I was impressed with Jeff from our very first telephone conversation. He really listened and offered me hope. Jeff is very caring, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. He not only knows the mind of the dog but he is a great people trainer, too.
His command of Luka was impressive. Luka respected him immediately and was very responsive to his leadership and e collar training. Jeff taught me how to become an effective pack leader and how to communicate with my dog by understanding his body language. No more pulling, popping or jerking. Jeff had me in control of Luka OFF LEASH (!!) in just a few sessions.
I would recommend Jeff and Midwest K9 Training to everyone. Luka, who’s future was once uncertain, has become the dog I always wanted him to be.
Thank you Jeff for my dog Luka.
Chris
Our Lab was 1.5 years old when we adopted her and VERY active. She was not a bad dog but she was almost impossible to take for a walk. She pulled too hard and with great strength. She would run away to play with her dog friend and swim in the lake any chance that she could. The day she pulled me off my feet and on the ground was the day I decided we could not put off getting her trained any longer. Our Vet. referred us to Jeff Rynearson for training. Since our dog had an underground fence with her previous owner, I had the (E) training collar in mind.
Jeff offered a lot of information and insight into the training process. Our dog (Popcorn) responded well to the training as it started off with the simple commands of SIT and STAY. With a little practice, the E-collar and, Jeff's direction Popcorn was soon going for walks with NO LEASH!!! And NOT running away! She CAME when I called her! She will even sit and stay when we have guests. Our neighbors were pretty impressed and asked about the training. One comment was "she even seems calmer than before" (her training.)
This is not something I could have done on my own and was well worth what we spent on training her. THANKS Jeff you are a nice person, you are good with dogs and their families.
Your friends, Karen, Trevor, Seth, Mark, and Officer Popcorn
March 2006
Jeff/
My Parents discovered You through your Lovely Wife and her wonderful Coffee and Gift Shop (Outer Grounds). After shopping and chatting, they came to my home bearing gifts, Bird seed, an adorable Squirrel coffee mug and Your Business Card!!!
My Husband and I had been considering Professional Training for our Newest Adopted Family Members, Ellie Bean & Cricket (now-7 month old Black Lab sisters). Our Family has been very Blessed with Loving, but not very Obedient, 4-Legged Kids, which, makes it really hard to involve them into all of our Family Functions and Active Lifestyle! So ... I made a "cute" cup of coffee and called to set up a consultation for us to meet with you!
THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!!
I NEVER thought that I would be the kind of Mom to have my Canine Kids trained using an E-Collar or any kind of Negative Re-Enforcement training. During the consultation you mentioned "Stimulation Training", I'm sure you remember, I mentioned, "I don't go for shock treatment!" and actually I wasn't keen on the idea of the choke collar either. I have a Passion for Animals!!! I believe they are "Beating Heart Creatures" of God, that He has sent, to Bless Our Lives with Companionship and True Unconditional Friendship! And Jeff, as You well know working with the K-9 Police Force, these Angels are sent here "To Protect & Serve" (Self Sacrifice) and to Partner With Us - to better Our Lives and Others, as well as the Community and all over the World!
As the Consultation went on I began to feel more comfortable with the idea of the Negative Training process, as I was really not getting to far (except teaching my Girls to "sit" & "shake") with Positive (Treat) Training at home. Because of the Full-Time job that you do each day (the Importance of Training Results) and Your confession of Love and Respect for Our "Furry Friends", I was convinced that YOU were the TEACHER for us! Of course, you thought that I should seriously think about it, but, I had decided to put my trust in You and place my Canine Babies in Your Hands!
The Training Sessions were a Huge Success AND Priceless!!!
You were not only Working with my Girl's, but Teaching me to Communicate with Them!!! Everything that You were conveying to me made total sense. Because you understand that I think of my Ellie & Cricket as my Children, you said something like, "Would you let your Children "walk all over you" and let them do whatever they want, especially if it could bring them harm or cost them their very LIFE? You are the Parent, the BOSS (the Leader of the Pack) and just like Children, they should be disciplined and taught Right from Wrong!" Jeff, You are so right! And the best thing of all, I believe, is that, this form of training isn't cruel, as I had always thought. If taught properly, it just "gets their attention" (with slight discomfort) so that they will respond to a command. I realize now, that this training is actually more Humane than constantly shouting commands and complete chaos when company comes to the door or when we go out in public. I can only compare it to a Human Child that is explained to - how to behave in a store, and the child that is dragged by their arm kicking and screaming.
