Alpha Canine Professional Testimonials

Tomomi had recently completed a 7 month course with another establishment here in Melbourne and she is also a full time trainer back in Japan with several years experience. She found us via a trainer in NSW who is a good friend of mine and suggested that whilst in Melbourne Tomomi should take a look at our dog training method.

As a result, Tomomi attended a 28 day, full time intensive trainer's course at the Alpha Boarding Kennels. This is what she had to say:

A letter from Tomomi Sekino to Alpha Dog Training & Boarding Kennels (Boarding School For Dogs) Director Greg Fontana, 15 July, 2006.

This past month I've learned an amazing amount whilst studying at Alpha Dog Training & Boarding Kennels (Boarding School For Dogs). Every day I've had the chance to handle and train many dogs, as well as to observe and learn the training method used on the many different types of dogs. Alpha Boarding Kennels is an extremely quiet environment, which has a very calming effect upon the dogs, even for those dogs that are fearful. Why? Well simply, even those dogs known to be aggressive aren't just barking all the time.

I've built up my self confidence levels through being able to handle so many dogs. Large dogs; small dogs; dominant dogs; fearful dogs; I was able to handle all different dogs at differing stages of training. Sometimes I was a little unsure – for example after training a dog that knew quite a lot already, to be given a raw dog to train, how far should I be able to go with this dog – but ultimately I always came to understand the points I was unsure of, which I was really pleased about.

During my previous course with another establishment I learned theories on how to deal with canine behavioural problems but the dogs we actually trained during that course were not afflicted with any kinds of problems, which had left me feeling a bit uneasy. At Alpha, however, I was really thrilled to have the chance to see dogs with real behavioural issues being trained and what's more I got the chance to handle and train these dogs myself. The trainers at Alpha were all kind and understanding, and I found the one-on-one tuition easy to understand – any question I asked was always explained and discussed until I understood the answer.

Keryn – I really appreciate all your help with the training and sometimes also with my English. You always were able to show me what I was doing wrong and encouraged me to try it again to get it right, and I grew in my understanding and self confidence thanks to your patient coaching. You always explain things with consideration for your listeners' feelings.

Hannah – You are very warm hearted, and although we didn't get to spend much time training together, you have a way of teaching that is considerate and easy to understand.

Ruth – I'm grateful to you for always explaining things carefully and making sure that I understood the basic principals. You have an eye for detail and are always terrific with the dogs.

Greg – You taught me the foundation principals of your training method and taught me to recognise the important factors in handling dogs. You taught me the importance of showing leadership to the dogs and what are the important things to teach dog owners. Anything I didn't understand all I had to do was ask and you were able to show me how to handle the situation, in a way I could easily understand. I'm grateful to you for encouraging me and explaining everything in such detail that I could understand, especially when the knowledge and skills I brought with me were clearly inadequate.

You taught me that all dogs are basically the same and that there are certain rules that apply no matter what the situation. I had previously been taught differing rules of behaviour modification for each different problem that a dog might present with, which when I think about it now seems very confusing and must make it difficult for the poor dog to get the message. For me one of the most important, and most simple, things I've learned is that no matter what behavioural problems a dog presents with there are certain very important things that the owner must do and must not do.

The Hand back – This was a completely new experience for me and I learned a lot from attending hand backs. Actually, I really wondered if, when we took these dogs back into their homes, the dogs would be able to perform? And would the owners be able to learn to handle them? The reality turned out to be all that and more. It was exciting to see that the dogs actually could do it and when a dog did challenge the owner the trainer was able to deftly guide the handler so that they were able to grow confident and competent in their handling.

The Weekly Classes – This was of great interest to me as I've really had no experience of this type of training in Japan, but I'd love to give it a go back home. My previous dog trainer's course with ADT left me with a lot of questions; questions that seemed to arise during the class but never seemed to be answered by the end of the class. I found answers to all my questions here with Alpha. It was so pleasing to see that no matter how many dogs ended up in each class, there were always trainers ready and willing to give personalized attention to those who were having difficulty with their handling. The trainers were all very easy to get along with, and I found the class content extremely interesting.

Finally, thankyou for all of your care and attention this past month. I'm so grateful for everyday that I was picked up and driven around; for all the time and guidance I received in refining my handling, which often wasn't very good; for all your care. Thankyou for patiently explaining concepts or points I didn't understand until I understood and learned them. Though I'm returning home to Japan now, I hope that we will meet again.

Tomomi Sekino
15th July, 2006

PS. Thankyou for your generous gift of the akubra hat, which I love. I saw that Ruth and Keryn both wear one, and admired theirs, but never would I have imagined receiving such a splendid gift. Thank you so very much.

Visiting Trainer From India Completes 'Level 1' Full-time Intensive Trainer's Course.

Ramana Dukkipati contacted me enquiring about the full-time trainer's courses that are on offer to interstate and international dog trainers. He read about these options on our website and decided that he would like to learn more about the "Lifestyle Canine Communication System". After months of negotiations and organisation the course start date was set for June 25, 2004.

Ramana spent 10 very busy days training with me, five of them full time at the Alpha boarding and training kennels from 8am - 5pm. Each day also included a lecture topic relevant to the training we were doing at the time. Over the course we also included: two puppy education sessions I conduct at Stud Park Veterinary Hospital and Beaconsfield Veterinary Centre, a Sunday evening Research & Development session with my trainers and trainees, an early morning trainer session working with the trainer's own dogs before training, three Alpha Dog Training sessions (one as a 1st time customer, one as a basic & intermediate customer and the third he spent filming all classes), one Saturday morning handling workshop with my current trainees and a few trainers and a full afternoon lecture & workshop (after Alpha) with my trainers and trainees.

He also attended five boarding school hand-backs in the customer's homes and watched how I demonstrate the dogs under distraction around kids and other dogs and then pass the new canine communication skills on to the owners. The focus here was to let him witness how dogs trained in obedience with our method could also be easily shaped in the important areas of behavioural modification. This was the best way for him to see the three base "life skills" I consider to be vital to ALL behavioural modification (1: Not jumping on people and children. 2: Not barging through doors & gates. 3: Behaving inside). The results were very exciting and it was great for him to see dogs working in their home environment under the clear guidance provided by their proud owners. What really blew him away was how positive everything was and how the dogs were not 'broken' by the experience.

Each day's training was filmed and photographed and Ramana received personalised course notes relevant to the training conducted. Over the duration of the course he got to train and socialise with my part-time trainers and trainees and also my full time staff, Vinny (Senior Trainer), Renee (Trainer) and Amy (Trainer/Business Manager). Everyone just loves sharing this stuff and when the trainers worked with Ramana they just kicked into teaching mode which was great to see. Martine (Trainer) also did a great job helping me teach the dog handling basics on the first morning of the course.

By the end of his course Ramana was handling any dog we asked him to train confidently (Rotties, Labs, Dobes, Jack Russells, Cavies, Great Dane, Staffy X, Kelpie X, St Bernard, German Shepherds, Heeler Xs), all of mixed temperament and social problems, but thanks to his training - working beautifully.

These courses are a lot of work because they are tailored to suit the group or individual (as in this case), but I love doing them and it's great to watch 'raw' trainers acquire their new handling skills from day-to-day and to see how their ability to "feel" the dog and communicate develops as we go. As their ability increases, so does their confidence and competence. It's amazing what can be achieved when training full-time.

Dear Greg

As I was watching the tapes, I was swept with emotions. Pride at having learnt something close to my heart for a long time, pleasure at the way it was taught and the feeling of camaraderie as I worked along with the other trainers all came flooding back. Thanks for including Braidyn's break dance and antics in the tape. I have started training my dog from yesterday. I wear the Alpha cap with pride while training. As promised I shall film before and after of each dog I train.

All dog myths broken. The training was an eye-opener. The unique training method of "Pattern Learning" is positive, gentle and very effective. It helps build a bond quickly between the dog and the owner. The Canine "Leadership" System developed by Greg Fontana, Director of Alpha Dog Training and Boarding School For Dogs made me competent to handle different breeds, sizes and temperament dogs and train them back in India.




Dear Greg

I have read your mail on the testimony you have received after training a problematic dog. For some one who is uninitiated into Alpha methods of dog training, the difference before and after the training is always close to incredulity. I myself would not have believed it if I had not gone through the training program and watched from closed quarters the trained dogs. Even my 11 year old son now is able to handle my dog who was earlier terrified of it because it used to jump and growl at him. And when he does it with such ease, I feel a deep satisfaction within myself that my decision to choose Alpha has turned out be the best choice. When I look back those three months of my intense search on the net for dog training institutes and try to follow my instinct in choosing the right one among more than 15 or so with whom I was in touch, I am always glad that I chose Alpha.

At that time I was perplexed at the different methods being described by the trainers and annoyed at some who refused to elaborate on the program or the method but insisted on advance payment before discussing any further. What swung me in favour of Alpha was your detailed mail on the method of training, program details, forthrightness and above all my hunch that you are a passionate person. You have proved to be more passionate than I have imagined and your method of training better than any type I have ever come across. Am glad about that.

So it's no wonder for me when you make the most problematic dogs better pets all in a span of 2 weeks. I can visualize the amazement and disbelief in the eyes of the owner when her troublesome dog turns into a disciplined pet. If you have told her that you are a sorcerer with dogs and had a magic wand to turn wild dogs into lovable pets she would have believed you. On the other hand I think you are a sorcerer and your magic wand is your training methodology and the passion to try to improve and innovate. And whenever I think of the training days, I think of the extra-ordinary length Amy and you have gone to make myself comfortable. Sometimes, I am nostalgic about the stay.

A letter of thanks from Singapore

Doggie Recreation (Singapore) would like to express our sincere thanks to Alpha Dog Training (Australia) for the training conducted from the period 12/11/2001 - 16/11/2001.

The training was well structured and planned. The lectures and discussions were simple and easy to understand. Hands-on training was carried out in the Hallam Park Boarding Kennel with dogs of different breeds and obedience levels. We were able to understand and practice the dog handling techniques at all obedience levels quickly with the availability of large numbers of dogs in the kennel.

During the training, we were taught how to use the HALTER and the Lifestyle Canine Communication System. This has benefited us a lot as we start to understand the reasons why and how commands are given at the right place and the right time.

The visit to the Alpha Dog Training on Wednesday and Sunday were an eye opener. We were able to see so many breeds of dogs and some breed like the Akita and Pit Bull were banned in our country. It is amazing to see Akitas and other so called "aggressive dogs" doing Sit-Stay next to each others and mixing well together with smaller breeds. The Alpha trainers were friendly and helpful to us and were prepared to share their experiences even though we had not met each other before. We were also impressed with the so many trainers during the training sessions which is a real plus when it comes to the customer's demands.

Lastly, it is really an experience to learn for the short 5 days courses because we were able to absorbed and do so much during the limited time. We definitely looked forward to future joint training courses with Alpha Dog Training and we wish you many, many good doggy years ahead and a merry Christmas.

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