From Lew regards his 3 dogs, Daphne, Dandelion and Buttercup.

Hi Maria,

Thanks so much for the other day. It was the best and most productive session I felt we have ever had with you. The next day, on Saturday, we all had the best walk ever. Dandy had many very successful interactions with other dogs and all of the new commands and pointers you gave us were immensely helpful. I never ever thought I would be able to one day walk up King Street with all the girls on a Saturday morning and be totally able to handle them, deal with them and instruct them. At Sydney Park earlier, we mingled with lots of dogs and owners with really good results.

I have seen lots of continued progress with Dandy around other dogs...to the point where, on a good day she has been able to meet and great a few other dogs with NO barking or aggression and then we move on. Daff's barking is getting better and better and the command of "slow" is having really good effects with Buttercup. A lot of the other owners have remarked that they have seen the improvement, which has made me really proud of them.

You need to know that where we have got to now is already at a place I never thought possible. I've had my moments over the last 6 months of complete despair, but for the first time ever, I am 100% confident we will all get to where we want to be. And so for that - massive thanks.

Lew

To Whom It May Concern

We have a 7 year old female Boxer, named Holly that we got from Boxer Rescue NSW, a number of years ago. Holly had been badly treated in the early years of her life, and whilst she had a friendly and affectionate disposition, she also came with a few problems, legacy of how other humans had behaved toward her.

We had tried a couple of other dog trainers over the years, and even started watching The Dog Whisperer on Foxtel, to pick up some pointers, but the key problem areas remained. Our main issues were:

1. ferocious stance and barking when anyone came to the front door. This would continue for a few minutes, until she was able to satisfy herself that the visitors weren’t going to hurt her
2. incessant pulling on the lead when being taken for a walk
3. not coming when called and easily distracted, so no confidence in being able to let her off her leash in the park
4. attacking other dogs that she may encounter on a walk

These problems are not immediately obvious when selecting a dog from a rescue organisation or the RSPCA, but tend to emerge as the dog settles into their new home and realises they are no longer going to be hurt or neglected.

We found Maria Cunningham, from Mutts with Manners, whilst searching the internet in yet another attempt to find help.

Other options we found on the Internet, involved sending our dog away for 2 weeks intensive training. We were not prepared to do that and had heard one or two horror stories from others that had.

The difference with Maria, is that she comes to our home and the dog’s surroundings, so that she can witness first hand, the problem areas and determine the remedial actions that are required.

Maria was able to tell us what we were doing wrong, and help us change our behaviours, to obtain the behaviours in Holly that we require.

After four sessions, spaced two weeks apart, we are well on our way. Walking Holly is a delight and we have made significant steps in the other areas as well. For us it is now continued practice and ensuring consistency in approach. Maria is always at the end of the phone or email to provide additional pointers and assistance. And of course if we feel that we need another session, she will be there too.

We, and Holly can highly recommend Maria to assist with dog (and people) behavioural issues

Vicki, Tony and Holly Coleman,  May 2008

Dear Maria

Fiona and I want to extend our warm thanks and gratitude for your help with training Peggy (and us!).  As you know Peggy (the 2½ year old Fox Terrier X) caused us some concern when we first rescued her at the beginning of 2008. We found her rather timid and submissive and we were troubled by her jumping up, mouthing, and some other undesirable behaviours.

We found it most valuable and cost effective to have you consult with us on a one-to-one basis and we were delighted with the results after the first session.  We found it particularly helpful for you to visit us in our home, to observe our interactions with Peggy, before giving us advice and commands to try with her.  It was also great to have additional lessons when you were able to come to the park and help us with Peggy meeting other dogs and walking on the lead etc. 

We now have a dog that is much more confident and obedient, primarily because we are more confident and consistent with her.  We feel that we have managed to achieve these results because you were able to quickly identify the remedial action that was needed and give us clear and easy to apply instructions.  Once again, very many thanks and we would recommend you and your approach to anyone seeking help with training their dog.

Kind regards

Dr Ian Solomonides
Lilyfield

We made various attempts to take Indie to puppy training school where the classes were more like a battle with our dog as opposed to an enjoyable learning experience. Then we were very happy to meet you and join together to train our beautiful new pup. Your advice and assistance in training was comparable to none and the difference in the behaviour of Indie was noticeable in 2 weeks. We look forward to seeing you soon. Thanks again.

Sam, Mike & Indie - Erskineville

After La bit my friend, and started becoming snappy with small children, I knew something had to be done. Your lessons with she and I have made a world of difference. I now have confidence that she will behave both at home and out. As you know, she was a very wilful young dog, and while she's now much better behaved, calmer and more confident, she has retained her high spirit and, dare I say, sense of humour.

Kerrie - Surry Hills

We must thank you for putting our problem "child" on the right track. Having traumatic beginnings early in his life, Ben proved to be of a stronger character than the normal large breed. With your humane psychological training it was good to see him toe the line and behave. Thanks again for your hi-tech methods in training up our dog to our acceptable standard.

Nick & Marilyn - Castle Hill

I would like to start with a big Thank You. Misty and I really enjoyed puppy training. We learnt so much and lots of great tips. What I liked is I felt I could talk to you and ask you anything and you had great advice to help us through. Thanks so much,

Julie, Brent & Misty - Bondi

Thank you for saving our 'pack' from total domination!!!! Before your wonderful training, we were the ones sitting and fetching. The change in him is unbelievable. He's transformed from a monster to an angel. Keep up the fabulous work and Ralph would like to give you a big lick and a tail wag. Thanks again .

Yanina, Khufu and Ralph - Paddington

Thankyou for your help in turning Tiana from an unruly little girl into a puppy who is now easier to handle and a pleasure to take for a walk and have around the home. I am amazed at the great improvement in Tiana after only having 2 lessons with you. At one time I thought I would have to put up with a wild uncontrollable dog, but with your assistance in training her this has now all changed. Once again, thank you for all your help and guidance.

Lisa - Strathfield South

As you know Muttley had become a pain that I nearly had him put to sleep because of his behaviour, biting, digging holes, being aggressive to the other 2 dogs and generally becoming unacceptable. With your guidance, Muttley has now become a good member of our household. Behaving himself, doing as he is told when he is told, being able to groom him, no biting and becoming a little darling. I would recommend you to anyone.

Regards, Betty

I am writing this to let you know just how good your services have been and how happy we are with you. As you know we have had Jordan for over eleven years and the past four years all he does is hark at people and other animals that walk past or into our house. He also terrorises my cat and when my husband or I are getting home from work Jordan can hear our cars coming up the street and he always barks and howls. He is very aggressive to other dogs at the park and always follows me everywhere. But for the past 4 weeks from the day that you have come to see Jordan the life of the cats and my family have been so much better. Jordan does not bark at people that walk past and does not chase the cat around. It is so peaceful coming home from work and not running out of the car to shut him up. But the best thing is now he gets along with all the dogs in the street and wants to go out and play with them. I've never known Jordan to be so relaxed. I'd love to write a letter to the person who reported us to the council. They did us a great favour, I never knew I could enjoy owning a dog this much. Keep up the good work.

Lena - Surry Hills

Sorry I haven't been in touch, but I have been pretty occupied, settling into our new routine, you know, the stuff you organized with us. We are all getting along famously, since your visits to our house. As you know, us dogs pick up things fairly quickly, and now that my family know how to handle me things are different - it's amazing what your magic did for all of us. Lots of thanks and love.

Angel. The Dalmatian now 'Dealing with it' - Epping

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