Client Testimonials

Sparticus

My husband had just passed away and my Yorkies shortly thereafter decided it was their time too. After a few months with just me in the house, I was going a bit nuts so on February 15th, 2007, I took a drive to California just to get away for a while. I stopped at a dog rescue and just fell in love with Sparticus, an 18 month old Harlequin Great Dane. I thought it was a match made in heaven – WRONG! When we got home, he let me know right away "Who The Boss" was. Of course I took him out of the car first and then proceeded to unload the 40 lb. bag of dog food that came with him. He decided it was time to eat – didn’t want to wait – mind you I was still holding the bag when he decided that he wanted it. Actually, I was grateful the bag was between us as I remembered he is a little larger than my four pound Yorkies. Anyway, after this incident, I thought it best we go to bed and things would be much better in the morning. WRONG again. Note: when you get an animal from a rescue service, remember they do not know the animal’s entire upbringing. I have to admit, I am a bit stubborn, so I decided that this was going to work. I started watching the Dog Whisperer and doing things that he suggested to stop the aggression and get Sparticus more under control. Some of the things worked, like filling the saddle bags with full water bottles when we took walks – it somewhat tired him out and at the same time quenched my thirst – he didn’t pull as much on the leash. When in the house I told him ‘off’ when he decided the couch was his – some times it worked, but I did learn that you did not grab his collar and tell him off at the same time. I also learned that you did not sit on the couch the same time he was there, because it was his. After a few months of this, I decided to take the best advice the Dog Whisperer had – ‘call a professional.’ His web site recommended Kristi Smith owner of The Original Who’s the Boss?, Inc. and I’ve been so very grateful I did. When I called Kristi, I was to the point that I needed to make a change and Sparticus was the change that had to be made. At the same time, I was madly in love with the dog and just couldn’t see taking him back to the rescue and letting them put him down. Kristi came to my house and gave me private lessons with Sparticus. Eventually, we went into the obedience group classes with other dogs and even though Sparticus was the class clown, he did great. In addition, Kristi worked with him for five weeks straight at her home doing therapy dog training and he has become the most wonderful service dog I could ever want. I use him as a ‘walking cane’ since I have walking challenges at times. He goes everywhere with me, grocery store, restaurants, malls, hospital, etc. Unbelievably, Sparticus went on to earn the AKC Canine Good Citizen Award Certificate as well. We do cause a bit of a challenge for other people though, they all want to pet him – which most people don’t know this distracts the dog from its duty when working, but again this is better than him just lunging out to bite them as he was doing prior to me working with Kristi. He has found that he really likes the attention from all of the people. I have to say, if it weren’t for Kristi, Sparticus would be a ‘failed challenge memory’ for me, but because of her he is adding loving memories on a daily basis. I will admit we do still have challenges – like he has to wear his shoes when the pavement is hot during the summer and he can not use the pool float as a chew toy, but these little things we can work through as they come up. If you see us around town, please don’t hesitate to stop and talk – don’t pet – but talk. Sparticus and I are happy to recommend The Original Who’s the Boss?, Inc. with our whole hearts. You can call us anytime. Regards, Kathi Faust

. faust
Apr '08

Bite-free at last!!

I cannot say enough great things about Kristi and her training. I have an 8 year old cocker spaniel who began snapping at people and running off. This started when I moved from Tennessee to Phoenix. He spent time with Kristi and I have a wonderful new dog. He NEVER snaps at anyone. Visitors come and go and he doesn't even jump on them. I walk him every morning off leash and he stays on the sidewalk. He knows to go to his blanket when I say "place." He is still spoiled - sleeps in bed with me, etc., but mine and his life are so much better after "boot camp." It's the best thing I ever did!!! If you have any questions, I'm happy to talk about the experience with you. You will LOVE your dog even more. Dr. Kay McClain kay.mcclain@yahoo.com

K. McClain
Jan '08

A Beautifuf, Well Mannered FAMILY Dog

We obtained Bailey, a Newfoundland/Retriever Mix from the Humane Society at the age of 9 months and weighed over 80 lbs. He was a handful and we contacted Kristi for guidence in obedience. We had many issues with a dog of this size. He was a protector of the male in our family and agressive towards females or anyone who came near my husband. Bailey now weighs in at 108 lbs but is a gentle giant and will be 3 years old in March. He loves everybody!! Without Kristi's guidence and structure we would have had to return Bailey. Bailey is now sociable and my 3 year Grandson can now chase and remove "Bailey's" toys from his mouth and we do not worry. Bailey is their caretaker. Thank you Kristi for showing us "Who's the Boss"! Jackie & Bruce Todoroff

B. Todoroff
Jan '08