Beacon came to me as a beautiful 8 week old b/w tri standard Australian Shepherd.The breeder was kind, informative; the ranch was clean and organized.We were able to meet the mother dog (a little timid), and we viewed the father from a little distance as he was running with the rest of the pack (striking, high energy, large, and - oh yes….barking).
I knew from the moment I evaluated the pups that Beacon was the one for me.While he was not the one who “wanted me” – his brother “wanted me”, I knew he was the “one for me”.When we brought Beacon home he was the best puppy I had ever had. He appeared to be virtually invincible against environmental noises, and got along well with my other small aussie and corgi.It was when we began crate training that unusual things started to emerge.
During crate training, Beacon would cry, pant, urinate, vomit, and have sweaty feet.We did everything correctly…. Slow introduction into the crate for short periods of time, etc.We tried it with him alone, with him next to another pup, etc., but nothing seemed to help.Then at approximately 3.5 months of age he walked into his sisters crate, laid down, and that was the end of that… no problems since.This was the first sign to me that Beacon would have special needs. I obtained Beacon to be an agility partner so placing him in obedience classes, followed by pre-agility classes began right away (4 months old).The first OB class went great.Beacon was the best and brightest, always learning a new skill by the third repetition.I was thrilled, then our second red flag went off.Beacon started to alert bark, lunge when we arrived at class (indoors vets office, same location as the first OB class).I started to become very concerned.The trainer that was teaching the class was very sweet, and understanding, but did not possess the skill set that we needed to determine what was going on.
We then began pre-agility class and that is where things began to get worse.The trainer for that class labeled Beacon as “dog reactive”.She said that she had once dealt with the same thing and had me maintain distance, while distracting him with food and requesting attention “watch me”.She then referred me to a local behaviorist who also had me increase the focus exercises.This was all these two ladies had to offer, distract, refocus, or give leash corrections.The class instructor discussed options of a correction collar, etc.I became a nervous wreck, waiting for him to bark with an inappropriate tone, totally scared that we would be excused from class, or worse yet snap at someone’s dog. We stayed in these classes for 36 weeks and did finally pass.And yes…we did pass, but we were constantly on edge, constantly scared.I did not know what to do.
We then traveled to another trainer who said that she could help us.She placed a prong collar on Beacon (then about 9/10 months of age) and had him walk between two lunging, snarling large dogstied to trees while issuing strong corrections.When we had arrived, I told her that the behaviorist had determined that he was fearful of dogs, so I was confused with her methods.At the end of her walks with him she put him in a down stay where he could see the other dogs and said “watch he will stay there for 30 minutes now”.As you can imagine, I gathered my dog, tearful, wrote her a check, and we ran for our lives. So here we were….two scared beings, me desperate to help Beacon reach his potential, and ease his anxiety. On our search continued for a local trainer.I did a thorough interview of the potential trainer (2 hours long) and thought I had a handle on her methods.She too worked with prong collars, however, was not as aggressive as the other trainer.Beacon stayed with her for five days, and she took him to the dog park every day and introduced him to her pack.When I picked him up he seemed well adjusted to her pack and yes… we could take him to the dog park, although I was always nervous as he was still reactive to dogs outside of the dog park. So…..the initial problem was still there.Her next thoughts were that he was insecure and needed me to show him that I was in control.OK, I thought this is probably true, but how can I communicate that to my dog.That is where we clashed.She felt that the best way to do this was to throw him on his side (alpha roll).She did this once to Beacon and he did not like it one bit, I decided that this method of training was not going to be the road for us, so on with our search.
I also had a tele/video consult with the top vet behaviorist in the country.She owns aussies and said that she did feel that Beacon was indeed reactive, although what could potentially be considered “in range” for an Australian shepherd.We were given relaxation protocols and Beacon was put on Prozac.We worked the protocols, but again…. I needed on-site help, I needed a behaviorist/trainer combination and that is what I could not find…..
We graduated Pre Agility and went on to Beginner Agility from which we were “given a time out” due to Beacon running up to four other dogs and snarking at them. (ugh!).
