Testimonial 9 - Sundae

From the moment we brought our Shetland Sheepdog Sundae, home, we realized she was going to be a handful. She is the first dog we’ve ever raised and lived with, and we muddled through her puppyhood using books and website advice until the day a severe storm put a tree limb through our roof. Sundae became reactive to just about every noise in and out of the house, chasing and barking at imagined threats, cleaning implements (vacuum cleaner!), cars, children…  You name it.  

We began working with Mary through her Hollywood Tricks I class. Not only did the class teach us some fun (and really cute!) tricks to keep Sundae’s overactive mind busy, but it also tired her out physically (Sundae knows exactly what to do when a hula hoop appears…). We quickly learned that Sundae paid a lot more attention to us during the course of a class, and we could apply Mary’s tricks and techniques to all facets of home life. Over the course of the last year and a half, we have taken Hollywood Tricks I, Doggie Come Here (Right Now, Please), Backyard Agility (Beginner), and Professional Handling for Everyday Obedience. Mary takes the time to understand the issues and/or limitations of each class participant and she adapts her techniques until the desired behavior is reached.  

A year and a half ago, we literally could not walk down the street or in a park for fear a car, jogger or bike would pass us. Mary taught us in one private session how to work with Sundae to alleviate her fearful and rather aggressive reactions to overstimulating situations (being passed by a car, being in the house while the vacuum was running, etc). Within weeks of practice, we were able to start walking again in our neighborhood. Now we even vacuum the entire house without a meltdown!

Mary is one of Sundae’s absolute favorite people. Even with a few months in between classes, if we tell her we’re going to see Mary, she gets incredibly excited. We would definitely recommend all dogs and puppies - with issues as well as without - to attend Mary’s fun classes!

John & Sue H. from Pikesville, MD