Updated, August 2005

Hi Ali. Teddy wanted me to tell his story of all the training he's done with you and all his accomplishments because of you, so here it goes:

In June of 2003, a friend told me what fun she was having with a clicker training class, and how well her dog was doing. Teddy, my then 10 year old Jack Russell Terrier, and I had tried the Therapy Dog test a couple years before that and failed on things like loose leash walking. He has always been such a friendly, little guy so I was so very disappointed that he couldn't visit schools and hospitals. I vowed never to try again. I decided we would try this clicker class for something fun that Teddy and I could do together.

I soon discovered that this style of training was just what we needed. Foundations was so much fun and Teddy caught on to the basics pretty quickly. This positive training really works! We went on to Beyond the Basics and Ted was thriving on learning new things and revisiting old stumbling blocks in a new way. He improved so much with loose-leash walking and calmly greeting people and other dogs.

At your urging, we registered for the Canine Good Citizen class. I hesitated at first, not sure we could handle it, not wanting to think about retrying the Therapy Dog test. Teddy did well in class but a few private sessions, with 1:1 attention really got us ready for the test that you told me "You are going to take it." Teddy passed with flying colors. I was overjoyed and overwhelmed that at last he was a Therapy Dog. He's been a great little visitor to special needs children in schools, patients in the Pediatric unit at LVH, and nursing homes. He has received his TDIA for having made over 50 visits to date.

This was just the start of our journey. You mentioned a relatively new dog sport called Rally Obedience. Classes were starting in November. It sounded like fun but involved a lot of new skills - for both Teddy and me. Again, this little terrier surprised me with how quick and how willing he was to learn. I learned a little more slowly. We continued our private lessons as well as classes. You told me were going to trial in March. I was full of doubts but you said "You're doing it." I said OK! We worked so hard to get ready for that trial. It was at the Philadelphia Pet Expo - what a place for a first try at competition. Despite my total lack of experience and a bad case of nerves, Ted and I got our first leg towards a Rally1 title! Acacia and Montana had a phenomenal weekend and you came home with a fistful of ribbons! It took us 6 tries to get all 3 legs, but in July, at Bella Vista, Teddy and I got our Rally 1 title - R1CL, along with a couple of your other students! Your girls had a stellar weekend and you had a fistful of ribbons again. We all had a great group photo taken.

Should Teddy and I try Rally Level 2? We did. Classes and private lessons got us ready for our first trial in Level 2 in August up in White Plains, NY. We got our first leg and Ted got High Scoring Veteran Dog! This time it was 3 runs/3 legs, and we got our Rally 2 title - R2CL in December at Y2K9's.

Level 3? Yep! All it took was 2 Saturdays in March of 2005. Teddy really liked all the exercises and jumps in Level 3, and we got our highest scores ever on our second and third run at PawsAbilities in Harrisburg - a 192 and a 201! We also got our first placements ever, a fourth and a second place! It was OUR turn to come home with a fistful of ribbons! A big finish from the little man.

In 2005, AKC began Rally trials. Teddy finished his Rally Novice title in June, with a first place on the last leg! I don't know if we're finished now but we're taking a training break.

While all this was going on, in March of 2004, I took in a stray Jack Russell Terrier who had been found wandering around Pittsburgh.

Tony is a sweet, affectionate little guy, but he is over-stimulated by other dogs, has some separation anxiety and housetraining issues. He's taken some classes and lessons with you, and your book, Scaredy Dog has been a valuable resource in helping me help him deal with the world. He and Teddy have worked out their roles and get along well.

I cannot believe all Teddy and I have achieved with your skill, talent and constant support and encouragement. You've also been kind enough to pass some of this knowledge on as I became your assistant for Puppy and foundations classes. It's been a fun and amazing journey, and somehow, I don't think Ted and I are finished yet. Thanks so much Ali. You're the best.

Love,

Sue and Teddy, CGC, TDIA, R1CL, R2CL, RL3, RN

Ted's Story