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 Dear Christine,
I just wanted to take a minute to give you my most sincere debt of gratitude for helping me be able to save General's life. Not only has your guidance enabled me to turn around a dog that other behaviorists believed was beyond help, but has given me the confidence to be a leader to General.
Your gift of being able to read and interpret not only the dog's behavior and reactions, but those of its' handler as well and the impact they have, is truly something special. I consider you nothing less than a guardian angel for dogs and their owners that need help. Your unwavering confidence and genuine concern for General and our family is a true testament to your character.
General has been so much happier since we have been working on all of the things that you have shown us. Words cannot express how happy we are to have found you. You will always be someone special to us!
General's Story:
General's story began when we rescued him from a shelter in March of 2011. He was a sweet dog that had some issues but we wanted to give him a loving home.
Not entirely sure of his background, problems soon began to surface. He would rough nip/bite family members and guests, and had strong aggression towards dogs. After a failed socialization session with another trainer, things took a terrifying turn. It was if he perceived that I had put him in a situation where he could be harmed. I lost his trust, and he began to redirect that aggression on me regularly. As the weather got cold and sweatshirts and jackets became needed, his behavior seemed as if someone had even tried to bite sleeve train him. Things reached an undeniable state of crisis where we could not have any guests in our home, go out for a walk, or sit peacefully in our living room. His behavior had gotten so far out of control that I feared we would have no choice but to surrender him. However, when I looked into his eyes I just couldn't bring myself to believe that he couldn't be helped.
I had the desire to rehabilitate him, but was clearly out of my league. My search for a behaviorist began.
After speaking to several potential behaviorists/trainers, each one eluded that he may very likely be a lost cause that would need to be put down. After hanging up the phone with yet another behaviorist sharing this same sentiment, I was heartbroken. I Then found Christine Nolan.
I explained our situation in all of its' terrifying detail, but Christine was not deterred in the least. Upon speaking with her, I was immediately instilled with a sense of hope. From our first visit she was patient and observant, taking the time to get to know General as well as us, and make an accurate inventory of his behaviors and what she felt drove them as well as courses of action. She thoroughly explained his reactions to different situations in detail, and how the unspoken responses of my energy and body language impacted General.
I was racked with guilt over being the one that had taken him to the session elsewhere prior to finding Christine, that had triggered his mental break. She assured me that although that was unfortunate, it by no means meant that it had to be permanent and asserted that in order for General to move forward that I had to let the past go and focus on helping him.
During the course of our sessions and beyond, Christine has taken a genuine interest in the well being of all of us...this is more than just a job to her. Her passion for what she does is immediately recognizable. She truly cares about General, my family and I, and our relationship with our dog.
We still have more work ahead but are making great and continued progress, and in each and every aspect her assessments and methods of correcting his behavior have been extremely accurate. Using the techniques that Christine has taught me, I am now able to properly communicate with General, have guests in our home without incidents, freely walk through our neighborhood with much fewer strong reactions and calmly regain control if there is an incident, and General and my family coexist in peace.
General is happier than ever and our relationship is what I have always wanted it to be...one of mutual love and respect. Christine has helped me learn to be a strong leader to General, regain his trust, and ultimately save his life. I have dedicated myself fully to his rehabilitation and invest a lot of time and patience working with him, but we would certainly not be making the continuing progress that we are if not for her help!
Sincerely,
Jason Scarduzio |
 Christine,
I wish there were enough words in the English vocabulary to describe the appreciation and thanks we have for you seeing us yesterday. Never ever in my life did I ever think we would have a normal dog. To watch Abby actually be able to socialize with other dogs off leash was not only amazing but also truly helped me cope with all the guilt that I had felt previously. It helped me realize that not all bad things stay bad. I had been carrying around a huge burden of guilt for the fact that Abby had been attacked in the past. I felt I had no one to blame but myself. To me, watching Abby play with all of the dogs at the dog park was more than just watching a dog play with other dogs... We finally were able to provide for her what she wanted and needed the entire time. It was like giving her life back! Believe when I say I am not the crying type when it comes to things... but watching her play with those dogs gave me a sense of overwhelming peace, and oh...the tears.