I was determined to not give up on this dog and that is when I found Sylvie Nuzzolilo- owner of Top Class K-9, LLC.Sylvie is what I would consider a trainer and behaviorist.She has a beautiful indoor training facility, outdoor acreage and several different dogs of varying temperaments that she can work with you and your dog.She understands breed specifics characteristic and will interpret behavior for you. She has been a blessing to us both.
Beacon and I showed up on her doorstep holding on to each other, desperate for help.I told her what we had been through, that he has a history of strong verbal reactivity and lunging with other dogs. Sylvie calmly, said “well then…let’s see what he can do”, and proceeded to take Beacon by the leash and work him next to one of her quiet, older dogs who was safely crated.When she took Beacon, my first response was one of fear… I said…but, but, but….. She said but what??? I said what if he barks….what if he does something? That was when she said the most wonderful thing….. “It’s alright, he can bark here.If he does react I will help him, which is why you are here, right…to help him."I said yes and we have been working with Sylvie ever since.
We started with private classes.Sylvie was always encouraging, instructive, corrective of my handling skills, and taught Beacon and I new and wonderful things through obedience. Sylvie has taught both me and Beacon coping skills. She interprets his behavior for me and teaches me how to communicate with him in a non-confrontational fashion.We remained in private instruction for several months building trust and respect, and then Sylvie said that it was time he came to class.On my first visit, we walked into the room, and Beacon “had a barking, reactive moment”, and I reverted to my old “flight mode” and we left.Sylvie did not give up on us though.And we went back.You see, Sylvie’s training center helps “dogs with problems”, and “dogs with problems” almost always present with “people with problems” as no one is born knowing how to help a reactive dog.These other people who train there are the most supportive individuals that I have every met.
After our first time back in class at Top Class -we have never looked back again.Beacon has gone on to get the first leg of his ASCA CD, he has passed his CGC test, we are in a “more appropriate” agility class where he excels – almost always “setting the bar” as our instructor says – for the rest of the class.He has run in his first agility trial and came in “First Place” and we are registered in several future competitions.Sylvie has taught me what environments are optimal and what is not, based on where we are as a team in our training.And we are now a team….For a long time, it was Beacon and his problems, then it was Crystal and her problems, then it was Beacon and Crystal and their problems as we started to heal together, and now it is Beacon and Crystal the team.We go to class now “chest pain free”, and I almost always come home with a feeling of pride, joy and accomplishment.As time goes on we will only get better and stronger together, and I have no doubt that this would never have been the case should we not have found Sylvie.Sylvie saved us both. I will end with a brag that I posted on our group list.I believe it says it all. Sincerely, Crystal Ragan Beacon’s Bright Promise, CGC & Many more to come! Beacon Brag Wow...my beautiful "reactive" aussie, Mr. Beacon, ran his first agility trial yesterday. He was wonderful, relaxed, controlled, obedient. A former classmate from our old agility school said "is this the same dog", as he sat pretty to be petted. Beacon ran a 22" height standard course and nailed all of his contacts, aced the dreaded weave poles, through the shoot, tunnels and all but one jump with flying colors. He did not qualify as he did knock down one bar - but.... we finished first timewise and received a fabulous blue ribbon. There was never an "off course" thought for either of us, and as we finished I asked him to sit and off we went. No one even knew that this team was "different". Only one attendee knew what this meant to us, and she gave me a hug, a smile and a "I knew you could do it all along - your run with him was fabulous. Truth is we never could have done it without Sylvie.....you have given us a way out of the isolation that can come from being reactive. Tools...obedience, confidence, environment awareness. We both can never ever thank you enough. We look forward with increased confidence to even greater achievements. Love, Hugs and Thanks! Crystal and Beacon
Beacon Update 3-31-2011
My beautiful Beacon now goes regularly to agility class and trials. He has many agility titles and has earned his ASCA CD as well as his AKC Rally Advanced titles. We are working towards our AKC CD and Rally Excellent titles. When Sylvie first told me it was time to enter in a show, I thought "Oh good grief NO, WE ARE NOT READY". However, Sylvie always finds venues that will allow us to succeed and increase our confidence, she has counseled and helped us through the rough spots. She has set us up through incrementally more challenging situations and supported us all along. When other trainers said "You'll never be able to do that with that dog". Sylvie always says "Yes, you can". I still sometimes get panicky and think I'm not ready but when I ask Sylvie and she says "Go ahead, you and Beacon have the skills", I KNOW it will be ok.