COMMUNICATION & PEACE - It's a WONDERFUL thing!
I really feel much more comfortable, since the training, I know that I can control the situation better -I have an extreme fear of my Kids getting hit by a car, now I can call them back to me immediately. no matter how occupied they are! And I know that after a short while they won't even need the stimulation or even the choke collar, my Girls will no longer be "bouncing off the walls", they will know how to act at all times and actually have a more Fulfilled, Fun and much Safer Life!
This has been a Great experience for us ALL. We have really learned a lot and our Family and Friends already find them more Pleasurable to be around. They are much more Obedient and I believe Happier than before enrolling in your class. I spend more quality time individually with each Girl, since we've been doing our Training Homework each day. I can tell that they LOVE it, they are like little sponges, they want to learn and "work" ("come", "sit", "stay", "down" and their favorite "Free-Dog").
Even our 7 year old Chocolate Shar Pei, Onyx, has benefited - Who said "Old Dogs can't learn new tricks?" I've been using the Training Techniques with Her and I am seeing results!!! I almost can't believe it!!!
Of course, My Husband and I, Thank my Parents for Discovering You and their Support with this Endeavor, we have all reaped the rewards of this INVESTMENT! and, A BIG THANK YOU again to YOU Jeff, for sharing your Gift of Knowledge and God given Talent with us! God Bless You, Your Family and Your K-9 Partner!
Thank You From Our Whole Family - Especially,
Ellie, Cricket & Onyx too!!
Andy, Amy & Santana Bozman &
Tina & Dale Wolford (Nana and Papa) (The Girl's Second Home)
01-26-06
Jeff,
Just want you to know how pleased I am with the E-collar and the difference it has made with Charlie's behavior. Before the E-collar, Charlie would jump up on everyone, knocking them over being that he is over 95 Ibs., he would bolt out the door as soon as I opened it. and although he knew basic obedience, he would only "come" when called if he decided he was in the mood. There was no way I wanted to take him for a walk because he would pull and jerk me around. had no strength in my arms to do the old fashioned choker chain training. Needless to say. Charlie became very unruly and I dreaded taking him anywhere but giving him up to someone who could handle him was no option in my book.
The very first time you and I worked with Charlie on the E-collar, I was amazed. I could not believe that that was actually my dog listening and responding when I called him. It has now been a little more than 2 months since he got the collar and he is such a pleasure to be around. I enjoy taking him outside and playing with him. He no longer jumps up on friends that come in the door, he knows to sit and wait until they pet him. This alone has surprised all my friends and family. I can walk in my own house now and remain standing. He comes every time I call him no matter what and he does not bolt out the door anymore and waits until he is told he can come out.
To tell you how pleased I am with the E-collar is an understatement. Thank you so much for everything and for giving me the chance to really bond with Charlie. He is such a wonderful companion to be around now. He is now the regal and majestic German Shepherd he was born to be. I am so proud of him!
Forever grateful,
Jan Taberski
From: Bryant, Scott
To: Rynearson, Jeff
Date: 11-14-2005
Subject: Kira
Jeff,
Recently my German shepherd "Kira" and I went through your E-collar class and I wanted to drop a quick note to say thanks. If you remember right, Kira's on lead obedience was good, as I had spent quite a bit of time working with her. The problem was her off lead obedience, as she "knew" when I could and could not give her a correction. Initially my wife was not real keen on the idea of "shocking" the dog with an electric collar but after talking to you and some other trainers about the situation we decided to give it a try.
After purchasing the Dogtra 200 collar from you we started the lessons. You explained things and introduced the dog to the collar in an understandable and humane manner. My wife and I were expecting death rolls and screaming from the dog when the stimulation was applied, thankfully this was not the case. It should be noted that one the problems I wanted to address was her desire to chase after deer, rabbits and turkeys. It's incredible now I can call her off those quick moving, four legged, very enticing distractions
from 25 yards away without the need of any stimulation from the collar. She has leaned that, as you put it, "I AM GOD" and she needs to listen to me even while she's not standing directly next to me.