You truly have the most amazing job in the entire world- as a Vet Tech we save lives.... but you change lives not only of the dog but also of their owners. If I could have frozen time, it would have been with you and Abby and all of those other dogs, just playing in the park and having fun. Yesterday was my heaven. For the first time in a VERY long time, I felt true peace.
I will no longer be scared of what "may" happen. I am willing to take every day as it comes to me. When she barks and growls my blood pressure will no longer rise but rather stay neutral. Thank you for not only helping me fix Abby for for restoring peace in our lives..
With Much Sincerity
Aylise Waters
Abby's Story:
Abby's aggression towards other dogs had grown immensely. Every time we would walk by a dog she would growl, show her teeth, and lunge at the dog. My worst fear was coming true, that we would be living with another dog aggressive dog. I didn't know what to do. I was convinced that it was all my fault for exposing her to other aggressive dogs and that nothing anyone could ever do would change her behavior. I kept telling my husband how jealous I was of all those dog owners who had dogs they could just let roam free in the dog park. "I will NEVER have that" I would say. About a week ago, we took Abby for a hike-not expecting to run into too many other dogs. I was wrong. When we would see another dog, Abby's vicious growling would begin! Her hackles stood up, and spit would be flying out of her mouth. I felt that was the last time Abby would leave our yard again.
We needed Christine's help and we needed it bad. As we approached her facility, I saw that there was another dog there, I felt my anxiety rising again. From the moment Abby got out of the car, Christine had complete and utter control. Right before my eyes, within 5 minutes of working with Christine, Abby was walking by other dogs paying almost no mind. It was a jaw dropper!!!!!!!! I actually at one point thought I must be dreaming.
At the end of our follow up session Christine says, "Okay, do you want to go to the dog park?" I almost laughed out loud thinking "Abby? at a dog park?" No chance in hell!!! So.. off we went to the dog park....
As we walked into the "dog park area" I looked to my left... what do I see but two dogs charging at Abby full speed ahead. I saw my future flash before my eyes. Before I was even able to react.... BAM... the dogs came careening into Abby. I thought to myself ohhhhh sh**... Christine never once missed a beat. She assured me everything was fine- and it was!!! As more and more dogs would approach the less intimidated Abby was. At one point she got into play stance and was like come on just let me play.... "Okay, lets take her off leash" Christine said. Okay so getting Abby to come to the dog park was a feat in itself but take her off leash??? Christine walked over, unhooked Abby... and just like, that she was running around with 20 different dogs having a great time! I couldn't help the tear that welled up in the corner of my eye as hope for Abby was right in front of me. At this dog park there is also a creek to swim in. Abby would not dare swim in the water as she was not allowed in the water by our other dog. We walked farther into the dog park and next thing I notice Abby is frolicking in the water with 5 other dogs!!! I like to call it a miracle... It was the most rewarding experience of my life. I was sad to go.
Christine not only changed my dogs life, but she changed ours too. For the first time in a long time Abby was truly happy. She was free and under no constraints. She was a true dog. Not one that people were afraid of... but one that people laughed about (as she rolled on her back). We as a family cannot thank Christine enough for what she has done for us. To restore peace in a situation where all hope was gone, is truly amazing! She has also given us the tools to make sure Abby will remain the balanced dog we now know. We will continue to live in the moment and not in the past. We will be indebted to Christine forever. She has made our new future with Abby our heaven....
Daniel, Aylise, and Bella Waters |
 Dear Christine,
Thank you for all that you have done for us. I fell in love with my dog, Bella (14 yrs old), all over again. Bella was a "pound puppy". When I first brought her home I was concerned about her aggressive behavior toward other dogs. When I called the shelter to question this they said it was "normal behavior". Never having had a dog before I went about our lives. After a while it was to difficult for me to walk her so my husband took over that job. He said that he would have to look two or more blocks ahead to avoid Bella's out of control reactions. I can't describe just how bad it was; it REALLY was horrible.
