940-765-3K9S (3597)

Testimonials





Jason & Sarah Ryburn - Denton Texas
"Having had dogs for most of 45 years it was my impression that I just might really know a thing or two about training.  Summer has very patiently 'trained' me to realize a lot of my knowledge needed tuning.  Not just fine tuning but sometimes coarse training tuning.  Meaning I was out of whack on some issues.  Now I am working a very high drive dog that honestly keeps me on my toes.  Without Summers very patient encouragement Kyra and I might have had a few wrong paths. 

Summer I fully realize that your biggest hurtles with Kyra and myself are mine.  I appreciate the direction, knowledge, and correction.  Professional dog trainer you are.  Without reservation I recommend your program to others.  Kyra and I look forward to the various classes you will offer in the future.  Thanks for the patience.  For goodness save thanks for introducing us to Modi the wonder dog."

Mike Shelton & Kyra - Denton Texas
Summer,

Just a short note to thank you for providing Ezra with desperately needed behavioral guidance.

We are very appreciative for the opportunity to meet you and have Ezra experience your tutelage. Her behavior is improved to the point we are no longer reluctant to expose her to new environments and people. She has become the companion we all hoped for and as a result enriched our lives.

Please feel free to us us as a reference for those uncertain about the benefits of your training methods.  We can freely recommend you and your abilities as an educator without any reservation whatsoever.

Thank you again and kind regards.

Steve & Kim Harrell - Abilene Texas
Harrell Resources
avatar"I have had good results training multiple dogs using clicker training. However only one of these dogs had a recall that was reliable enough to allow her to accompany me off leash on our six acre property. I want all the dogs to be able to participate in off leash walks and activities outside the confines of our fenced backyard.  This is where Summer and remote training entered the picture. Summer taught me how to use the remote collar in a humane way to teach my dogs Gus and Blue Moon to stay close, come when called, and ignore the multiple distractions available outside their fenced world. The dogs are now able to walk with me off leash on our property. They love it and I love it!

In addition to great recalls, Summer taught me how to use the remote collars to improve their doggy manners around other dogs and people too. Blue Moon is much less mouthy towards people, and Gus is much less reactive towards other dogs. The remote collar training has allowed my dogs a greater degree of freedom than they had previously. We even take them to Denton with us to dine at some of the patio restaurants. While I still use clicker training, the remote collar is a very valuable tool in the training and managing of my dogs also. 

Summer is an incredible trainer and understands both how to use and how to teach you to use the remote collar."

 

Janet Johnson, Gus, & Blue Moon - Sanger Texas
avatar"My dog Ruby, a Labradoodle, began remote collar training when she was eight months old.  It was by far, the best thing we could have done for her, aside from proper veterinarian care, and nutrition.  It was also one of the best things we could have done for our family as well.  When Ruby began training, she was very "mouthy" and jumped on everyone. She was also very difficult to take on walks, as she pulled constantly.  After her two week training, she was a new puppy!  The best part is, she gets better each day!  Her puppy manners went from minimal to none, to a very well behaved dog, in such a short amount of time.  One thing that I found to be the most beneficial for us as a family, is that we finally had some sort of control with our dog.  Before her training, I felt like there was nothing we could do to make her cooperate with us.  After her training, and with the use of the remote collar, we don't have to settle for that.  She is now such a joy to take on walks, and a balanced part of our family.  I highly recommend remote collar training and the continued use of a remote collar, to anyone who wants a happy, balanced dog, who will be an asset to your life and family."

Terra Caswell "Ruby's Mom" - Denton Texas
avatarRemote collar: "I was initially hesitant about the remote collar until I held one and was able to feel the sensation that they emit.  It is a non-threatening, non- painful sensation similar to a TENs unit used for adult muscle stimulation.  My small dog's (7 pounds) response to training with the collar was incredible.  She runs to me and is excited when I put the collar on her in the mornings.  After just two weeks, I have a dog that is responsive, noticeably better behaved and is a joy to walk on leash.  I am now a believer!"
 
Training: "After just two weeks with Summer, I have a noticeably better behaved dog.  Caddie comes when called, is extremely responsive, walks calmly on a leash, and most surprisingly, stays in place and doesn't bother us when eating!  She thoroughly enjoyed her time with Summer, as is evidenced by her extreme excitement when Summer comes to visit.  I too, have learned the tools needed to continue to work with my dog.  What a wonderful investment!"