As it is now Kira is 1000% more enjoyable (it's almost like having another dog), which is shocking as she was already a good obedient dog. In the end, I highly recommend you, your line of collars (I researched them) and your training method to anyone who is in need of dog training. If you ever need a reference feel free to use me.
Thanks again,
Scott Bryant
HK53MG@hotmail.com
JEFF,
JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR US. CINDER HAS COME A LONG WAY SINCE THE FIRST TIME SHE MET YOU. I ADMIT THAT I WASN'T SO SURE ABOUT THE WHOLE "E-COLLAR" BUT I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU, AND I AM SO GLAD I DID. YOU HAVE GIVEN CINDER HER FREEDOM. SHE WEARS THE COLLAR ALL DAY AND I ALMOST NEVER HAVE TO USE IT ON HER. SHE IS READY AND WILLING TO LISTEN FOR THE NEXT COMMAND. SHE HAS BECOME AN OBEDIENT DOG. AND SHE IS SO MUCH HAPPIER. AND SO ARE WE. THANK YOU AGAIN SO MUCH FOR GIVING US A TOOL TO USE ON CINDER, FOR HER TO TRULY BECOME A FREE-DOG, A HAPPY, ENJOYABLE, OBEDIENT DOG!
ANDY ,PADONNA, CINDER SNYDER
Cinder
Wrigley is a 4-year old bouvier/bearded collie that we recently adopted. He was immediately a wonderful dog at home--house broken and compliant--but his manners during our walks were awful. Whenever,
we would pass a car, snow blower, people, other dogs or even lawn ornaments, Wrigley would bark ferociously and fling himself toward them with every ounce of strength he possessed. I had to hold on to the
leash with both hands and was fearful that I would lose control.
After three weeks of various intervention techniques, our walks ended and I was seriously considering returning Wrigley to his adoption agency. Fortunately, I had scheduled obedience classes with Jeff and Steve. We immediately reviewed basic commands that Wrigley was familiar with. He soon learned that these commands were not his choice; they were mandatory.
The e-collar made a huge difference in Wrigley's behavior. Within two weeks, he was walking well on a leash and his outbursts were reduced and controllable. He still has his moments. It's hard to erase four years of bad manners in a couple weeks, but I am definitely in control. He comes when he is called and usually remains focused on our walks. When he forgets his manners, a quick correction gets him back on track. He even travels quietly in the car now--no barking. I use the pager to call him in the morning when I don't want to make noise and wake people up.
These classes educated me on the use of the e-collar and are helping me to re-educate Wrigley. Jeff and Steve are really helpful and patient. These classes saved Wrigley's life-at least with us-and he is a happier dog because of it.
On the Sunday before the first day of school, the worst possible time to get a new dog, my husband brought home a stray puppy who had apparently been dumped along New Road, not far from our home. It is a busy country road, and quite dangerous for a clueless six- month old puppy, so the goal was only to ensure his safety. We didn't intend to keep him, but you know how that goes ...
Ozzy turned out to be unlike any dog we have ever owned. We thought we were experienced and responsible dog owners, but we just couldn't communicate with this guy. It was obvious that he had never been in a house before. He was hesitant at doorways and didn't know how to go up or down stairs, although he learned these things all too quickly. He jumped on us and anyone else who entered our home, and he was a terror to walk on a leash, pulling and choking himself the whole time. Although he quickly learned the basic commands, he performed them only when he felt like it. He pestered our two cats, although, thankfully, he never exhibited any aggression toward them, and he annoyed us to distraction by nipping at our feet, poking us with his nose, or picking up some "forbidden" article and challenging us to chase him. He nipped at our heels when we walked up or down the stairs. He was absolutely tireless. In his defense, there were some good things about him. Housebreaking was a breeze. He had one or two accidents, tops. And he was awfully cute and basically good- natured.
My friend Sue told me about Midwest K9 Training after she heard about it from a place where she had boarded her dog, so we both decided to take our newly acquired pets to be trained together, envisioning some nice walks at nearby Potato Creek this summer.
