Client Testimonials
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Fletcher Even before we brought Fletcher home at six weeks old, we knew that training had to be a part of our future. We knew that cute cuddly fur ball would eventually turn in to a big (95 lbs) energetic dog. A well-behaved dog was a must given that: we lived in busy Wrigleyville; some day we hoped to have a human family; and my mother-in-law was terrified of dogs. We also knew we weren't wild about the idea of choke and prong collars. After doing quite of bit of research, reading books and visiting other schools before Fletcher arrived, I visited one of Jamie's puppy classes. I instantly knew this was the school for us because the environment was so upbeat, enthusiastic, positive and FUN! We started in Puppy Preschool when Fletcher was 11 weeks old and kept taking classes as he grew. In class, the emphasis was on teaching my husband and I how to work with and communicate with Fletcher to achieve the desired behavior, rather than punishing him into submission. We often learned that it was our mixed signals to Fletcher that was the source of the problem rather than Fletcher being willfully disobedient. At thirteen months old, after completing the Animal Sense Canine Good Citizen Class, Fletcher passed the AKC- Canine Good Citizen's test on the first try. And just last week, at 18 months, Fletcher passed his Therapy Dog International certification test. We could not have accomplished so much in such a short period of time with out the wonderful guidance, instruction and support given to us by Jamie and the rest of the gang at Animal Sense! The only negative about Animal Sense is once you have a well-behaved dog, you don't need to go to class anymore. Fortunately, Animal Sense now offers several advance classes. We are looking forward to taking Canine Communication, Clicks and Tricks and Intro to Agility in the year ahead just for fun! Stephanie, Joe & “Fletcher” Macro Usher Hi, My name is Usher and I am a Miniature Australian Shepherd. I was born in June I have done lots of training with Jamie and AnimalSense, starting with Puppy Pre-School when I was about
4 months old. I took many other classes until my first birthday and now I know
what I am supposed to do and actually do it (most of the time). This fall I My other family I go to visit sometimes are Angie and Bill, Solo, Seven, Last spring my sister Sonja took this picture of me and it's now featured on the front Lisa meets Molly! (November 2003) After attending my 1st Puppy Preschool class - I spoke with Jamie about I so appreciate everything that AnimalSense and Jamie have done for us in thanks so much - Lisa Pasquesi
Roscoe's Testimonial (October 2003)One year ago, I adopted a 10 month old mixed breed dog, Roscoe. I signed up for training classes immediately, knowing nothing about dog training. I wanted a positive experience to help me communicate with Roscoe and have the best relationship possible. I was so pleased with Jamie's classes that I have signed up for every session since the first, never missing an opportunity to learn more. Jamie's classes are very well organized, yet she's able to think on her feet. She can change plans on a moment's notice as needs arise, based on the variety of dogs and owners. Jamie is pleasant, humorous, and accepting of all types of dogs and owner's personalities. The atmosphere is very open and interactive as Jamie always addresses each owner's questions and concerns. Clarification of training exercises is rarely needed as Jamie always provides excellent verbal and visual examples. (This includes effective alternatives to apply in different situations, depending on each dog's response or personality.) Jamie clearly loves dogs, never using or encouraging the use of force or intimidation. Dogs respond to her so positively, and she is able to show owners how to emulate her and achieve positive results - almost immediately. I always enjoy and benefit from Jamie's insight into how and why dogs behave and respond in certain ways, and this has certainly enhanced my ability to understand and train Roscoe. Jamie's knowledge, compassion, and skills have allowed me to have an incredible relationship with Roscoe. I'm a healthcare professional and my hope is that someday, Roscoe will be a therapy dog. I know with Jamie's guidance, this goal will be realized. Melissa Buoscio Dr. Cidon's Letter (October 2003)I have worked with Ms. Damato for almost six years. She is a very committed trainer. Our clinic refers all dog training (emphasizing preventative behavioral work with puppy pre-school) to Jamie Damato at Animal Sense. We also refer many behavioral consults to her as well. She is a highly effective, dedicated trainer. Dr. Yael Cidon, Owner Simon's Testimonial (October 2003)From Dianne and Kevin Risch... When we first brought Simon home, we knew he was cute. What we didn't know was that he was also shy, anxious and aggressive. Enrolling him at the Oak Park Canine Learning Center is the best thing we could have done for our polish sheepdog, and for our sanity. Six months ago, our puppy was out of control. He growled at and scared visitors and anyone else who came near our house. He was incredibly needy, demanding all our attention. He chewed everything and he barked constantly. With our first baby due in a few months, we knew a very chaotic situation was only going to worsen. Faced with the possibility of finding a new home for Simon, something had to change. And it did. If it weren't for Jamie's patience, encouragement and commitment to helping us, we would no longer have a pet. She made us understand how Simon's mind works and gave us the tools and knowledge we need to manage our dog. Today, he's friendly, calm and quiet. He's still getting used to the 8 week-old baby but is very gentle and runs to find us when he hears a cry. We now have a happy, peaceful home… thanks to Animal Sense. Liberty's Testimonial (June 2003)From Shirley Lieb, Certified Delta Examiner and Dog Lover Extraordinarre:. When I first brought my rescue puppy Liberty to class at the Canine Learning Center, I felt that not only she was hopeless, but that I as the handler was not going to get anywhere either. With the enduring patience of Jamie and Kelly, a bright, most well behaved and gentle dog has emerged after these last eight months of training. Liberty is able to focus at classes and both of us have a great deal of confidence in trying new things. We are especially fond of the Rally-O activities. Play group time has helped tremendously in the area of socialization. I don't think that at any other obedience school would we have received the kind of attention and encouragement that we have gotten from the Animal Sense staff. Now that we are on the road to a well behaved and well liked dog, we look forward to many more classes to expand, not only my dog's training, but my own expectations as a pet owner who knows what to do in all kinds of situations. Liberty's Update (December 2003) Liberty has been working as a therapy dog for 4 months. She is well behaved at work and is enjoying the interactions with patients more and more. Thanks to the advice given by Kelly and Jamie, I now know how to help Liberty through any unsure moments so that she can relax and feel comfortable in the hospital surroundings. We continue to come to play group and take classes. It is fun not only for her, but for me as well. Badger's Testimonial (May 2003)From Silvia Vega-Mitchell ... I am glad to say that my dog Badger and I were one of the first clients of AnimalSense when you opened. Honestly, I expected some trial and error to go one when it came to the classes but it [Oak Park Canine Learning Center] was so close to home and my dog REALLY needed some behavior classes. Badger was 2 1/2 years old when we started and we had already tried a local pet store training and none of it worked for him. Badger had issues beyond comprehension and I was willing to take anything. What I found at AnimalSense was everything that Badger needed. There was no trial and error because Jamie did a complete assessment on Badger and knew exactly what class was appropriate for him, BAD DOG CLASS. Badger had issues of biting, not allowing people to grab his tail, kids made him crazy and he would not even let a stranger get acquainted with him by smelling their hand because he would immediately bite!! He did not like other dogs and showed clear signs of aggression toward anything but ME. Jamie worked with him and ME (yes I needed training too, probably still do) so that I could calm down and let Badger see that everything around him even all the other bad dogs were going to graduate. Badger has drastically improved and boy I must say so have I. I don't feel the anxiety I used to feel with strangers approaching him and he knows that he is safe if I am calm. Badger is great with babies but is still willing to work on the toddlers :-). I am very happy with AnimalSense and am confident that when I decide to have my own children (human) my son badger and I will go back to AnimalSense to learn the next step. Badger will need to learn to not be jealous when sharing affection and I will learn to give him the same or more love when the new arrival comes. Thanks to Jamie, I feel confident with Badger and so does the rest of the family and neighborhood. Thanks AnimalSense Sincerely, Badger and Me Pickles' Testimonial (October 2002)
When we first started, Pickles was a very timid, quiet dog. He spent the first several sessions clinging to the walls. Jamie and Kelly spent the majority of our sessions luring him out from under the chairs with peanut butter, cat food and other treats. He did not venture out into the room until the middle of our second six-week session. When he did, the entire class let out a shriek. I am so grateful to Jamie and Kelly because of all the time and energy they have put into Pickles. He is now a confident, well-behaved dog. Without the training of Animal Sense, Pickles could have become an aggressive and violent pet. Instead, he is a wonderful part of our family.
Carolyn Roos |
Last fall, my
eight-month-old Beagle puppy, Pickles and I began taking classes
with Animal Sense at Oak Park Canine Learning Center. Pickles and
I had done some obedience training at home, but we had not attended
a formal class. I realized that it was important for Pickles to
be around other dogs, so we began taking classes.
Pickles is now
a year and a half and we are still attending classes with Animal
Sense at the Oak Park Canine Learning Center. We have made many
four-legged friends and have learned a tremendous amount about how
a dog's mind (especially a stubborn Beagle's) works. When you say
the word "school", Pickles immediately runs to the back
door, looks at his leash and sits. He is a changed dog because of
Jamie and Kelly!Copyright 2001 Animal Sense