Rebecca and Troy Turner & Caddie - Denton Texas
avatar"In January of 2010, we adopted a new family member, Dewey the dog. While we loved our new, rescued, 1 year old Goldendoodle, we knew that we had to get his impulsive and hyper behavior under control if we were going to be good, responsible pet owners.  I had to get our giant fur ball some serious help.   After taking him out to our local dog wash and grooming store and him being absolutely out of control, I was gently coaxed by the shop owner right then and there that it might be, "a good idea to have him trained".  The owner offered me a business card for On The Ball K9 and I immediately called!  At this point, I was utterly frustrated and was at the verge of tears.  Not only had others noticed his "bad" behavior, my own Mother-In-Law told us that she wouldn't come visit us anymore if we couldn't get Dewey to stop jumping on her. 

As the phone rang, I just prayed that this would be the answer to our problem-we LOVED our dog, but did NOT love his behavior.   So when this sweet voice answered at the other end, I knew we were going to be in good hands.  Summer offered a free demo in our home, and from almost the moment she opened her mouth, I was SOLD.  We purchased the "Major Learning" Package, and began lessons the following week.  The difference was IMMEDIATE.  Dewey became aware instantly that while we loved him to pieces, that he had to obey our commands and obey them correctly and consistently.  As Summer says, "Practice makes permanent".  Summer is so patient and kind with Dewey.  She loves him in a way that I have never seen with other dog trainers.  She has this amazing ability to love dogs where they are at.  Summer works with us during our lessons and reviews issues from previous weeks.  If Summer has patience for animals, she has 10 times more for the humans she is also teaching.  One day I think I had 15 questions to ask her, and she went over every single one of them.  WIth Summer, you get the best of both worlds-someone who genuinely cares about our dog, and someone who genuinely cares about the humans!

All this to say that as I write this, it is our last training session with Summer.  Dewey has come around 180 degrees and is a different dog than when we began.  He's very obedient at home and is really working on being obedient in public.  Us, on the other hand, have gained a confidence only fueled by Summer's continued assurance that "You can do this.  Relax and show him you are in control."  We have really enjoyed working with Summer and may even get another Goldendoodle just so we can work with her again!  And for the best news of all, my Mother-In-Law's two visits have been wonderful.  Dewey didn't jump on her, and for what it's worth, she calls him her "Granddog".  I think we're on our way.  THANKS, SUMMER!!!!!!"

Kim Lahart & Dewey - Denton Texas
avatarNovember 10, 2010

To whom it concerns,

The purpose of this writing is to applaud Summer and On the Ball K9 Training! I had found them only after a very highly regarded training facility in McKinney let me down with dismal results. My pup Ziggy was in the previous Board and Train facility for 6 weeks and I never had such a bad experience with anyone and only pray that he was treated in a humane fashion.

The problems I had with the other facility were that they used choke and pinch collars which are very inhumane especially if used improperly. (At the time, I didn’t understand that there was and is an alternative to that type of training. That Electronic Collars could be used and their benefits when properly used in training dogs were highly rewarding.) I was assured that they knew what they were doing only to find out that that was not the case at all. The other facility also always made up excuses as to why no one would be there if I came by to visit Ziggy and it was like pulling teeth to get any updates or pictures of him while in the facility. Remember, Ziggy was there for 6 weeks and frankly came back to me worse than when he went in.

Two weeks later I found On the Ball K9 Training and wish that I would have done so in the very beginning! It almost would appear that all I was concerned with the first go round was my convenience and not so much the quality of Ziggy’s training and handler. Believe me, nothing could be further from the truth but what is one to do when they are a novice at this. You make a mistake and the pup you love so much pays the price. Nuts!!

The good news in all of this is that Ziggy and I have not only found a quality facility but also an owner and handler that we now call…friend! Summer, is my version of the Dog Whisperer! The animals love her and she makes a conscious effort to make sure that the dog is treated properly, gets the right nutrition and puts you at ease every step of the way. Including contacting you on every decision made with your dogs training, exercise, health care and owner education. She posts videos of their progress and field trips for not only you to see but for everyone on the internet to see as well. Nothing to hide, superb training and communicative ability.

Further, being somewhat timid of how animals are treated since our previous experience I was not sure of the use of the Electronic Collar. Let me tell you that the results are and were nothing less than amazing. All the dogs were and are at ease. It doesn’t hurt them in the least and I am convinced that it is the most human way to train any dog of any size or breed. I would NEVER have another dog trained in any other fashion.

Ziggy again was in the Board and Train program, much the same as the other facility. But the difference is startling! He is happy, looks forward to working with me and taking direction on or off the leash. You see Ziggy used to dive for the door when it was time to go out or when someone would get ready to leave my home. He would bark at anything and you couldn’t get him to stop. He would drag you everywhere and now he walks nice on the leash and even without one. He waits at the door behind me rather than running me over. And his overall temperament and attitude are so much better. It’s like one dog left and a completely different dog came home.

Summer and On the Ball K9 Training…Thank you so very very much

Vince Cuellar & Ziggy - McKinney Texas
Summer works patiently with the dog and the dog’s parent.  She devotes considerable effort to patiently training the owner as well as the dog.  Her technique differs from what one would expect.  She continually updates herself on new knowledge and ideas from her professional community.  We enjoy her regular updates on the web and look forward to group classes as well as other classes that she will offer in the future.  We were very pleased with Summer’s training methods for our Calhoun and would definitely recommend her to others! 

Sheri & Jeff Sager & Calhoun- Aubrey Texas
Dear Summer,
I really wish you were still here, I've grown to depend on you and respect your judgment. Zoe does too! I appreciate all your efforts on our behalf and taking your time to return to AK! You are a nationwide dog trainer! I recently had a visitor in my home who fancies himself as good with dogs and he was here and visiting with us in October. He tells me that Zoe has calmed down considerably and is surprised with my ability to train her. I have said to you before you do a good job to train me so in turn I can train her to be a good dog! She is a good dog and is improving all the time because of you! You are so calm and knowledgeable. I appreciate the fact to that you are just an e-mail away for my questions and that you take a genuine interest in our progress which tells me that you are there for the ongoing process of making my Zoe into the good girl that I know she is. Thanks so much!
Arlene

PS My son and daughter-in-law have a Weimeriner puppy and in need of a trainer. Anybody that you can recommend now that the "Cesar Milan" of Anchorage lives in TX?

Arlene & Zoe, Anchorage, Alaska- June 2010
Dear Summer, I was so glad to spend those hours with you last month. I learned a lot about how to be a better and calmer pack leader. I have had a few opportunities to practice what you taught me and I certainly feel more empowered to react appropriately when we encounter other dogs. I find that by multitasking I really don't have time to tense up and freak out. The pointers and lessons you gave me were very, very helpful and I appreciate it more than you know. That was some of the best money I've ever spent and the lessons will remain with me. I think you are an awesome trainer, wise and calm. I couldn't  help but feel calmer around you and Modi and, when I start to feel myself getting tense, I think of that day at University park. You gave me invaluable lessons and advice- I now feel like a calm but assertive pack leader. Thank you again so much for helping me help Bella, who is the love of my life.

-Debbie Falco & Bella, Anchorage Alaska June 2010
avatar"In April of 2009 we lost a member of our family (Ranger a 4 yr old lab), he was hit by a car when he ran out in the street. Shortly after losing Ranger we brought our current lab (Champ) home to help fill the void left by losing our very good friend.  I’ve owned dogs all my life and was quite confident in my skill of training, but come to find out I had NO idea what I was doing. 

Currently we have 2 dogs, Mikko a 3 yr old pit bull mix and Champ a 16 month old Chocolate lab, and prior to Summers training walking both dogs at the same time or leaving them out when company came over was COMPLETELY out of the question! We also had to institute a rule to where the front door was never used, we would come and go through the garage so the dogs did not bolt out the door. 

One evening my wife was walking Mikko and I was walking Champ.  Champ pulled free from his collar and Mikko pulled my wife down, and down the street both dogs ran with me running and yelling behind them and all I could think about was what happed to Ranger happening to either one or both of these two; I’m still not sure how I got them back but eventually I did.  As soon as I got home I began searching for trainers.

