I first met Liz in 2003 when she evaluated the temperament of a dog being fostered by the PG/SPCA who had serious behavior issues. She did an excellent, thoughtful job and followed up with a full report of her findings. She continued to assist by helping our individual foster "parents" with the dogs they had in their homes. Liz and I have worked together ever since. She has conducted a number of successful volunteer and public training classes dealing with every breed and mix of breed imaginable, and every type of behavior problem rescue dogs may happen to have. We greatly appreciate her expertise and professionalism, and enthusiastically recommend her.
---Mary Jarvis, Director of Animal Welfare, Washington Animal Rescue League
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Siena, one of Liz’s fosters from the DC Animal Shelter. This lucky gal, who was in the shelter for so long that she forgot about housetraining, got herself some education and found herself a fabulous home in College Park, MD, then moved to Seattle with her proud “parents” Jennifer and Sean.
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I cannot begin to express my appreciation for your help with KC. When I called you, I was concerned that I might have to retire her from her role as a therapy dog. Her behavior at my new job seemed so unusual for her, that I didn't feel I could trust her around the young students I work with. You asked so many insightful questions and then gave me such a thoughtful explanation for her behavior and offered such an effective training remedy that in only a few short days, she was back to work and back to her usual self! What I appreciate most is how you explained to me that her behavior was logical for a dog and provided me a training program that was logical to me.
On behalf of the students that I work with who are happy to have KC back at work, my sincere thanks!
---Heather Kirby, LCSW
The training session was absolutely the most fun I have had in a long time. It's been a while since I have had a dog in the house and I just forgot how unbelievable it is. We went out to Petsmart tonight and practiced a whole bunch. I think he is getting the hang of it and he's having fun. Can't wait for next week!
---Eric C. of Northwest DC, companion of Buster, an American bulldog adopted from a rescue.
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If I didn't already know it (which I did)... I learned yesterday how valuable it is to have a trained dog.
I had such a scare while walking Ellie. I have NO earthly idea how it happened, but she got away from me. Ellie had stopped to poo, and as always, I had the leash looped around my wrist. She's always very patient while she waits for me to pick up her deposit. Well, as I was futzing around with the bag, I noticed out of the corner of my eye that she was walking away from me. And I mean, not a short distance either. I felt no tug or anything. I looked up in shock and saw that the leash was still looped around my wrist, but that the other end was on the ground and Ellie was sauntering away. I have NO clue how it came off her collar!!! She was about 20 feet away from me and I called her name quietly. She turned to look at me, but kept walking. I then said in a firm voice, "come!" Well, wouldn't you know it! That sweet doggie turned right around and trotted right to me. I got hold of her collar, gave her a treat from my trusty treat bag, praised her wildly, and finished having a heart attack.
I thought you'd be interested to know that I was thanking my lucky stars that Ellie made it into your class. You should also be pleased to know that Ellie is doing "down" all over the place now! Thanks again for your great training class. I practice with Ellie every day!
---Lynn A. of Bethesda, MD, companion of Ellie, a greyhound adopted from Greyhound Welfare
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Stella and Schofield, sisters who went from shy, anxious DC Animal Shelter dogs to veteran campers and dog park devotees, thanks to their kind, determined (and dedicated to training) owners, Jill and Frank L. of Northwest Washington, DC (now of Denver, CO!)
As first-time dog owners, we didn't know where to start after we
adopted Black Bean, a.k.a. "Beanie." She is a very sweet, loving dog, but at about age 1 1/2, and 70 pounds, very strong-willed! Liz, through numerous emails, phone calls, and training sessions, taught us how to walk Beanie on a leash without dislocating a shoulder, showed us how to select the right toys and treats so that she would stop chewing our furniture, taught her several commands such as sit, down, and wait, and helped us with crate training. In addition, Liz worked with us at the dog park to help us best channel Beanie's energy and enthusiasm constructively while playing with other dogs off-leash. Liz only uses positive methods, has great training tips and references, and makes sure that we can incorporate Beanie's training in a practical way into our busy lives. Beanie has progressed so much since we started in June 2004. Liz really cares about her clients, and clearly has a special place in her heart for rescue dogs. Thank you Liz!
---Asha S. and Sanjay P. of Kensington, MD, companions of Beanie, a German shepherd/Lab mix adopted from a rescue group
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We adopted the perfect dog -- trouble was, we still had a lot to learn about living with him. We hadn't lived with a dog in more than a dozen years. The positive reinforcement methods you showed us -- both in the group class and one-on-one -- really helped us gain confidence in our ability to train Nigel. And, suggesting the right harness sure makes walking an 85 lb dog easier!!
---Debbie D. of Silver Spring, MD, companion of Nigel, a Lab mix adopted from the Washington Humane Society.
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Shortly after we adopted Willi, a feisty senior with a history of neglect and abuse, we were at our wits' end because of his insecurity and leash aggression. Walking him was a test of wills, and embarrassing, because he lunged and barked at every person and dog he encountered. The behavior modification techniques you shared with us--which we learned in just one afternoon--were immediately effective, and Willi has continued to improve. He is now a happier dog and a better neighbor, and walks are far less stressful for all three of us. Thank you!
---Suzanne and Alex S., of Rockville, MD (now Maine!) companions of Willi, a mini schnauzer adopted from a rescue group
The change has been dramatic! When our cleaning lady came this morning (Stella just loves her), we asked her to ignore her and walk away from her until she stopped jumping, etc. -- she was calm within a minute or two. Unbelievable. I walked her with the gentle leader and four foot leash up to the deli with my husband. She was nearly perfect! She saw all sorts of people -- normally it would be this tug of war to keep her from jumping on everybody -- she did really well -- sniffed, but almost no jumping -- and it was easy for me to get her attention. We ran earlier with the flexi-leash on her collar -- when she started tugging, I called her and told her to sit -- which she did -- every time!
THANKS!
---Faith W, Kensington, MD, companion of Stella, a chocolate Labrador from a Lab breeder.
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Max is doing great. I’ve been busy lately so I haven't trained Max as much as I used to. He is doing great with everything, though. We can take walks and the grabbing is fine...he knows leave it well enough that he will leave it even if I don't have any bait on me. Kel and Max can now play a pretty rough game of tug of war! I make sure they both play by the rules!
I bought both books that you recommended...they are fantastic...thank you for that suggestion. I've learned a lot!Thanks again for all your help!
--- Lisa G. of Laurel, MD, proud companion of Maximus, a bull terrier adopted from Bull Terrier Rescue
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Lucy, the best beagle in the world! Adopted from the Washington Animal Rescue League at 7 years old, she was a wild thing who ignored her own name. She learned to heel on leash – happily!! – and ignore squirrels. Many a pleasant walk was enjoyed after that! She passed away in November 2005 and we miss her sweet face and happy presence.
--- Her owners, Brian N. and Stacey B. of Takoma Park, MD counted many friends and neighbors as fans of Lucy.
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I am way past due in sending these pictures to you of Rusty’s graduation from your class! Speaking of Rusty- he is doing quite well. We find if we give him a very special snack, he will somewhat ignore company, as you saw. I have been using Bully Sticks (the vegan in me is crying) and he LOVES those- I just pop one in his mouth, he runs to his special place and chews up a storm- he occasionally jumps down, leaving the stick to check on the guests but will run back. He is such a complex little creature! I could write a book about him!
--- Mark and Mary Ann B. of Takoma Park, MD, proud “parents” of Rusty, an elderly refugee from a puppy farm down south and adopted from WARL. (Began by barking fiercely and nipping at ankles of anyone who visited the house! Yikes!)
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Bana is getting better with giving me attention while on the leash. For now I think we're making enough progress that maybe I'll just wait for the class.
We are making huge progress with the walk—it just took a little more time. All of a sudden, she just seemed to get it! The last few times, she didn't bark or jump at all. I can just tell that she is trying so hard to control herself. As we go to the door, she will take 1 step really quickly and then remember what she is supposed to be doing, and her next step is just as calm as can be (although with a sense of suppressed energy.) It also makes me laugh that we now come out of the door so casually, when before we were clearly bursting out onto the front walk. Thanks again!
---Mira G. of Mt. Rainier, MD, companion of Bana, an Australian cattledog
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Romeo, of Takoma Park, MD, with his favorite girl Rebecca. Another WARL alumni, of mixed basset hound lineage. This charming puppy learned all his manners including living with two cats he wanted to chase! He’s the life of the dog park now!
I have been involved with the PGSPCA for 2 years, and about a year ago I was fostering an adorable hound mix named Pete. Due to some ongoing medical issues I decided to adopt Pete and try to help him get better. As Pete matured and his health improved I started to notice that my sweet little boy was turning into a little monster. He was getting very bossy and was developing food aggressive tendencies which made me nervous. Since he had been ill as a puppy I had babied him a lot but had neglected the all important training. So, I called Liz Marsden, who had helped me once before with one of my other foster dogs. I was very worried about Pete becoming too aggressive, and even though I loved him I didn’t completely trust him. Liz came to my house to evaluate him and we had several training sessions so I could learn how to handle Pete. Through positive reinforcement, Pete began to learn that being a good boy was a much better way to get what he wanted whether it be food or attention. The training really increased the bond between Pete and me and he is now a well-behaved canine citizen. Pete learned to trust me and now I happily return that trust. Thanks Liz, you did an awesome job!
---Sandy T. of University Park, MD, foster “mom” extraordinaire!!
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Thanks so much for helping Simon learn to play off-leash in the park with other dogs. I thought that his behavior could never be changed, since he is an older dog and had an apparent history of neglect and abuse. He is so happy chasing tennis balls every day, and he’s so much more relaxed.
--- Bill Dollinger, companion of Simon, a male mixed lab adopted from a shelter.
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Our new pup was not our first rescue dog, so we were pretty tuned in. But Liz gave us so many new positive training tips and strategies for dealing with problems like chewing and digging. Liz is very intuitive about doggy nature, and very practical about making sure solutions work for the dog and for the family. Our pup is now grown up and is totally low maintenance and a pleasure for all to be around. Thanks, Liz!
--- Mary, Ken, and Andy, companions of Nyika, a husky mix adopted from a shelter.
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You won't believe it when you see how well Roscoe is doing! I adore this dog, and to think I was considering returning him to the shelter.....he is really smart and already knows sit, down, stay, and he even does a very cute "beg!" His growling has almost disappeared and he has not bitten anyone else since I started the training program. Thanks so much for all your help!
--- Theresa King, companion of Roscoe, a Lhasa Apso mix adopted from a shelter.