Sylvie, I know that I say thank you all the time, but you really may never, ever be able to know what helping Beacon has meant to me. I am so smitten with him and seeing him grow into a more confident, yet goofy, loud and obnoxious aussie means the world to me. I understand him so much more for what and who he is. I can't remember the last time that he has been given a harsh correction. So many times Beacon was corrected for just "being an aussie" and this should never have happened. Now that he is allowed "to be an aussie" he is flourishing into a card carrying, tail waggin, happy exuberant dog. His spirit is soaring and taking me with it on its wings. A video from the weekend showing him coming up to me, face up, tail wiggling while I tried desperately to hook him up to his collar (lifeline to me) ... spoke words to me. He was so happy just being there with me, he was looking up at me so relaxed, while I still borderline frantic about the darn colllllaaaarrrrr!!!!!! He is better than I am, but I am catching up with him.... I walk him alone now out to potty at trial, I take him off leash and play frisbee - off leash at trial sites (appropriate distance from others playing of course), I enter the ring while the other dog is being leashed up to leave the ring without a heart attack, and more importantly we move as if we are one throughout the standard course... the big daddy of them all for agility folks, and I now allow other people to stop by and say hello... I am enjoying my dog...... We are enjoying a new life together, a life as a family that we would never have had without you. Sure... I still have my possie (Ken and Kristi when I go in and leave the ring, but they are not as nervous either... We are all getting better.... thanks to you! We look forward to our future together and cannot wait to taste future success! Love you Sylvie... Crystal, Ken, Beacon, Ziva and Bella.... we have all benefited from knowing you...
I can't believe this is my dog!
Sylvie has been training Lucy, my three year old female spayed GSD, since January of this year. Prior to working with Sylvie we had worked with two other trainers in Florida to help Lucy overcome her fear aggression and crate nasties, to no avail. After moving to Texas we were looking for someone new to work with Lucy, that’s when we found Sylvie.
We went for the evaluation and could tell Sylvie was the right person to help Lucy and us. Since Lucy did have basic obedience skills on board, Sylvie recommended intermediate obedience classes, along with some private lessons. We could see in a matter of weeks Lucy’s confidence growing and her fear fading.
We repeated intermediate for more people exposure, and more confidence building for Lucy. She started to go up to people in class; other people handled her in exercises. In May Lucy passed her CGC with flying colors!!! We couldn’t have done that a year ago, or without Sylvie.
One of the coolest things is we had a garage sale at the end of May for a fund raiser and had some people over for dinner afterwards and Lucy was part of the group. It was great to see her so social, taking ice cubes out of people’s hands, playing ball. We will continue to go to Sylvie for all of Lucy’s training, including but not limited to agility, off leash obedience and someday maybe even the show ring.
Lucy and her brother Gordie also stay at "Aunt Sylvie's" when we go on vacation. We never worry about them when we are gone. We know thaty are in the best hands possible. Sylvie takes every precaution, will take time to cook special broth for Lucy to help her eat her food the first day. Lucy has training sessions while she is there and when we return, it is hard to get her to come home!!
Sylvie has been great; we wouldn’t have the dog we have today without her.
Mike and Sue Moscato
From Kim and Zoe
We bought Zoe from a back yard breeder. I know better, but knowing where her two brothers went ( to junk yards), I had to take her home. When Zoe and my family met, she wouldn't even walk to us. She had to be carried. She was so afraid. I even commented on this at the breeders house but got no response.
When we brought her home, she hid under the bed, the bar, bar stools, anything that had an overhang. Ears down and tail between her legs. It took quite awhile for her to even let us love on her. She had absolutely no trust in us at all. And avoided us like the plague. It took some coaxing but she finally started letting us pet her and staying close to us, as long as she could be under something.
Since we figured she'd only need basic obedience we took her to a Big Box Store training sessions for 6 weeks. She hated it, would hide behind me, sometimes growl at the other dogs. She did not like other people and would shy away from them. She would poop in the floor and pass horrible gas from being so nervous. and would not take any training treats. All in all, we knew we'd made a mistake but kept taking her till she graduated... barely.
We started looking for more intensive training during the big box store training. We knew we had to get her some help, and us too.
During this time my oldest son (28 yrs old) moved in with us. Right from the get go, she started lunging, barking and then backing off. But then she started lunging, barking, hackles raised and chasing him. I was in a panic. I had already called Sylvie to start obedience with her, but to me, the next call I made was an emergency and it was to Sylvie again. I was so afraid I would have to re-home her somehow or she'd really bite and hurt someone badly. I was so afraid we had a very dangerous aggressive dog
Zoe and I took an assessment class and a few private lessons and gave me such hope. Sylvie knew how to handle Zoe from the time she walked in the door. She knew what kind of dog Zoe was what techniques would work for her. I was the nervous wreck and wound up so tight from worry that she would bite her. Sylvie put me at ease and was so patient with Zoe (and me.. lol)!
By the time our last private lessons was over, I think Zoe was putty in Sylvie's hands! I looked so forward to our training sessions and so did Zoe.
All the techniques Sylvie taught me worked. Zoe quit lunging, barking and raising hackles at my son. He could actually walk thru the room without her even getting up from the floor. She barely gave him a passing glance. He could have her come to him to take treats, watch television with us, or just be walking through the house with no reaction.
I was more than amazed and on more than several occasions told my husband that this is not the same dog we brought home. She has really changed. I can see it in her every day. Each day we train, she does better and better and seems to seek my approval. Sometimes I see a light go on in her eyes while training, like she's really "got it" and sometimes that same light bulb goes off in my head while working with her, thinking, "This is REALLY working!" Zoe has more confidence and trust in me, as I do her. I can't even begin to explain how much her bond to me means. And it's only gotten stronger since her training started.
Before I went to go see Sylvie, you could not have told me that Zoe would be doing the things she does now, walking on a loose leash, healing, sitting, even down. And not lunging and barking at the door when someone comes over. I am truly amazed. Zoe is such a joy to have in my life. The trust that Zoe has in me and I have in her, is only there because of the person I chose to train us. Sylvie has made such a difference in our lives. She has taught me to never give up. And I look forward to continuing to work with her to help make Zoe's life even better.
Zoe and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts Sylvie. We'd have been lost if we hadn't found you.
Woof,
Kim and Zoe
From Elizabeth Van Allen, Hendrix and Zoe;
Sylvie has guided me through the training of two dogs now, each needing a very different method of handling.My male, Hendrix, lacked confidence, and expressed it by trying to bluff any threat with loud, repetitive barking.My female, Zoe, is an accomplished agility dog who translated that power and speed into walking on a leash as well.We had tried several methods of training prior to coming to Top Class K-9, but all with very limited progress.Sylvie, as a trainer, is able to assess the character of the dog and the handler (because, let’s face it, I probably needed the training more than the dogs) and develop a program tailored to them, even within a classroom setting…and still keeps it FUN!Certainly our classes with Sylvie have benefited both of my dogs, but they have also favored me.As we travel together now, I’m assured of their behavior, and that has resulted in more frequent and much more enjoyable outings for all of us. Elizabeth Van Allen
From Melissa Armstrong and Ash;
Hello Sylvie,
Well I just wanted to send you an email before I forget. Thank you Sylvie for all that you have done for both Ash and myself :) I truly cant thank you enough .. I came in, as you know, a nervous wreck about my dog and his behavior and me not knowing how to handle it .. you are the reason he is still with us, so thank you!! My boyfriend said that he really likes going and seeing the training .. because you are really great with the dogs. He finds it informative since he is also part of the dog's life. My boyfriend also noticed something that I did as well, during group training .. we think part of why Ash was acting all nervous is he likes you so much he wanted to see you/visit with you and got a little jealous when you paid attention to another dog :) He gets that way at home as well so it was cute and shows what kind of person you are that he likes you that much. Sorry for the rambling .. back to Ash :) I was so proud of Ash! He is definitely making huge improvements thanks to you and your guidance. I was probably as nervous as he was :) but I tried my hardest not to let him in on that little secret. The only thing about him at all was, he was pacing around me (and of course flirting with Charlie), but after you mentioned to us what to expect about the way they might act :) Made me feel so much better. He did FAR better than I expected .. I remember a time when anyone came in a door he would go off :) and he still will at times BUT with your training both Ash and I :) we have the tools to help both of us succeed now. I know Im repeating myself but thank you Sylvie for all you do :) It has not been easy coming up with the money for his sessions but you have made it worth the sacrifice and of course he is worth it or I would not have even tried :) You are a blessing in both of our lives
Thanks
Melissa
Ash's proud mom :)
From Heather and Eric Crews and Bristow
I first met Sylvie at a business fair where her dog's Ozzie and Fergus were all the advertisement she needed. They were both impeccably well-behaved and focused on her every command, even amid all the movement and excitement of the people at the fair.
