadow, my German Shepherd Dog ... I look forward to learning from you. ... (Heart) Julie F.

Dear Mary, I was pleased to see the newspaper article on you and your business... I do believe you are indeed a "Dog Whisperer{ and thank you so much again for the kind whispering you did with "Annie." She is doing very well, and I am looking forward to lots of fun with her. ... keep up the good work. Sincerely, Gloria S & Annie - Miniature Poodle

and

Outstanding Patience Award to Mary Thank you, Mary! I've learned to "Sit" and I've learned to "Stay"; Maybe "come" will happen Another Day!! Presented by: Annie S. (Social Butterfly of the Class!) - Miniature Poodle

Mary, ...I'm so glad that we were able to be certified for therapy dog work...I think it is so interesting that with a little love and dedication even a dog that has been abused, like Molly, can turn into such a great animal. I just hope that we might be able to inspire some hope to a child that has experienced the same....Thank you again for everything. I have truly enjoyed learning how to work with my dogs. What a wonderful talent you posess!...Sincerely, Kristi M. Molly - Boxer Mix and Bailey Rhodesian Mix

Hi Mary, Thank you for all your extra time & effort with US! Ruby, Jeff & Carol Golden Retriever

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Dear Mary, This note is for all your time & effort in helping my parents (Laura & Garry M.) find their brain - so they can advise me better - We really appreciate it! Thanks again, Ch. Beacon - Newfoundland

Hello Mary! You're faithful, loyal, warm and king - you're this dog's favorite Valentine! Thanks so much for being so patient with Mom and I. (Heart) Meadow (Mandy P., too). Alaskan Malamute

Dear Mary, What a wonderful surprise for Abby and I Tuesday evening - we felt like celebraties! ...thank you for the party and for getting Abby to where we are in agility - (AKC titles: La Petite Abigail Rose NA, OA, AX, EX, NAJ, OAJ, CGC) we both truly appreciate it. You are a wonderful trainer! Thank you, thank you! Love, Paula H. Bibelot Bichon Frise

Thank you. You have been a great help to us. Debbie P. - Rascal - Beagle

Mary, I just wanted to thank you for everything. Molly and I have really enjoyed this training together. You have no idea how much your kind words and advice have meant to us. We hope....Thanks again, Kristi and Josh M. & Molly - Boxer Mix and Bailey - Rhodesian Mix

Hi Mary, Thanks for being patient with our lack of attendance last session - but here is the good news! I'm baaack! Beacon and Laura - Newfoundland

Dear Mary - We just want to let you know how much we appreciate your patience & perseverance - teaching, and advice - words of counsel and encouragement, as we submit to the training we must adhere to in order to have well-mannered dogs - - - keep up the good work & may the Lord bless you & yours for all you do! Gary & Judy R. German Shepherd Dog

We (heart) agility! Mary - ... Thank you for teaching our people (Allison and Don) to sit stay etc. (Heart) Kita & Roo R. American Eskimo Mix and Jack Russell Terrier Mix

Dear Mary, Thank you for all your ... support and encouragement in helping Spirit and I to accomplish our goal, (Companion Dog Obedience Title). You have been a wonderful teacher. ... Thanks again, Ann & Spirit CD - Golden Retriever

Mary, Stand back and let the real dogs work! Thanks - Love Galley & Laura M. Beagle

Mary - Thanks for letting us tag along, showing Chip and all your help since we got Chip and Indy!! We had a great time ... Thanks for after a very long day - still being able to say nice things ... Your a very special person! ... Val, Jim, Chip - Can OTCH, U-CDX Chelsea's Chippewa Chief AM Can UD, AX, NAJ, AD, P1, S-CDX, CGC, Indy - Am and Can OTCH, U-CDX Chelsea's Indian Strawberry, UDX, MX, AXJ, AAD CGC & Sam - Golden Retrievers

Dear Mary, I cannot thank you enough for the ... I feel so much more relaxed about the upcoming show - thank you so much. You are not only an excellent dog trainer but a friend as well. Love, Paula H. Bichon Frise

Dear Mary - We wanted to let you know we had a great time participating in your class ... Your exercises & training were very helpful! thanks so much (smile). Fondly, Scout, Catherine & Joe W. Boxer Mix

Mary - Thank you for all you've done to make Bett the little champion she is. We couldn't have done any of this without you! ... We'll reflect back on this time with many, many fond memories! You are the greatest! Love, Nancy & Ch. Bett Parson Russell Terrier

Dear Mary, It was great ... thanks Mary & I'll see you soon. Martha DeR. & Pearl Yorkshire Terrier

Dear Mary, Thank you so much for ... Both encounters were very helpful. ...I have to tell you the ... is a miracle. Everything else I have tried had only made him more aggressive or made him treat it as a toy. ... We're making progress. He is such a wonderful loving addition to my life. I want him to be well mannered, a pleasure for everyone to have around. Thanks so much again, Mary. ... Sincerely, Meg C.