I chose Summer because she seemed very nice and was willing to train Champ in our environment, I am proud to say I am 100% positive I made the right choice.  Summer would not only show us how to correct the negative behavior but she would also explain to us WHY/HOW the negative behavior began, which is priceless in my book.

After the 1st lesson there was an IMMEDIATE difference!  As the lessons continued so did BOTH dogs improvement, there were SO many different aspects to training that I had never considered.

Now that the lessons are over, walking both dogs at the same time is no problem whatsoever, we have had multiple gatherings at the house in which the dogs could have cared less what was going on… IT IS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I have taken Champs leash off a few times while in a field (away from traffic) and he does exactly as I ask him to.  Not that I will make a habit of that (due to what happened to Ranger) but it’s nice to know I can break his attention and get him back to me if I need to.

I HIGHLY recommend Summer and her program, it has completely changed our lives!"

 

-Jesse Keene and Champ, Lewisville, Texas
McGoys Toys
avatarBefore we started training with Summer and On the Ball, we had a wonderful yet rambunctious 75lb Golden Retriever. On the Ball training was not our first training program. We tried two other programs with unsuccessful results. Though it takes a lot of work keeping up with the training (as in any training program) we noticed a change in our dog’s behavior fairly quickly. He’s still the same wonderful 75lb Golden Retriever, but with much better manners. Some of the issues that have been corrected were: jumping (sometimes even humping) on guests, lunging and pulling while on walk, and getting WAY TOO excited when crossing paths of other dogs. After 8 weeks of training: jumping is no longer an issue, walking is no longer a chore, and his manners with other dogs have improved dramatically. We are very happy with the results and Beau is much happier, as now he understands that he no longer needs to pull on walks. We wanted a dog we could take out in public and enjoy being outdoors with. Thanks to On the Ball Training and Summer, we have achieved our goal.
Thank You Summer!

-Wes, Vivi and Beau, Denton, Texas
avatarThis sweet puppy was so very hard to resist so we brought him home to our busy home thinking he would fit right in. Needless to say a Weimy is way more dog than I was ready to deal with. He grew fast and was soon eating everything in the house including the kids. He was hard to walk on a leash without pulling, and jumped on everyone. On The Ball K9 helped me and Gus learn how to exist. He is now walking nice on a leash, staying on his place board during meals, and really getting along well with others. He only eats his toys and is a real joy to have as an addition to our family. Thank you Summer for helping us turn this unmannered puppy into a loving pet.

-Chris & Gus, Sanger, Texas
Summer worked with our first German Shepherd and we were so impressed with her professionalism and results that we contracted with her for our second Shepherd. Her method of training is reliable, consistent and safe for both the owner and the pet. The potentially harsh and dangerous environments of Alaska made the choice of the E-Collar an easy one as it allows us to draw the attention and obedience of our dogs regardless of external stimuli. (Moose, Bears, etc) She is a personable individual and is an instructor that can modify her program to suit your (or the dogs) needs. Both my wife and I highly recommend her and her training program to anyone with dogs, especially large ones.

-James and Darlene Sizemore, Alaska
I have a lab/huskey pound puppy named Diego. I call him puppy as apparently these two breeds take a long time to settle down, or at least that is my experience with Diego. Diego turned 3 years old in June. For the first two years of his life with us there were times when I was unsure if we were going to blend as a pack…not due to lack of love on his part for me…but rather he chewed “everything” in sight….the loss of the steps off two elipticals, a weight bench, his new canvas dog kennel were not as great as the books and other items that we had in boxes in the garage that he destroyed. He was an absolute terror at the end of the leash, and of course I had alot to learn. Meeting Summer at On the Ball K-9 was an absolute blessing. She taught me how to walk Diego and impressed on me the importance of the walk to Diego. That first walk that Summer observed with me and Diego she asked me if the speed that I walked with him was a normal walk speed for me?. The answer was no, I just had to walk that fast to keep up with him. Now after about 1 year I have a wonderful walk partner in my puppy Diego. He still is loads of energy and the begining of each walk begins with the same excitement for him. Being able to walk Diego without the fight and struggle has made for an absolute love match between me and my walking buddy. Thank you Summer for your friendship, time and training.