At our consultation six month old Bristow shared her approval of Sylvie by contentedly sucking on her thumb while we discussed training options. Sylvie thoroughly explained our options and answered questions about training tools. When we started Bristow responded very well to the way Sylvie varied the activities in each training session. Sylvie would be the handler to show us the skill in action, then quickly hand the leash over to one of us, encouraging and giving tips on the best way to work with her. She was quick to recognize Bristow's responsiveness to voice tone, and pass this information on to us.
While we learned the basics of come, sit, down and heel Sylvie recognized Bristow had poor social skills. Bristow was very confrontational when she greeted another dog. Upon recognizing this Sylvie brought Ozzie along to help her practice greeting, from there we went on field trips to the local dog park to hone her skills.
One of our proudest moments was when Bristow successfully completed her test to earn her certificate. To pass the test she had to complete each of her tasks five times successfully. The reason she was able to pass was because Sylvie had laid the groundwork and trained us to train our Bristow. Now a year and a half later we have a well-behaved seventy-five pound German Shepherd who is a delight to have as a part of our family because of the skills Sylvie shared with us.
From Jessica and her pack,
I have a 6-pack of dogs that were no longer fun to be around. My alpha dog (a spayed female, named Pokey) was fear aggressive & it seemed to be spreading quickly to the rest of my 'pack'. Pokey was afraid of other dogs outside her pack. She was also getting aggressive toward delivery people and even some people that were invited to our home. She had always been a very gentle dog and in fact was my 8 year old daughter's dog, so I knew I had to do something. I called Sylvie at Top Class K-9 and described the issues of her behavior. Sylvie then came to our house to do an on site visit to see how the dogs react and how I handled them. We then decided on a program that seemed to be best for Pokey & me. It was a lot of work but Pokey did get much better and I learned how to read her so I could help her when she was feeling insecure. It was work, but it was also fun.
So much so, that I enrolled my male Mini Australian Shepherd (Jo) who was also going down the road of fear aggression. He has now received his CGC (canine good citizenship) and earned his first obedience title (CD) ! I am enjoying my dogs more than ever and look forward to learning more and doing more with them. I highly recommend Sylvie at Top Class K9, to anyone wanting to have a truly enjoyable & reliable dog!
From Jane Berry and Two Blue
I am so excited - Two Blue aced a trip to the vet this morning. He successfully navigated the waiting room with no incidents and completely ignored the other two dogs (including a bull terrier). He stood for exam, and heeled, sat, and did a down stay on command. There was no shaking or shying away when the vet examined him. This is huge progress!Thanks Sylvie! My Australian Shepherd, Two Blue, is highly intelligent, but fear aggressive toward other dogs and very timid around people and new experiences. I am training him for agility competition and although he performs well on the agility course, I will not be able to compete with him unless I can build his confidence and control his aggressive tendencies. Prior to working with Sylvie I attempted to address his behavior using the more common correction method. This did not work and seemed to aggravate the problem. His reactive behavior was escalating rapidly.
I started private lessons with Sylvie in August and am now in her continuing ed program. She uses positive reinforcement to develop appropriate behaviors and customizes the classes to match your individual needs. I am absolutely thrilled with the progress Two Blue has made and am looking forward to his first agility trial in January.
Sylvie is far and away the best trainer I have ever worked with. She has a wonderful ability with dogs, but also helps you become a better handler and recognize where you unconsciously may be encouraging your dog's poor behavior. Sylvie can help you and your dog become a well-balanced team.
January 5, 2009 - Two Blue Update
I actually don’t think my feet have touched the ground since this weekend’s agility trial.Two Blue, whose agility career has always been in question because of his timid personality and fear aggressive behavior around other dogs, flashed through his four events (and very first trial) to obtain four qualifying runs, three first places, one second place, and his Novice Jumpers Title.
I wasn’t certain how he would react to the inevitable distractions around the perimeter of the ring from spectators and ring workers.I would have been thrilled to have him stand in line before his events and enter and exit the ring without incident.
Imagine my excitement on his first run when he entered the ring with relative confidence, sat at the start line without lead or collar, and bolted for the first obstacle when I gave him his go command.Then it hit me – he was leaving me in the dust and I was going to have to run much, much faster in order to keep up with him!He was completely focused on completing the course, showed no hesitancy, and responded quickly to my commands.I proudly picked up Two Blue’s qualifying and first place ribbons and showed them to him.He appeared quite unimpressed but went out and sped through his remaining three events, culminating with a very smooth 36-second regular run at the end of the show.Between runs he sat calmly in his crate without reacting to the other dogs around him and the people and dogs passing by.This is incredible for a dog that three or four months ago was prone to out of control outbursts of fear aggression toward other dogs.The slightest sound or sudden movement used to cause him to flinch he would not leave me even for a treat he was so insecure.
From Beckie and Lincoln Lincoln bit men. Many people told me he was a Red Zone dog who needed to be put down. I was devastated because I knew my dog was not vicious. Other trainers had worked with him, but Lincoln continued to be aggressive toward men. When I found Sylvie on the internet, I knew she would be Lincoln's last chance. I took Lincoln to the Top Class K-9 training center, and he turned inside out with fear. But before we left that morning, Lincoln was eating out of Sylvie's hand and falling asleep on top of her feet. Now all I have to say is "Auntie Sylvie!", and Lincoln goes into this hysterical state of wild joy. Sylvie diagnosed Lincoln's problem as being one of fear. She worked through his self-doubts and also taught ME to communicate calmness to Lincoln. As a result, Lincoln has gained the self-confidence he so needed. He will always be wary when strange men are near to me, but he does not react toward them the way he used to. He's calmer, takes time to evaluate a situation, and has learned to trust that I will not put him in a bad situation. Sylvie is a marvel. Our own DFW Dog Whisperer. I now have my other two dogs in her capable hands as well, and have been sending friends and their dogs to her. Wonderful with people AND animals, Sylvie is good for all of us! -
From the Bryant Family We have a beautiful, playful pitbull. She was still young when Sylvie agreed to talk her. Know we did look around at other trainers and companies, but we did not like what they said or how much they charged for what little work they did. With Sylvie, whenever we needed her she was there. For Reese's first time to the vet and out around traffic. Plus she did not have us muzzle her, like other people told us she would have to be. We also have a cat that was here first and they did not like each other at all. Sylvie got them to live in the same room together on the first day of training, and she was able to be walked on a leash the first day as well.
Sylvie is great with the animals and truly loves them. I send everyone I know to her.
From Carolyn & Wizzy
WillsWizard (AKA “Wizzy”) was just 10 months old when we started Beginner Obedience at Top Class K9. For eight weeks, Sylvie put us through the paces; and each week, Wizzy was so excited about being there and I was so proud of him. Who knew he was such a Wiz! Now we can’t wait until Intermediate and someday Agility. Thank you Sylvie!
From Pamela and Tigger Sylvie worked patiently helping me to train me and my dog, Tigger. He was fearful of new people and situations and would bark aggressively and lunge. I was afraid to expose him to anything or anyone new, I didn't know what would happen especially since he is such a big dog. My own fear made Tigger even more nervous. Sylvie worked on getting me to calm down so I could handle him and we worked on his obedience, a lot. We are still a work in progress. He is much more obedient and little by little I am seeing improvements in new situations. Thank you Sylvie, you've helped both Tig and I to have a calmer more in control life.