It turned out to be the best decision I could have made as a pet owner. I still can't believe how much I have learned. I thought that I was fairly knowledgeable about the concept of pack leadership, but Jeff explained it in a slightly different way that made everything we did in class crystal clear. Negative reinforcement with the E-Collar was explained as just another method to mimic the way leader dogs behave in packs. It was highly efficient, and, in my estimation, far more humane than yanking on a dog's neck with a choker chain, the only other training method I had ever learned.
Each dog will behave differently. Ozzy was very sensitive to the E-Collar and quickly became aware of it. But with time-actually very little time-he has become accustomed to it and even welcomes it. He knows that when we bring out his collar something good, like a walk or a game, is going to happen. The bottom line is that our dog is happier and we are happier. It is such a joy to take him for long walks in the park on or off leash. He keeps an eye on us the whole time, recognizing us as his pack leaders as he never did before, and it is hardly ever necessary to correct him. We have gone from speaking two different languages to being on the same wave length. If he gets stubborn or ornery at home, as dogs (and people) sometimes do, all we have to do is reach for the collar and he snaps into shape. In no way, however, has the negative reinforcement turned our dog into a robot or a machine that responds mechanically to stimulation. It has, in fact, deepened the relationship between us, and the knowledge and confidence that training has given him have allowed his personality to blossom. He is still Ozzy, but calmer and happier than ever before. Ironically, it seems as though the restrictions imposed upon him
through training have given him a freedom that he did not previously possess-the freedom to be a good dog!
I can't recommend Midwest K9 Training and the E-Collar highly enough. It's fun, but it's serious fun, and the results are astounding. I wish that all of the dogs from my past could have had this opportunity.
Of course, it isn't the tool alone that works such wonders. Without capable and experienced trainers, the E-Collar could easily be misused or ineffective, and I feel that the trainers were the best. We had the pleasure of working with both Jeff and Steve, and their commitment to dogs is obviously passionate. Remember, my dog was astray, but both Jeff and Steve treated him with all of the respect, professionalism, and affection with which I am sure they treat the valuable police dogs they train. I always felt that Ozzy's well being was as important to them as it is to me.
We learned that it is not enough just to provide food, water, shelter, or even love. The structure of the pack must be firm for a dog to truly flourish, and many well-meaning people (like us) don't really know how to provide that structure. Thanks to our experience at Midwest K9 Training, we feel confident that we are fInally giving 0zzy exactly what he needs, and he, in turn, is rewarding us with the best in canine companionship.
Sheryl and Larry Meilner
“We still can’t believe she sat still for this picture…”
Marie and Robert Swain with “Sandy Beach”
We received Heidi on Good Friday of 2006 at the tender age of 6 weeks. We did not know what we were in for; it had been over ten years since there was a dog in the house. The following week my wife and kids went to a bowling tournament and I stayed home with a very active little puppy. I decided to see how she would react to some simple commands. To my amazement she learned very quickly and retained what she learned. I knew there was something special about this fur ball.
Every night I would do something with her, but there was still a level of training that I was not able to achieve. After a visit to our vet he recommended you as a trainer for Heidi. I sure was glad I made the call. Heidi and I have a new respect for each other, she listens and I give her freedom to do things that most dog owners would not even think of doing. It is fun to be able to walk freely and not be concerned about her going after people or other dogs. So many people out there own pets and most are cooped up in a kennel or a back yard and never get the opportunity to socialize with people or other dogs, it truly is sad for these animals.
Jeff, with your training Heidi has reached a higher level of obedience and a maturity that would be seen in a dog much older than her year and a half. One time as we walked through the neighborhood she came across a very young rabbit and went after it, she had it in her mouth and I told her “NO” at that point she let it go and we continued with our walk. The baby rabbit was a bit stunned but hopped away without a scratch. We are able to walk without a leash and her most favorite thing to do is run along side me while I ride my bicycle. This would not have been possible without direction from Midwest K-9 Training.
There is still a lot to work on and Heidi’s training will be an ongoing thing for the rest of her life. I also urge all pet owners to keep there dogs minds sharp by spending time with them. Just because they go through a training program does not mean they are done. People learn all of there lives and the same is true for dogs, remember “dogs are people to”.
Thank you Jeff for everything you taught us both. It was a good experience and I would highly recommend your method of training to anybody thinking of k-9 training. Heidi is truly a valued member of our family.
Rob & Jean Gustafson
South Bend
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