-Blessings and Woof from Kristena and Diego, Anchorage, Alaska
avatarWe had some behavioral issues with one of our dogs, an intact male, Labrador Retriever, Marley, and I knew I needed the help of a professional trainer. I started doing my homework and decided to try On the Ball K9 Training. It was one of the best things I’ve done for my dogs, myself, and my husband. Before meeting Summer and going through one of her free consultations, I would have never thought of using an e-collar. I thought they were cruel and inhumane. Summer’s demonstration showed me that e-collars are one of the many tools you can use to redirect your dog’s attention, and if you are trained in their use and use them correctly, they are no more cruel or inhumane than using a collar and regular leash. She had me experience what it felt like, and honestly, I could barely feel it (felt like a tapping sensation). She spent at least an hour with me answering questions, showing me how the collar worked on Marley, and I was impressed enough to sign up Marley and our Lab-mix Kaylee. I also invested in e-collars for all the dogs (we also have a Yellow Labrador, Riley). I loved the private, affordable lessons and the one-on-one attention Kaylee and Marley received. We took them to various locations so they could experience people, sliding doors, elevators, stairs, etc. One of my favorite lessons involved the command “place,” a valuable tool when it comes to feeding time and when guests come over. Summer is always calm, patient, and positive. She helped me work on how I was walking (too tense and stiff) and helped me relax and become more calm and confident when I had the dogs out in a public place. She gave me advice on working with Kaylee’s fear of certain objects. Before she left Alaska, she set up a series of free training sessions with her clients so we could work on what our dogs had learned in a small group setting. They were a complete blast! I highly recommend Summer! You won’t regret hiring her!

-Sasha Prewitt, Marley & Kaylee, Anchorage Alaska
avatarI am so pleased with the training that we have received from Summer. I liked the personal one-on-one training. We weren’t in a group where the most unruly dog got all of the attention. I really like that I now have the tools and the confidence for my dog to be off leash. I feel more secure with my dog no matter where we are. My dog was running with a moose the other morning and I was able to have my dog stop and come to me.

Knowing I have that control now is so liberating. I know my dog is safer now. I liked Summer’s professionalism and expertise with dogs. I liked that she had the answers, and if she didn’t, she found out – like, does an Old English Bulldog swim? My stubborn dog is now off leash. I know I can call him and he will come. I am now calm and relaxed when we go for a walk. It was also helpful when Summer brought her dog to assist with the training. When Gilly was ready for off leash training it helped to have Modi there. It was helpful to see how Summer interacts with her dog. To follow her example. My dog now walks on leash without pulling. He is more aware of where I am and we walk together. I never thought I could be this happy with my dog, thanks Summer! I already have referred co-workers and friends. I have actual measurable results from this training.

-Susan Gorba & Gilbert, Anchorage, Alaska
Summer is great with animals (and people). She had my dog “listening” to her in the first minute, without saying a word. Now my dog is a whole lot more fun to be with. And I don’t have to worry about him “jetting” off on me. Seriously, Duke is soooo much more fun. We went for a walk downtown last night by the old federal building, I let his leash just drag on the ground, and he stayed right with me. I need him to be able to respond to the kids just by voice command, and he is getting there. And he doesn’t jet out the front door any more either. My dog is better behaved and that makes me happy! It also makes him happy. Summer… you rock!

-Susan Pacillo & Duke, Anchorage, Alaska
avatarHiring Summer of On The Ball K9 is one of the best things my husband & I could have done to help with the proper training & socializing of our larger, mixed-breed puppy. We’ve hired Summer for personal, in-home training sessions, the 1-hour walk program & meeting her for training classes with other dogs. I’ve found that in all environments: my home, dog walking & classes, that Summer’s professional but flexible experience has worked well for us. We are using the remote collar to assist with training our puppy. Our puppy is currently 9 months old, about 70 pounds & a bit strong-willed. He does want to learn, listen & “do the right thing” but can need some ’strong’ encouragement to stay in focus while walking & training. I’m confident that knowing Summer will lead our dog to be a happy, well-adjusted member of our family.

-Theresa Dayton and Tom Cicardo, Anchorage, Alaska
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