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| In the 6 years that Ron and I operated West Haven Canine Academy in Victoria, British Columbia, we instructed over 850 students! Many of them had more than one dog and many had other types of pets as well. Most of our students took advantage of the other services that we offered such as selling pet supplies, offering grooming services as well as occasional in-home boarding services. Some of them have even bought our puppies! Many of them became valued friends whom we miss dearly! When we decided to move our operation East, we asked some of our students to complete a brief testimonial, they were happy to do so and many complained that we hadn't left enough room for all their comments. Below are excerpts of some of those testimonials. Thank you to all who took the time to share their thoughts - Tammy. | |
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Beverley
Patterson, started training her German Shorthaired Pointer "Bailey"
when he was 4 months old. She was one of our very first students
in Victoria, BC and still remains a great friend today! |
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| Dave and Shelagh Lindley, were also amongst our very first students and remained loyal and supportive throughout our years in Victoria. Their Yellow Lab Sadie began in Puppy Class and progressed through our three levels of adult training as well. Their comments about their West Haven experience: "Sadie is quite a hyper dog and we were taught how to handle her. She loved her training and couldn't wait to get to a class. We appreciated the individual attention and how professionally the training was given. Sadie and our Scottie boarded at West Haven receiving the best care. We felt our dogs were always safe at West Haven." | |
| Ilona & Robert Gudmundson and family, have been wonderful students and friends since 1995! Included in this clan is their GSD Tundra, trained by Ilona and Robert, their mixed breed Cody trained by daughter Tani, and another mixed breed Shadow trained by son-in-law Les and daughter Mandy. Later, in 2000 they added another GSD Timber! Ilona writes of her West Haven experience: "We have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity and privilege to have our dogs and us trained by Ron and Tammy. Over the past 40 years we have had many trainers for our dogs but none have come close to the standard set and achieved by Leidenschaft Kennels. It will be a sad day for many of us when they leave as they are absolutely the best, most dedicated and devoted trainers and breeders you will ever find. Good-bye, dear friends. We will miss you so much." | |
| Karen & Corey Marriott began training their exuberant Dobermann Tyrus at 9 months of age. Karen writes of her West Haven experience: "Over the past two years Ron and Tammy have helped us train an overly energetic and uncooperative Doberman into an obedient and well behaved dog. We have found through both obedience and protection training, Ty has become a more confident canine. Ron and Tammy have taught us to be knowledgeable and responsible dog owners. From the beginning Ron and Tammy have welcomed us into the West Haven Family, we haven't felt like just another customer." | |
| Valerie and Robert (Bob) Lefin began training their GSD Ike with us in Puppy Class in 1997. Since then they have gone on to achieve a CKC Companion Dog title with Ike before serious hip dysplasia forced him to retire from an active training program. Bob decided to focus his energies on learning to train people, helping them to achieve the best with their dogs. When West Haven closed it's training doors in June 2001, Bob opened Pro-Tect Canine Services and began holding his own obedience classes. Bob has also been doing extensive studying with Ron to learn the art of Personal Protection Training. In July 2001, Bob and Valerie purchased a male Dobermann puppy from us and called him "Ammo". They plan to use Ammo to display the benefits and achievements that a good training program can offer. They write of their West Haven experience: "Valued Service Providers; Professional and knowledgeable trainers, committed to providing training that is safe and in keeping with the best interests of the dog. Dedicated and caring individuals always willing to assist with specific behaviors to improve quality of life for the dog and owner. Truly positive experience that has instilled a new sense of the rewards and owner and their dog can experience together. Responsible and knowledgeable breeders." | |
| Sue Donaldson and very bouncy Tigger completed a Level 1 and 2 obedience course. We also saw Tigger for boarding and grooming! Sue writes of her experience: "My dog and I have been delighted with all aspects of West Haven over the three years we have been involved with Ron Murray and Tammy Dempsey there. The training, follow-up and subsequent support have been of the highest calibre and accompanied by a genuine rapport with both dogs and their humans. Thank you from and eager Keeshond and his companion animals!" | |
| Dara Ashton was just a teenager when she recognized that she was at whit's end with her Dalmatian Kendra! Dara's sense of responsibility and hard work are the real credits to her subsequent success with all of her dogs! Dara was one of our students who complained about the lack of space on our testimonial form, as you shall see as she writes of her experiences: "My 2 yr. old Dalmatian was my first real experience with West Haven, she is now 5 years. My girl Kendra was a handful, we had problems with dog aggression and even a problem with property issues. Kendra at the age of 2 years was not doing so great, she wanted to fight other dogs, not to mention she bit my poor neighbor while he was leaning over the gate. I was on a mad search to find a trainer who had enough credentials to deal with my situation (this was extremely hard). Kendra was lacking confidence, I didn't know this, this was one of the first things Ron and Tammy taught me. We began an intense training program with Kendra, within the first few weeks you could see an attitude change. The obstacle course had improved her confidence dramatically as well as her obedience had improved. We trained 1 night a week in class and then we went home and did our homework. At the end of the course (Level 1) Kendra was a different dog. Kendra and I continued to proceed with West Haven's program and we continued to Level 3. Kendra has her Companion Dog Title and we are continuing to work on her obedience to obtain degrees in CKC dog obedience events. Kendra has never bitten again, she now is manageable and loves to play with other dogs off leash. I fully accredit Ron and Tammy for making sure that I still have this dog to this day. If I hadn't met them Kendra would probably not be here or she would have been one of those fat dogs with no outdoor life always stuck inside in seclusion with no activity. And that is definitely not the way to solve a doggy problem or anyway for a dog to live." | |
| John and Jill Foweraker and unforgettable Blazer! I sincerely hope that John and Jill have managed to find someone to handle this cranky old boy! Nail trims could have made WWF look like a walk in the park! :-) Read on for their experience: "We decided in May 1998 to adopt Blazer, a nine year old neutered male Rhodesian Ridgeback. Our previous dog of the same breed had died a few months earlier at the age of twelve. Blazer is a dominant, territorial and strong dog, we were having difficulty controlling him. We contacted West Haven Canine Academy and Ron advised us to sign up immediately for one of their dog obedience classes. The instruction and advice Ron and Tammy gave us enabled us to control and bond with Blazer and obtain his trust and respect. We also have boarded Blazer with Ron and Tammy from time to time and they periodically groomed him. We could not have kept our dog without the excellent advice and assistance of Ron and Tammy. They are dedicated professionals." | |
| Sharen
Gauld began with her GSD, KD in Puppy Class. Sharen and KD continued
in obedience throughout our three levels and enthusiastically participated
in Personal Protection Training. Sharen says: "Excellent
- KD loved going there. I was amazed at how quickly her confidence
increased and at how fast she learned. 2 1/2 years later she still knows all the moves and loves doing them. I would very much like to return for more training, it's such good one on one time with your pet. We are the best of friends my dog and I." |
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| Lavinia Hann and her Black Lab Belle made the 2+hour journey to our training centre on Vancouver Island from the remote Salt Spring Island every week for over a year! Now that's dedication to training! Here is what Lavinia writes: "Belle and I really enjoyed our classes at West Haven. I liked the fact that the classes were structured and food rewards were not used. The atmosphere was always relaxed and friendly but there was a lot of work to complete and it was great to watch the dogs in the class progress. Learning an agility item at the end of each class was a real bonus. Belle would not have been able to achieve a Companion Dog level of obedience at the age of 12 months without the West Haven classes." | |
| Geoff Tisdall and his GSD Jesse joined our training family in June 2000. I'm not sure who's taught who more in the past 18 months! As Geoff continues to battle a life threatening kidney condition we are constantly reminded of how to keep our troubles in perspective. Geoff has dedicated his time and energy to learning all he could from us while we were in Victoria. He's a very talented dog handler and has shown great promise as an "agitator/decoy/helper" in Personal Protection training. Geoff took on our young pup Anja, and is responsible for her early puppy training and socializing. Geoff has also spoken for "pick" male from our Dobermann litter out of Blitz von der Burgstaette which we expect early 2003. Geoff writes of his experience: "I brought my dog Jesse to West Haven about a year ago May/June 2000. Jesse has done both obedience and personal protection training in his time at West Haven. I have been and continue to be impressed by the level of professionalism and knowledge demonstrated by both Ron and Tammy. My dog Jesse has shown remarkable ability under the training by Ron and Tammy. I am also grateful for the knowledge imparted to me by Ron and Tammy. I also would like to say that it is a shame Vancouver Island will be losing the talents of these people who are so competent and caring." | |
| Lorenda
Franklen began training with us in 1996 with her Great Dane Max.