The last straw for me was when I was packing up our car for a busy day. My youngest came outside to ask me for help and left the door open. Before I knew it Bella ran out and went after a dog that happened to be walking by. The situation really shook me up. I have asked my husband for years to invest in dog training lessons but he repeatedly said he didn't think it was necessary. After this situation I put my foot down, either we pay for help or the dog goes. I called several places, all of which said that she couldn't be helped including one place telling me it would be best to put her down. I cried for a week thinking about this, as well as my children cried. In my distress I went to the local dog park and spoke to many dog owners, which is how I got your number. After speaking with you on the phone I felt there may be some hope. What we got was BEYOND hope. Three and a half hours later we had a MIRACLE! Everyone, including my doubtful husband was AMAZED at the change in Bella! I fell in love again. We continue to follow the recommendations that you have taught us. People in the neighborhood are shocked. They stop and ask us what changed and we tell them that about you and how you trained US to better handle Bella. On a side note, the children love all of the great games and tricks that you taught them to do with Bella.
Now when I walk her and a dog goes by Bella doesn't even pay attention to them. They are no big deal. I stopped to speak to someone with their little tea cup Yorkie, the dog would stop barking at Bella. SHE sat down next to me and did not react. WOW!!!! Having Bella behave this way allowed us to bring her on vacation with us. My husband and I were very nervous. It's one thing to behave in your own neighborhood but how about a strange and new place. We have never taken her anywhere. Total and complete shock. We walked down the main street window shopping with our family, Bella too. We stopped and spoke to other vacationers with dogs (right next to us) and Bella was a perfect lady. Thank you for bringing our family back together. I hope your ears ring a lot. We sing your praises to everyone we meet, especially those with aggressive dogs. Thank you!
Jennifer Bralow and Family |
 "Flossy" (now Mitzie) came to our family a battered, fearful 2 year old Chi-poo mix. She was in and out of 3 homes from what we learned, a bite case, never socialized as a puppy, never taken for a walk, never wore a collar, and in general, she was on death row in the kill shelter for being “unlovable” and “unadoptable” for three previous owners. After changing her name to Mitzvah (Blessing) and finding you, Christine, Mitzie has become a lovable, socialized part of our family pack.
She responds well as my 4 year old grandson, walks on a leash, enjoys being petted, doesn't run under the sofa in fear, wears sweaters and jackets over her head (which she was petrified just seeing them coming toward her face) and is learning every day that correction doesn't mean “unloved”- it simply means she is learning her place in the pack. Even the vet says she is becoming a more “patient“ patient, and not snarling during her appointments. Mike and I can't thank you enough for answering our questions, teaching US as well as Mitzie, and just “being there” to answer questions when we had them.
We have referred you to many people and are not surprised when others with well-behaved dogs say they have used your services also. Thanks again so much for working with us. Please come to visit us soon so Mitzie can show you how happy she is-and how pleased and happy we are. Mitzie has finally found a forever home thanks to you.
Best Wishes,
Karen and Mike |
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 Hank has been fiercely protective of our family and our house for
years. He has been aggressive to humans as well as other dogs. That is
why this past weekend is so unbelievable to us! We had six people over
for dinner and after an initial growl, he fell asleep in the other room
and didn't give a care! Possibly more amazing, he walked with, played
with, and allowed another dog into our yard and house! Hank's progress,
while full of ups and downs, has been so amazing in such a short time!
It gives us tremendous hope for his long term abilities! Christine
helped us be much better dog owners and calmer people! We are so
grateful for the gift she has given us - more time to spend with Hank
and pleasant time at that! Thanks again!
Update: We all feel really
good about everything here. We went from a really bad time, losing the
Basset Hound and Houdini's injury to training Hank, adding onto the
family (a beautiful blood hound named "June Bug"). It has been amazing and I know
you are a hug part of that journey for us! So thank you again. My dad
is convinced that you waved a magic wand over Hank when you took him
for that first walk, the change is so unbelievable. Thanks again Christine!
