Seattle Loves Ahimsa Dog Training!

I never hesitate to refer clients to Ahimsa Dog Training. Grisha knows the science of training and she knows how to get it across to people and their dogs. I have worked side by side with Grisha on many projects, and I respect her as a person and as an educator.

- Terry Ryan, CPDT, CTP, Author of "Coaching People to Train Their Dogs," "Outwitting Dogs," "The Bark Stops Here," and more. From Dogwise: 'Terry Ryan has been a mentor - maybe guru is a better word - for a whole generation of modern dog trainers who have benefited from her books, lectures, and seminars on dog training and class instruction.'

I just wanted to write and say what a wonderful job Rachel did for the Better Manners class. I will sign up for her fluency class if she offers one. She was excellent.

- Shirley Stanley, Seattle (Havanese)

I had an incredible visit with Kathy today and I think that it will lead towards positive progress for Sally. Kathy really "got it" when it comes to Sally's challenges and she was able to bring me some insight that I was sorely missing.

- Shelly Fuller, Redmond (Border Collie)

We have thoroughly enjoyed all three classes we've taken at Ahimsa. Amanda has been our instructor for all three and I can't say enough good things about her. She's patient and upbeat and demonstrates a true love for all the puppies.

Keep up the good work! We've recommended you to many of our friends.

- Cara & Phil Hohenstein, Seattle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)

Ruby, Alicia and I loved Advanced Puppy! Yes, the off-leash thing was a bit challenging at first, but we knew in advance that we'd be going strictly off-leash, so we practiced it. I found it quite beneficial for an excitable pup like Ru to have many distractions -- dogs, people, and especially TREATS! And most especially, the combo of Grisha/treats! Sure, it embarrassed me a bit occasionally that she could be so easily distracted, but the results are that now, she's much less easily distracted. And much more easy to call off of distractions.

The best part was getting her around other dogs. We don't have that kind of opportunity normally. When she's around other dogs in public places she does very well at screening them out and focusing on me and what we're doing. Especially considering she's a hyper-enthusiastic 7 month old.

We're looking forward to doing more training with her in the future. It's a great way for us to have accountability, and for her to experience many different situations.

- Lisa Mills, Seattle (AmStaff mix)

Update:  I volunteer my hypnotherapy services at Rosehedge, an assisted living house for people with AIDS. For the last few months I've been taking Ruby with me. The residents and staff love her! She greets everyone with an enthusiastic wiggle, invariable bringing a smile to even the grumpiest faces. And EVERYONE is so impressed with how well she behaves. (They can't believe she WAITS to go through a door until I ask her to!) It's true what they say: a well trained dog is a well loved dog.

Thank you for the opportunity to learn how to teach Ruby in an effective, loving way.

We are thrilled with the puppy classes we are taking and plan to continue for as long as there are classes to take. We have noticed a big difference at home in Roy's behavior and our behavior. We think he's a great dog and will only get better with your classes. Thank you for all your help and advice!

- Sue & Floyd Williams, Seattle (Labrador Retriever)

Just wanted to say how much we appreciated Mireille as the teacher for the Basic Manners class we just completed with Teddy. She did wonderfully!

- Virginia Wilson, Seattle (Bichon Frise)

I went to the pit bull seminar and you gave me tips for my windshield wiper hating dog. I tried it from far away at first, until she was calm, and progressed on, working daily since the class. [about 1 week] I can now get in the car, turn on the wipers, and, though still a little anxious, she doesn't lunge for them. It is a miracle. I love my dogs, but being in my own little world with them, this problem seemed hopeless. Pearl is now so much happier in the car, not waiting for the next time they will turn on, it's like a different dog. I could never thank you enough for this. I am moving to seattle soon and am looking forward to signing up for a couple of the classes you have. Also, I wanted to say thank you so much for the pit bull class. Owning these dogs is a joy, but people's reactions to them are not. It was wonderful to participate in a class with other people who appreciate them, instead of hate or fear them. Thank you for your time, and hope to be seeing you in the future!

(Update 6 months later: Hey, just wanted to say thank you again, and to tell you that with this help I took Pearl and Mahina on a 15,000 mile road trip this summer. The girls drove with me from washington to louisiana, tennesee, kentucky, then to the grand canyon, las vegas, southern california, back to washington, and then through canada and we are now in alaska. Pretty soon we leave to head back down through Canada. Pearl doesn't need to be sedated when it's raining anymore, it's amazing! They're now more well travelled than most Americans, and next summer we plan on making a trip to Mexico to go horseback camping. Thank you so much again for liberating Pearl from the land of the scary windshield monster, and me from the abhorration of putting the dogs in the car when it was raining.)

-- Allegra Gassert, Issaquah (Pit Bull mix)

The reward system (click and treat) seems to appeal to Moe quite well. He went right to his "rug" today when we walked in the office and his mommy/my boss almost cried with excitement. We're both understanding one another a lot better and this new form of communication makes us both happier. Thank you! We look forward to seeing you in class next week. Homework is becoming the highlight of our days.

-- Ashley Pankaskie, Seattle (French Bulldog)

Sadie in her  football bed

Puppy Sadie

I just wanted to tell you how grateful I was for your coming when called workshop. I was able to put what I learned to use on Saturday afternoon and it worked fabulously!! Sadie got out the front door when I was coming in and she started to dart towards the busy street by my house. I used the come command and she turned around and came running back towards me...YAY!!!!!!!!!

-- Dana Andersen, Seattle (Boston Terrier)

You really are a godsend (not sure what the secular term might be) for the doggie world and I really appreciate that you have dedicated yourself to this work as you clearly have both understanding and compassion for both the dog and his or her humans.

Thank you and as always I highly recommend your classes and look forward to crossing paths again!!

-- Rachel Agent, Seattle (Airedale Terrier / Golden Retriever)

With today's wind, I was able to practice the techniques you showed us during the workshop. Sydney's progress was amazing.

Having seen Sydney through some severe thunderstorms and 2 straight days of fireworks, I never imagined she would calm down so quickly. I certainly never imagined she would sleep through something that frightened her so much. Amazingly, the wind is blowing again now and she's sound asleep on the floor. Good training techniques can seem like magic has been worked on a dog.

Grisha, your Fraidy Dog workshop really helped us to understand that Sydney is not doomed to be scared all of the time. Applying the techniques you taught us demonstrated how easy it can be to help Sydney be a more confident dog.

This was our first experience at Ahimsa and we were very impressed with your knowledge and presentation. You are obviously great with dogs, but you are also extremely patient with people.

Thank you so much.

-- Sandy Rossetti, Issaquah (Border Collie)

Thought I'd let you know a funny little story. We took Henry to the very amusing pug Halloween costume party last week. They had the mandatory pug-races, and I held him at one end while my friend Heather awaited him at the other.

Things are Looking Up for Henry!

There were about 40 pugs there, and only Henry had ever, ever heard of a treat party. Once we got the "GO!", Heather hollered, TREAAAAAATTTT PARTTTTYYYYYY HENNNNNRYYYYYY!!!!! and that guy ran like he was outchasing death. He clearly had no idea why in the world everyone else was running, but I thought his ears were going to flop off his head. ['Treat Party' is one of the emergency cues we use at Ahimsa for coming when called.]

Needless to say, he won the race. ;-p

-- Anjani Millet, Seattle (Pug)

We just took Copper on a week vacation, camping and romping around - she is doing well on her commands from puppy class. The unlimited puppy class was great for all of us - we are glad we have a manageable dog we can take places. I think the socialization was key!

-- Jen Fox, Seattle (Vizsla)

I highly recommend Ahimsa Dog Training. Not only did Grisha help our dog but she saved our marriage! Grisha has a patient, calm, knowledgeable approach that trains owners to train their pets!

-- Ann Gilbert, Seattle (Miniature Dachshund)

Marc and I had a pretty scary incident tonight with Tasha. We had her at Greenlake and were letting her drag a tree branch around to wear off some energy. For the life of me, I don't know how this happened, but the (approximately 6 foot long) tree branch got stuck under her collar and somehow twisted so that it was completely stuck and choking her. She was running away in a panic, when I did the only thing that came to mind. I yelled "Tasha, wait!" That's the command I use when I want her to stop and stay in place. And by some miracle, in spite of the panic, she stopped immediately and waited for us to run up to her.

Anyway, it's a good story for why training is important.

Tracy Weber, Seattle (German Shepherd)

Loki was a shy, strange 5-month old mix we had adopted. I wanted to share with you where we are now!

Lola & Loki

Loki has become such a gentle companion and reliable friend that he is no longer kenneled at all. He loves the dog park and coming to work with me and walking around Greenlake. He loves his snuggles; he loves to be petted and scratched behind the ears, even by strangers! Your techniques took a troubled teenage Pomeranian and turned him into the best dog we have ever had - a potty trained (bell trained!), socialized, snuggly little angel! He enjoys playing with everyone - no matter what size or shape. And he is a great listener! We still practice with all of the tricks we learned in your class!

It was a lot more work than I thought it would be when we first brought him home and every minute was worth it.

Michelle Heimerl, Seattle (Pomeranian, Schipperke)

Grisha is a constant that both owners and dogs alike can count on. An incorrect behavior is always dealt with in a non-blaming way -- positive re-direction is given, often so smoothly that the dog doesn't even realize that its activity has been changed.

Delia at attention (Cairn Terrier)

My dog thinks Grisha is the most wonderful human in the world--Delia will perform for her willingly, and often watches and listens to her, even when Grisha is talking to another dog.

Additionally, Grisha has given us effective ways to deal with a very energetic and intelligent puppy; without her guidance I fear that we would have found ourselves in a power struggle with a very determined dog. At eight months, our puppy is growing into a well-adjusted and socialized dog who is well-mannered and a joy to have.

Delia relaxing (Cairn Terrier)

The three most important things we have learned: 1) How to be the most boring human in the world so that our dog doesn't get reinforcement for a bad habit; 2) How to use a clicker to enhance the training/learning process; and 3) How dogs communicate to each other--play bows, looking away, laying down, etc.

-- Chris Southwick & Ellen Mortensen, Shoreline (Cairn Terrier)

The field trips were a blast! Grisha was able to propose solutions for challenges specific to my pup that helps make our time out on the town more fun and less stressful for us all.

Lisa Page, Seattle (Pug/Labrador Retriever/Dachshund?)

We just loved Grisha and the gentle and playful way that she interacted with our dog. She is very good at what she does and she made both us and our dog feel comfortable with the training process. I felt that the basic manners class prepared us well to be able to take what we learned home and apply in the day to day. Grisha not only taught Ellie but she taught us how to be trainers for Ellie once we left the classroom.

I spend lots of time at the dog park and I never hesitate to talk to other dog owners about the great experience that Dave and I had with Grisha at Ahimsa.

Sarah Furtek , Seattle (Border Collie/Lab)

I just wanted to follow up with you about Siena. She has been doing really, really well.

Siena at Seal Rock

Both Sean and I have been working on the classical counter-conditioning stuff Siena is responding more attentively to both the treats and to us in the presence of other dogs. At the very least, we are both better able to read her signals and she only gets to meet dogs when she acts "appropriately." I don't think she's had a single fight in months.

-- Jennifer Marrone, Seattle (Basenji & Chow)

First, I wanted to tell you how much we are enjoying our puppy class with you! We find it really encouraging, are learning a ton, and I have become so much more relaxed with dog/kid interactions since starting the class. I truly appreciate all the ways in which you give Benjamin and Stephanie an opportunity to participate.

-- Lisa Nelson, Kenmore (Labrador Retriever)

I truly enjoyed the classes. Having tried several other dog training classes in the past, Grisha is the most knowledgeable instructor I have found. She obviously knows her stuff and loves her work. When I wrote emails to Grisha about issues with my puppy, they were always responded to quickly and with useful information/ideas. I'll do another class with Grisha when I can and have recommended her to others.

-- Mary Leavitt, Bothell (Aussie mix)

Howard & Yoshi

We are learning a great deal more than we expected to. I'd love it if the training location was closer to home, but it's worth the travel. Howard has not lashed out at us or at Yoshi in quite a while, and we have Grisha to thank for that. We were on the verge of resigning ourselves to having a "problem" dog, but now we feel like we're all best friends.

-- Ana Wieman, Seattle (Two Mini Cockapoos)

Thanks for all your ideas and support with Ruby. Your positive approach is so in-line with how we try to keep the atmosphere of our family and home (calm and happy) ; it's been amazing. We will continue the good work with Ruby and hopefully work with you again in the future.

-- Carrie and Tracy, Seattle (Bull Terrier)

Dougie (Pug)

I just wanted to let you know how much Dougie and I enjoyed your class. Your training techniques are so effective and I like that it is “positive”… so I hardly ever have to get mad at my puppy! It was a great experience, so thanks for all your help. We will see you when it’s time for more training fun!

--Marisa Broggel, Seattle (Pug)

My dogs are doing SO well!  Everyone who has been to our house over the past couple of months has commented on how much more well behaved they are, we even took them to the Ballard farmer's market on Sunday and they were so good!  Sonny is sleeping in his crate (with the door opened) all night now.   We're still giving them peanut butter when we leave, but they are doing much better when someone goes out and don't even get up now when someone comes in.  It's great! The sessions with you were the best thing that's ever happened to them!

-- Cassie Little, Seattle (Two Smooth Fox Terriers)

I wanted to drop you a note to let you know how the training has been going. The three of us are all so happy to go on walks now. Your suggestions work extremely well with Willie. Ollie takes a little more work, though she seems much happier. Thank you for teaching me patience with my dogs and that rewards are much more effective than discipline.

-- Barbara Trentalange, Seattle (Shepherd mix, Jack Russell Terrier)

Grisha's class was wonderful. Her emphasis on positive reinforcement was very effective for my shy puppy. Her careful attention to all aspects of the course, including free play time, ensured that my puppy always had positive experiences with other dogs and people. The student-instructor ratio was great, and my puppy and I always had lots of one-on-one attention. Grisha offers excellent handouts to help with the homework and future training for your puppy.

-- Amethyst Smith, Seattle (Havanese/Schnauzer)

Stella (Shiba Inu)

I work as a psychotherapist with families and individuals, and I thought your personality and attitude meshed perfectly with the "science" of behavioral techniques.  I've worked a lot with families who have challenging kids, and I've noticed that parents with similar styles (calm, respectful, passionate yet positive) are the most effective.  Your class helped us feel very empowered and encouraged.

-- Stephen Crippen, M.A., Seattle (Shiba Inu)

We were VERY satisfied with our experience and we feel that both we and our dog benefited tremendously from taking this class. It was well worth the 45 minute drive each way. We just returned from vacation and we found ourselves using lots of our newly learned training techniques (successfully!) along the way with new experiences, people, etc. Zoe had a great time and the training really helped - thanks!

-- Cheryl and Ryan Gilbert, Redmond (Boston Terrier / Beagle)

Ruby (Golden Retriever)

I liked the emphasis on both play and training with the puppies. It was a good balance and I learned a lot about how dogs in general communicate with each other. I especially like the non-violent nature of the training.

-- Deborah Walker, Seattle (Golden Retriever)

I was skeptical about the effectiveness of clicker training before my first session with Grisha, but by the end of our first class I had no doubts. The clicker method is both effective and fun to use. Grisha is a talented trainer, resolving our difficulties and answering questions with ease. Our dog Indy loves his training sessions, and is always excited when he sees us bring out the clicker. He has a focus and desire to get down to work that I didn't expect from a puppy. We absolutely believe in the methods Grisha uses, and have been delighted to find that our dog can and will learn without resorting to punitive measures.

-- Chris Marx, Seattle (American Eskimo Dog)

Hope and I learned a lot. Our relationship is much smoother. I love to see a new idea dawn in her eyes. I am now confident that she will be a good dog and good companion. I admit I had some doubts at one time. I've taught others in my family to use the clicker. They're happy with the difference in Hope's behavior. Even the neighbors comment when we go walking. Thank you. We'll be back for further improvement.

-- Nancy Clark, Seattle (Labrador Retriever / German Shepherd Dog)

We enjoyed the class. I felt that Cocoa and I made progress and I learned a lot. Some of what he "doesn't know yet" is because I am not practicing with him enough at home. I can tell that the things we DO work on are things he is solidly learning. We need more training and plan to come back! Grisha has been extremely helpful with some challenges (walking on the Burke Gilman trail with bicycles whizzing by was one thing we worked on privately).

Grisha is so supportive and has such a good sense of humor! Even when I felt like I was screwing up, she came to my rescue in a non-judgmental way and made me feel much more secure with my dog. The dog LOVES her! We'll be back.
 -- Cocoa's Mom, Lake Forest Park (Bernese Mountain Dog)

I loved the puppy kindergarten class and so did my dog. I liked that all the people who were going to be training the dog were encouraged to come. I really enjoyed the personal attention in class and Grisha answering questions throughout classes.

-- Charli Jo's Mom, Seattle (English Springer Spaniel)

Taking this class with my dog helped me bond and love my dog more than I ever knew was possible. I love spending time with her because she is easier to manage and I understand more about her now. After we go for our evening walk and "training" session, the best part is sitting together with her chewing something appropriate while we watch my daytime show that I taped. She rolls over onto her back so I can scratch my tummy and it makes me wonder why I need my boyfriend (or my kid) anymore.

Just kidding, of course, but I feel that the training really did help me get to know my dog better and for us to bond more. I am looking forward to taking more and more classes and having our dog a well-loved family member and friend.

-- Rachel Stanley, Seattle (Pit Bull mix)

Lots of things to like - good instruction, flexible instruction, the whole ahimsa philosophy, a variety of classes offered, friendly assistants, supportive and encouraging atmosphere.

-- Shannon Gray, Seattle (Two Australian Cattle Dogs)

You have a really good touch with dogs. It was great to see how my dog learned so much from you. We liked your emphasis on dog-human relationship. It was good to get training on how to be good dog owners, vs just trying to teach the dog.

-- Anonymous, Seattle

We had had Roxy for about a week when I realized we needed help. The final precipitating event was when she bit Bill as he tried to take something dangerous out of her mouth.

Roxy down-staying with Bill

There were other challenges too --- like how she launched herself at other dogs whenever we took her for a walk, or threw herself back and forth across the backseat of the car when we drove. Turning on the windshield wipers meant she would leap onto the dashboard and bark and bite violently at the blades. Whenever anyone left the house, she turned herself into a canine bowling ball and threw herself at the front door. She often barked when people walked past outside. She hated grooming which was a problem because she has such a beautiful, but very thick coat. Frequently she would growl while being touched or petted. On the positive side, it was clear that she was basically very loving and intelligent, and could be sweet, calm, and well-mannered. Both Bill and I agreed that we had never known a dog with more capacity to learn than Roxy. It’s easy for her, she seems to relish it and she will do almost anything for a treat.

I had heard about clicker training and wanted a non-coercive approach, so I got on-line and found Grisha. For the past year and a half Grisha, Roxy and I have met for an hour or so every few months and Grisha has trained the two of us. Roxy now wears a seatbelt and sits or lies down quietly in the car. Bill and I just took her on a week long road trip to a ranch and the beach and we both agreed that Roxy was a wonderful companion. She is much less possessive around food. About a month ago Bill and I smiled at each other when we found our cat and dog eating together off of the same plate. I can now leave Roxy behind with no dog body-slamming against the door. She lets me and others groom her. Roxy now feels safe enough around other dogs and people that I take her to the Farmer’s Market, the dog park, and to her first dog obedience class! When people see us together on the street, they often remark about how well-behaved she is. I just smile and say she works hard at it.

Roxy with Margot

As I look back on the past year and a half and see how far we’ve come, I can’t help but wonder what Bill, Roxy and I will be doing together next year. Grisha helped me understand some about the nature of the changes we have asked Roxy to make --- what she’s likely to learn quickly, what will take her a while, when and how Bill and I need to change. Having an intelligent shy working dog in our lives is different from what it was like with our other dogs, but I can wholeheartedly say that it’s good and interesting, and it means Bill, Roxy and I have a common bond in the true joy of learning. Thank you Grisha. We couldn’t have gotten this far without you!

-- Margot Dick, Seattle (Shetland Sheep Dog)