Subsequently we enjoyed her other Danes; Poseidon and Apollo. Lorenda
writes of her experience: "The best canine
training you can find. I've recommended West Haven to many people.
I wish I had found West Haven before my first dog (Max) was 1 1/2
years old. He was a problem dog and Ron & Tammy worked wonders
with him. We truly believe if we had found West Haven sooner, Max
might have had a happier ending. We wouldn't consider training with
anyone else. The methods work and the advice is first class." As a footnote, it was a heart breaking decision to put Max to sleep after several close calls and finally a full facial attack on Lorenda. It highlights the importance to begin dealing with problems as soon as they become apparent. We all worked very hard to avoid this ending, sometimes you just can't do enough. |
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| Heather
Moon and Kevin Perrault began training their mixed breed Otto in
2000. They worked their way through Levels 1,2&3 as well as
participating in Personal Protection Training. To this day, we're
not sure who will protect who! ;-) Heather, Kevin and Otto have
provided us with many great memories as well as many laughs! They're
the kind of people (and dog) who you never know what to expect next
and it has made our relationship with them very enjoyable! Heather and Kevin write: "Otto was our first puppy and we wanted to make sure we did not psychically damage him so that he would need extensive therapy as an adult dog. He is a shepherd/lab X and prone to 'lab-orsaurous syndrome' so when we checked out other training classes in town we were happy to find West Haven was the only one that used praise and not food as a teaching tool, thus ensuring an obedient but slim and trim doggy companion. Classes were informative and fun and aside from a few motivational 'face plants' on the obstacles, Otto learned to jump and frolic so well that we had to replace our aging fence just to keep the neighborhood cats safe! Many thanks to Ron and Tammy and all the West Haven groupies! Thanks for letting us be part of the West Haven pack!" Otto writes: ??? "I first met Ron and Tammy when I was five months old. It was a bit intimidating at first to be with so many other dogs and humans but I quickly discovered that the dogs were extremely well behaved and their humans were completely out of control. Ron and Tammy were very patient and kind and they managed to train the humans very well over the weeks we spent together. I was lucky because my humans had so very much fun at the Level 1 class that they decided to attend Level 2 and Level 3 as well as personal protection training! We have now spent over a year with our West Haven friends and my owners have learned so much! I am never embarrassed by their behavior when we are out on our walks or visiting other humans. I comply with all of their commands and it just makes them so happy! Humans are really so easy to please and I am very grateful to Ron and Tammy for the wonderful training and care and friendship they have provided. PS I am a bit choked about the food thing though! And all those 'face plants' were on purpose so I could get all that attention!" |
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Cindy
and Graeme Kenneth have trained both their Weimaraner "Sophie",
and their Boxer "Joxer" with us! We were quite please
to receive the following email from Cindy in May, 2001.
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Dear Ron and Tammy, Just a short note to say thank you for all the wonderful classes Joxer and I took with you. I wanted to let you know that thanks to your instruction Joxer is now a Canine Good Citizen. We took the test on May 6, 2001 and because of all you taught us Joxer was awesome. The judge told me she was very impressed with him (he never looked twice at any thing they did to try and rattle him including toys, other dogs, people and noise all on the dead ring of the choke) and asked us where we had been taking obedience classes. Thanks again and we hope to hear from you soon. Sincerely, Cindy Kenneth |
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Andrew
Coss recently sent us an email about the success that he and his
Golden Retriever "Quest" have been enjoying! |
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May
25/02 |
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| As
you can see here, our training program isn't just about well behaved
dogs, it's about a lifestyle. Having a good time with your dog and
other dog people! At our training centre in Victoria, we changed lives.
We've introduced people who have become friends for life, we've even
had marriages! Best of all, we've improved the lives of hundreds of
dogs and their families! And, we've enjoyed it immensely! We certainly
aim to do that again here in New Brunswick as Leidenschaft Kennels,
however we will never forget our West Haven friends! If you have something that you would like added to our testimonials page, please email us at ourpassion@leidenschaftkennels.ca! |