Debbie and family. |
 Two years ago we adopted two young pit bulls from the local animal shelter, Mick (male) and Birdie (female). They had instant chemistry when we introduced them and before taking them home, but many challenges laid ahead. We thought we knew what we were getting into, having had another wonderful pit bull. Over the first 9 months, we saw several trainers, schooled ourselves on becoming pack leaders, and exercised them a lot. But our skills were lacking somehow, and these two crazy dogs were getting the best of us for sure. Then came the fights. The first, we thought was a fluke. The second happened a few months later and it was devastating (ER, stitches, surgical drains, the whole nine yards). We worried that no one would be able to help us. Then we found Christine. She helped us take our previous training, knowledge of dog dynamics, and practices and make them WORK for our dogs. She helped us fine tune and amp up the things we were doing correctly; and she quickly identified the things that we were doing wrong. She taught us to see the signs early before things got out of hand. She taught us what to allow and what to correct. She taught us how to make the most out of their energy and to actually use their excitability to help train them. Finally, should they ever fight again (which we doubt — we’ve had 8 months of no fighting), she taught us how to break it up safely. We still have a lot of work to do (in correcting both our and their behavior), but the progress we have made under Christine’s guidance is very encouraging and reinforces that we are on the right track. I know Mick and Birdie would thank her too. She really has helped us to restore the peace in our lives.
- Amy and Jamie Montgomery |
 Jazz continues to make progress! He loves going for walks, and we've actually gotten a few compliments from people on how well behaved he is in public! He even plays more nicely with my parents instead of being a bully or biting them. He's been calm around Jingles, too. He's coming along!
Who would have known it could be this stress-free living with Jazz! After months of chasing him all over the neighborhood, finding all sorts of our belongings in chewed-up ruins, everything left on the floor being wet with urine, and most of all, poor old Jingles being beaten up by his rough-housing, no one thought Jazz would ever be a "good" dog! He believed he ruled everything and was kicked out of obedience training. My family and I were skeptical anyone could help our situation... We changed our minds after the first time meeting you! Jazz seemed to be an entirely different dog after I learned how to work with him - he and I are more calm and less frustrated with each other. Thanks for showing me how to communicate with my pup! He seems so much happier, as we all are, to finally have peace in our house! What you do is an amazing gift!
Thanks again,
Amanda and Jazz...and the rest of our family! |
 Hi Christine,
We just wanted to check in and let you know that our family is doing wonderfully together. Emma and Sophie are much calmer around the baby, but still invade her space when they try to cover her with kisses. We’re working on it, but at least we’re convinced that they’re kisses and not anything more! Sophie’s energy can still get a little high (whining, moaning) if we’re playing with Abigail but she usually corrects herself before we have to. We just wanted to send you the picture and an update… we are so thankful that we had your help last spring. It is such a huge weight off of our shoulders to know that I can trust the dogs, and we all love our family walks together. We are quite a spectacle, 300 pounds of Mastiff with a little 19 pound baby leading the way!
Thanks again so much for everything… the doggies send big slobbery kisses!
Alyssa & Bill |
 My wife, Sharon was at wit's end. Alfie wasn't responding to her guidance and saw fit to nip and bite at her when he felt like it. He was exerting his dominance over her, and Sharon understandably was not bonding with him. Shortly after Sharon started taking your advice, stood up to him, stayed cool, calm and assertive and consistent, Alfie realized that Sharon deserved his respect. Their relationship finally started to improve too, and for that matter, between all three of us.
The structure and leadership that Christine taught Sharon to provide for Alfie, I.a.. daily walks, constructive playing and consistent corrections made all the difference. Like I said, he isn't perfect, but now the three of us can all peacefully co-exist. The altercations and confrontations have all but come to an end, as has his biting and nipping. His occasional jumping is almost completely under control and he is no longer chewing on furniture or stealing things that aren't his, etc.
Side story: last week Comcast Cable was over just about all day long to do an installation. We've pretty much kept friends and family out of our home for the past few months, so this was a pretty big test for Alfie. He was just great! Occasionally, he would inspect what the installer was up to, give him a kiss or two, wiggle his butt, then go back to lounging around. Alfie just knew to stay out of his way. The installer repeatedly came in and out of our home and not once did Alfie ever jump, bark, submissive piddle, or get in his way... nothing. Sharon was floored!
Bottom line: Christine's timely intervention and practical advice has clearly worked. Without her expert help, my spouse would have insisted that our Newfoundland pup go right back to the breeder. I would have lost a true buddy and my best canine friend. More frightening, our marriage and life-partnership would have suffered greatly.
Christine Nolan saved our beloved Alfie and maybe even our marriage!
Thank you so very much, Christine!"
Bryan Myers |
 Dear Christine,
I want to start off and let you know that you have helped us really start our happy family. Grace is a completely different dog then when we first brought her home, and more importantly you have helped us learn how fulfill and enrich her life. