2123 Marina Blvd. San Leandro, Ca 94577 (510) 483-2631 braveheartdogs@sbcglobal.net |
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"Whenever I have a client or patient in need of a trainer there is no one else I would recommend but Vicki. Without fail I get nothing buy glowing reports of her classes, her ability to deal with pets and people alike and her knowledge and professionalism. I know that she will do the best and you will always get the best from Braveheart Dog Training." Dr. George Marmolejo Chabot Veterinary Clinic
Ronchette. Vicki brings a broad scope of expertise and experience to her students and their dogs, that sets her a step beyond most trainers. She brings her vast background in breeding, showing, judging, breed rescue, grooming, training and caring for dogs to all of her work. Whether you are a student in a public class, a private client or reading one of her books; you will be treated to a passionate, caring and skilled training advisor who is dedicated to continuing excellence and skill development, unlike most people in the industry." Lisa Clifton-Bumpass CTC, CPDT, CDBC, CAP2 A Step Beyond Mentor, educator, trainer and dog behavior specialist
in the East Bay. I took my fearful and sensitive dog Dottie through 3 of Vicki's classes. She never forced or punished Dottie for being frightened. Vicki always made us feel comfortable and protected Dottie. We both benefited greatly from Vicki's positive teaching methods and expertise." Lorril Hayward "You have such a gentle soothing hand on the dogs. This is exactly what they need and it really calms them down when we take the pictures. People need to watch this and see what you are doing." Vicky Cook, Dog Show Photographer, Cook PhoDOGraphy "I was in Oregon the last four days for an ASCA show. Wylie looked very good in Dixon. My granddaughter showed him and he got Reserve Winner's Dog on Saturday. He had his ears up the entire time and seemed to be having a good time. I told my granddaughter I didn't care about winning - I just wanted him and her to have fun. And they did.
Sunday (a 3 point major) and two Reserved Winners Dog on Saturday. He really is showing so much better. My friend is very impressed and asked me to show her how to train hers with the clicker. My little blue Merle Puppy took Best Puppy on Saturday and Best Opposite on Sunday. I am really having a good time with the clicker. Thank you so much. Have you published your book yet. I thought you said it was in process last time I was there. Both my friend and I want to buy a copy." Sally Kirn Australian Shepherd breeder/owner/handler "As a veterinary technician, long time dog owner and strong believer in the need for obedience class for all dogs, I have worked with a variety of dog trainers and techniques. From personal experience I have found Vicki to be one of the most insightful and successful trainers I have worked with. Our own puppy, now 16 months and over 90 pounds, wasd enrolled in obedience school at 4 months old not only for socialization but because he was beginning to show dog agressive tendencies. We were concerned and asked Vicki to help us focus on this unwanted trait. She gave our situation a great deal of attention and time, asking us questions about his behavior and really observing him in class. She seemed to know exactly what to do, placing him in situations with other dogs in class where he learned to focus on us and ignore them. She has a great instinct and ability to understand dog behavior and applies a great deal of flexibility in her training. She treats each dog in every situation individually and teaches owners how best to work with their dogs. Many of our fellow attendees in class are, like us, repeatedly taking the advanced off leash classes. All the dogs and owners have a great deal of fun whil eenjoying the challenge of learning new behaviors and creating great K9 citizens. vicki insists that class remain fun and challenging for both dog and owner. We personally have seen great improvement in our dog's attitude towards other dogs under Vicki's guidance as well as having a great deal of fun and making friends. We wouldn't think of stopping our Thursday night sessions and I believe our dogs would agree. We would recommend Vicki for all aspects of dog training, from Puppy Socialization to severe behavioral problems. Both dogs and owners have a great deal to gain in fun training and bonding through a successful working relationship." Bea Linn, RVT (Resgistered Veterinary Technician) "I wanted to also tell you how well Rocket did on Saturday at the Ridgeback Specialty - she took first in the 12-18 puppy bitch class over a field of 11 other pretty darn nice puppy bitches. I don't know if it was our clicker session on Friday that gave her the extra confidence but it sure was obvious to everyone (people actually approached me and said so) that she had a "show attitude" going. Of course I'm thrilled - it was my first nice win with her as a handler. Thanks again - I'll definitely stay in touch!" Sara Glasser
You are a terrific teacher. I'm very eager to keep Guinness' training moving ahead." Joan Sieber "It's been almost a week of using your techniques with Brubeck, and is such an eager learner! On walks, he will "leave it" when it is something minor (like a bush or garbage on the ground) consistently. He has almost mastered "look" (even where there are other dogs coming our way or target people). In one day, he learned that while walking on leash, if we stop walking, he should sit! And, he's doing great with "touch" (even on the nail clippers)!" "But, we really wanted to thank you for your help and positive attitude! It was so nice to hear someone tell us that he is trainable & didn't suggest taking him back to the pound...so thank you!" "I was so impressed with everything, I have given your name/number to two of my friends who have been having issues with their little dogs (mostly aggression). So, I'm sure you will be hearing from them soon!" Thank you so much Vicki!" Sincerely, Heather & Nick "Rielly, the spotted dog, starts to wag his tail as soon as he realizes we are going to class! Vicki makes learning fun and exciting for both dog and handler. She breaks down goals into baby steps so it is easy for the dogs to succeed and she is perceptive enough to try different techniques if the dog doesn't understand. Vicki is passionate about canine behavior. She has instilled in me that the ways you can communicate with your , and the things he can learn to do are limitless!" Linda Blain, RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician)
home. By the end of the first few days, as adorable as she was, we were ready to take her back. We knew a puppy would change our lives but even with all of the research we’d done to try to prepare for her, we were overwhelmed and felt like we were in over our heads. Our vet had recommended Vicki with such enthusiasm that we decided we’d give her a call to see if she could help. From the moment Vicki came into our home we knew she was right for us. In her very gentle and matter of fact way, she got to know us, looked at the way we had the house set up for the puppy and evaluated the puppy. Josie was in love with her from the beginning and within minutes Vicki taught her to sit, down and leave it just using some treats and a clicker. Then she showed us how we could do it just as easily as she did. What a boost to our confidence that was! The biggest relief was in teaching Josie bite inhibition. How quickly she caught on when we said "ouch" just as loud as we could and quit playing when she bit too hard – what a simple and effective way to teach a puppy not to bite! Just as soon as she had her shots, we had Josie in puppy preschool with Vicki and she’s been in a variety of her classes ever since. Under Vicki’s guidance she’s well socialized to other dogs and people and her behavior is getting more reliable all the time. She’s 18 months old now and we can’t imagine what our lives would be like without her - or without Vicki, for that matter! Vicki is always available to answer questions and help us solve problems that arise from time to time. She’s an intuitive and patient teacher and we’re so happy to be using a clicker instead of a choke collar for training." Kathy and Diane "I adopted a black lab girl from the Hayward Animal Shelter in December. She was about 12 months old when we brought her home. She seemed very sweet. She was great with my kids and very affectionate. She had lots of puppy behavior. Ran wild, chewed on anything she could get. She had never been trained on a leash. I would take her out walking and she would come unglued when we saw another dog. I would have to run the other way when there was another dog out walking. She would turn into another dog. Barking, jumping all over the place and lunging at the other dogs. I started to wonder if I had adopted the wrong dog. I talked to my vet about dog training and she gave me Vicki's pamphlet. I called her right away and signed up for her next beginning obedinece class. The first couple of classes rough. Abby (that's my lab girl) couldn't even stay in the class the first two weeks. By the end of the eight week class, she was not only in the class, she was able to do the exercises with the other dogs nearby. Vicki is very dedicated to dogs. She met me early several times to help me with Abby. Abby and I have worked really hard. We can even go to Lake Chabot and the Marina and walk in close proximity to other dogs. I knew in my heart that Abby was the right dog. She just needed some extra attention and love to get through her issues. Before you give up on your dog, call Vicki." Wendy Posados Update on Abby: Hello Vicki, Happy New Year! I had an exciting day with Abby yesterday and I wanted to share it with you. My brother in law has a 6 month old Bullmastiff already 60+ pounds. We got him and Abby together yesterday and they played. They ran around 5 acres together and played in a pond and had a great time. I am so pleased at her progress. We have just hit our one year anniversary of her adoption. She has really settled into the family. Thanks again for your help. "Just wanted to know that we simply LOVE your class and how you interact with the dogs. You have an awesome gift and it shows with the animals. Plus everyone I know loves you and your techniques!" Nancy Zee
excited, me or Blue. I've had dogs all my life, but the bond with him is much stronger, thanks to your style and teachings." Sloane Whelan "I just had to drop you a line to let you know how great the clicker training of my Mustang baby is going. She caught on quicker than the dogs. In less than a week I was petting her and picking up her feet. Now it has been two weeks and I can lay on her back, lead her with a lead rope, pick up her feet, touch her head and everywhere else, she backs up and I can undo her halter. Which to any other horse would be no big deal, but for a horse that had never been touched by a human 3 1/2 months ago. That's HUGE! So, I wanted to tell you thank you so much for the great advice. I have even learned how to use the clicker much better. I am allowing her to make the right decision and reward her for it. Wow, it is so much easier than traditional methods. And so much faster! I think she is so much like our cattle dogs! She is so smart, she learns things very fast and she understands what I am asking her to do. She even likes doing her work. She waits for me in the roung pen every morning. I ask her, "Are you ready to work?" and she always whinnies back at me!I am going to take this all the way. I have thought of how to teach her tricks with the clicker. She uses her feet and mouth for everything. So, I think she will be a great trick horse." Ann Azevedo "I plan on taking more of your classes with Walter and with my other dog. I really enjoy your method of training, not having to get physical with my dogs or jerk them around with a choke chain, it's a pleasant change from the old training methods. We have been talking about you to clients left and right, my boss is also excited about it and quizzes me every Thursday about class. " Jessica Souza "Vicki's puppy classes are wonderful for the owners and the pups. She goes beyond the expected for a group class. She has a way of making you feel that your pup is the one and only pup that matters to her. It is like private classes that includes interacting with other pups. She is always available to help." Linda Tripp Thank you so much for the feedback on Leise. My husband and I have always felt that she could overcome her reactive behavior if we cuold figure out how we were supposed to handle it. We have seen more progress in the training sessions with you during the past few weeks than we ever dared to hope for. I really appreciate the positive approach you use with both Leise and me, as well as your understanding of my need to be comfortable with each training step so that I'm not increasing her anxiety through my concern about how her behavior is perceived. The time with you always seems to fly. Leise and I both enjoy the training sessions immensely and my husband is always eager to hear what we have learned. Thanks again for the wonders you are working for us each week. We are so glad that we found you. R. Daniel, Chandra
much. I am just amazed with your talent Vicki. Dogs just love you and seem to listen to you almost instantly. WOW." Rosy Rivera
and "people skills" just compliment your knowledge and experience". Robin Zachritz |
"Timber"
"Brubeck"
"Rielly"
Ann with her wild
mustang baby
mustang baby
Dixie Chick
| Testimonials |
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| Braveheart Dog Training "Dog Training from the Heart" |
| Diane and Kathy with "Josie" |
| Toby |