Dear Mary, Thank you for such a great course. We love your training style. Warmly, Martha DeR. & Pearl Yorkshire Terrier

Dear Mary, Thank you for judging our match. The South Michigan Bichon Frise Club

Dear Mary, ... I'm so glad that Katie is doing this with Sam - He loves it! Sincerely, Joan K. Golden Retriever

Dear Mary: You are such a wonderful teacher. Lizzie and I thank you so much for what we have learned from you and from what we know we still need to learn. I especially appreciate your loving firmness and the clarity of your message to the animals before you. ... Bless you, pat m. Australian Shepherd

Mary, Thank you for all of your help with training Laney - we all really appreciate it!! :) Terri, Holly & Laney P. ("Arf, Arf") - Mixed Breed

Packleader Mary & the "Pack" Thanks for everything. ... Marge, George, Scout - Chelsea's Alleghany Scout CD, CGC - Golden Retreiver

Dear ToTo, You did a very good job. And your trainer (Mary T.) did a good job too - Love Rachel Z. - The Wizard of "Oz" - 1996 Production of the Community Theatre of Howell - Spring 1996 - (Fiona as "Toto", Moira as back-up) - Cairn Terrier and Scottish Terrier

Dear Mary and Matt, Thanks so much for sharing ... We really appreciate all your support for GLNC activities and the welfare of Newfoundlands. Sincerely, Sandee L. GLNC Secretary - Great Lakes Newfoundland Club

Mary - We can't thank you enough for such a great experience w/training Harley. We've noticed ourselves being more consistant and her being more attentive to us. We had been at a point of such frustration w/her, that I wasn't enjoying her like I wanted to. She's becoming such a good dog since our classes w/you started. ... All this to say, we are definite Believers in your program and have throughly enjoyed our classes w/you, As does Harley!! Thanks again! Gary & Missy K.

Hi Mary! ... Hope it's not too long before you find a new 'dog house'. Sam and I really look forward to resuming classes with you. Love, Marianne K. - Golden Retriever

Mary - Thank you for giving the Agility Demo. Phyliss H. & Debbie H., Scottish Terrier Club of Michigan

Hi Mary, ...and to thank you for your part in Tory's travels to winning the (Fort Detroit Golden Retriever Club top award) Gayhaven Trophy. ... also without 'your part' Tor couldn't have qualified and I'm very grateful to you. I am very pleased to show "pretty dogs" can work too! : ) ... Love Linda and a big kiss from Tory! - Am. & Can. Ch. Meadowpond's Wingfield Tory Am. and Can. OTCH, MH, CGC - Golden Retriever

Dear Mary, This is just a little "Thank you" for all your time & effort all year. I love dog classes and have really enjoyed getting to know you. Happy Holidays! Paula H. - Bibelot Bichon Frises'

Dear Mary, Many thanks ... for all you do. Iris F. (& her family) - Labrador Retriever

Mary, ... I'd like to thank you for being such a special person ... and for teaching me to navigate the stairs! ... See you for the April session of Obedience II! With love, Max - Labrador Retreiver

Hi Mary, What a bonus this week, talking to you Tuesday and your newsletter in the mail today! ...I have always admired your conscientious apporach to our "hobby" ... I miss you all very much but friends that matter are in your heart as you are in mine! Love, L. PS Your newsletter is very informative.

I just can't thank you enough ... Thanks very much, the seminar was Great! Denise M. & Cody - Golden Retriever

Mary T. (Handler Extrordinaire), Thanks! Thanks so much for showing me to Best of Breed (from the classes!) and Best of Winners! I knew we could do it! Kobi (Dog Extrodinaire) (with a little help from Matt) H. - Ch. LaScie's House Full of Kobi CD - Newfoundland

Dear Mary, Just a little note to let you know that I feel that Becky and I have learned very much in our class and we appreciate the opportunity to have taken it. A thanks for being an excellent teacher. ... She doesn't try to get out of the car when I do. That is very important to me and when I got home last night I used the whistle to call her ... she came right away. Again, this AM she did the same. And she is getting better about no "sass" when I try to wipe her dirty feet. ...She is a "BIG" part of our family. ... Thanks again and keep up the good work. Marsha K.

Happy New Year Mary, ...my goal is to finish Mikki's CD (AKC Obedience Companion Dog title) and match Roxy (CD, CGC) in Open (AKC Obedience Companion Dog Excellent title). We have made progress ... Every where we take the two dogs, we get compliments on how well behaved they are - and they even come when we call! I recommend Results training to everyone. ... Mary W. - Labrador Retrievers

Mary - ... Also, thank you for the great demo on Harvest Day (Whitmore Lake). Please pass on to all your friends and helpers. Thanks, Barbara G. DVM (President Whitmore Lake Chamber of Commerce). Collies (Rough)

Hi Mary, Just a note to thank you for coming to the show last Saturday to give Mary & I support. It sure meant a lot to both of us. We will call you Sunday to let you know how well we did on our "3rd" leg! Thanks again, Dora B. - Reeva CGC (on the way to earning her CD; Reeva also became a SAR dog) - German Shepherd

Dear Mary - We would like to Thank You for the wonderful "Handling in the Show Ring" presentation for H.R.L.R.C. on August 27th. I'm sure all of us are a bit more confidenet to enter the show ring. Your efforts are greatly appreciated...members of - Huron River Labrador Retriever Club, Inc.

Dear Mary, Reba and I enjoyed the puppy class alot! Thanks for your good help and teaching. ...Thanks so much again. I really enjoy the way you teach. Your dedicated kindness and caring shows through! ... Sincerely, Deb DVM & Reba

Dear Mary: Thanks for sending the list of qualifiers from the Canine Good Citizen Test which you administered at our Wheaten Picnic on Sunday, July 24. We were really happy to know that 13 of the 17 Wheatens entered passed the test. ... Thanks again, Mary, for doing such a great job with our Wheatens ... AKC Canine Good Citizen Test!! Sincerely, The Officers and Board of Directors of the Motor City Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier Club

Mary, You're Special, thanks for teaching me - Rocko

Dear Mary T., Thank you so much for all your help on education day. You were a hit Thanks, Beckie on behalf of the Great Lakes Newfoundland Club

Dear Mary, The BIS (Best in Show) picture frame is absolutely wonderful! We're both glad you could join us to celebrate. Also thank-you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us learn to make a show dog. Sincerely, Dave & Lynn W. - Best in Show - Livingston Kennel Club Shade - Ch. Espirit Misted Morning Shade - Collie (Rough)

Mary, I wanted to thank you for all you've taught Ellie & I. I know we have a long way to go, but you've made our dog ownership much more enjoyable. ... Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Jim,, Janice, Lauren, Joshua & Ellie C. - Golden Retriever

Dear Mary, I have so enjoyed our weekends of dog showing. Don and I were saying without your enthusiasm going to the dog shows would not be fun at all. ... You did a beautiful job showing the dog (Treasure) and i appreciate your effort. I really enjoyed the positive comments of the judge on Saturday. ... Look forward to seeing you at class Thursday. Wendy L. - Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier

Your kindness is greatly appreciated. Steven K.

Mary - Thank you for showing Chip in Ann Arbor. ... you made him look great! Love - Val & Chip (Can OTCH, U-CDX Chelsea's Chippewa Chief AM Can UD, AX, NAJ, AD, P1, S-CDX, CGC) - Chelsea Golden Retriever

Dear Mary, Zeke and I thoroughly enjoyed our class. He is a Joy to take for a walk! thanks - Kathy S. & Zeke

Mary, Many thanks! I can't say it enough for your help in evaluating (litter testing) my puppies. I think Tukay Midnight Sea Mist is gonna be a handful! I'm going to have fun working her in conformation & obed. Kim Tukay Labrador Retrievers & Dobermans

Dear Mary, Brianna and I want to say "Thank You" for being such a great instructor! We both really enjoyed our classes and learned lots! Our motto now is "Practice Makes Perfect!" ...Thanks again for all you did for us! Love Ya, Barb and Brianna Renaud - Bichon Frise'

Mary - thank you so much for ... Kellie & Casey really miss ... Sincerely, Debbie M. - Miniature Schnauzers

Hello Mary, ...We are very interested in Obedience III. Thank you very much for training Me. ... Mary Jo F. (and) Angel Too!

Dear Mary & Kim, Thank you for all the love & attention and especially all my training the last six weeks. The classes were great and I really enjoyed myself - mom and dad did too! I'm looking forward to starting another class in a few weeks. Mom says there is a little more room for improvement!! Thanks a lot! Snickers L.

Dear Mary, Thank you very much ... I'll try to get back to class ASAP. I miss them. Sincerely, Barbara G., DVM - Sherlock HIC Collie (Rough)

Hi Mary, Just a note to thank you for all the valuable training you have given me. I plan to continue training at my new location (FL) and will let you know our progress. Thanks again, Dora B. Reba CD CGC and Spencer CD - German Shepherd Dogs

Dear Mary, We really enjoyed watching Annie (Chelsea's Gala Parade CD, CGC) at the Lansing Dog Show. At the show it really became clear to us what a special relationship you have with your animals. There were many people there that had very well trained dogs yet didn't really seem to understand their animals. As the Monks of New Skete said in their book "How to be Your Dog's Best Friend", "While the dog performed well one wonders what the total dog-humans relationship was like." unfortunately, the judges don't score on this and I'm sure breeders that form "true bonds" are rare. You have a very special skill and you are lucky to have a job you truly love. ... Your friends, Barbara & Ole - Skyla - Chelsea' s Skyrocket - Golden Retriever

Mary - Thanks so much for all you do for me! You'll never know how much I appreciate you. Laura D. - Caper, Crystal CGC and Holly CGC - 'Chelsea' Golden Retrievers

Dear Mary, Hi! Just a note to say "thanks" for being so helpful, understanding and encouraging! I feel that Kaley and I are beginning to communicate better already. ... I think of your words often..."We train them to do what we allow them to do", and I am motivated! See you next class! Lori W.

Mary, Thank you for ... I remember my puppy classes, I learned a lot. I'm grown up now, but need to obey my mom more. Can you help? ... I'm looking forward to seeing your smile again. Your pal, Keiller B.

We want to personally thank all of you for making it possible for us to finish our girl Sadie! The experience of finishing our own champion was the best! We couldn't have done it without you! Thanks! Tom & Arleen - Sadie - Ch. Sidetrack's Sassy Sadie VC, TDI, CGC - Mastiff

Dear Teacher! Here's a picture of Me in my grad-hat! I had so much fun in class and Mom likes me more every day. See ya, in Sept. for more fun & training. Rusty - American Cocker Spaniel

Dear Mary, ...Thank you for all of the patience you have shown and guidance you have given in teaching me how to train Tory. It 's a pleasure to be learning from the best!! Thanks again, Kathy R. - (Chelsea's Redcoat Tory) Golden Retriever

Thanks Mary & Arleen for being such nice & patient teachers! You're both great!! Love Jackson K.

Mary, Jan & I would like to thank you for your excellent! training & patience in helping Marcus & I achieve our CD. There were many times I thought it was a lost cause but your encouragement and persistance pushed us over the top! I'm certain that no other training method would have worked for a mastiff. I hope you have the stamina to help us go for a CDX! Thanx Dick H. (Trainee) - "Trainer" Ch. Marcus "CD" - Mastiff

Mary - Thank you so much for all your help with Freebie. Kevin & I really appreciated your patience & dedication. We're really happy we didn't give up! Thank you! Carolyn, Kevin & Freebie

Hi Mary, Kona enjoyed puppy school and learned well. He's moved from an aggressive-dominant stage to the sweetheart stage. He follows me everywhere and is not as fiercely indepenent - hope this behavior lasts. Carl also has learned a lot from your class. If often see him applying your principles. It's truly changed his manner of interacting with Kona. Kona really seemed to enjoy the agility intro, so I'm planning to work towards that activity. See you in a few weeks. Thanks! Mary D.

In appreciation of your kindness, ... Thanks! Tom & Arleen P. - Mastiffs

Your gentle touch, ... your patience and kindness, too, bring joy to those around you. ... Love, Gigi CD (Russ & Linda G.) - Gordon Setter

Mary - I know very often that we forget to tell those people closest to us how much they mean. We assume what they know. Thank you doesn't seem enough for all the support you have given me while I have been showing Ben. With Ben on my left and you on my right how can I fail? Love C. Ben - Am. and Can. Ch. Shangrila's Country Squire Am. and Can. CDX, U-CDX - Irish Setter

Dear my wonderful trainer, Mary, I want to thank you sooo much for everything to help me a lot with Jolly. ...Thank you again!! ... Love ya a lots always, Renee O. & Jolly - Livingston County's First Hearing Dog! - A Sweet Spaniel Mix!
Dear Mary, Thanks so much for all your help with Jolly. She is a wonderful Hearing dog and will be a great help for Renee....Thanks, Al
Dear Mary, Thanks again for everything you have done for Renee and Jolly. This has been my happiest experience, raising a deaf child. We all appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. ... Love, Nancy.

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If I missed your name, please know I appreciate the referral just the same!

Thanks for Web Page Links:
Clean Run Agility; Mary Jo Sminkey's Dog Patch; The Golden Retriever Rescue Page and Ask-Livingston. Links below!

Upcoming Shows & Performance Events, Information & Rules!

Click on the links below to track area events.

To learn more about Therapy Dog requirements and testing: Therapy Dogs International, Inc.

Results! trainers generally enter Rally, obedience, agility and conformation events sponsored by the following organizations. Visit the American Kennel Club for the new Rally Obedience titles and the AKC Canine Good Citizen Program.

The American Kennel Club

The United Kennel Club

The United States Dog Agility Association

The North American Dog Agility Council

For general agility & trial information:

Clean Run

Mary Jo's Dogpatch

Musical Freestyle:

World Canine Freestyle Organization

For Most Local Dog Shows - Conformation & Obedience Trials, click on the state where you wish to attend an event:

Moss Bow Dog Shows

Cool stuff for your four paw pets in Ann Arbor, visit: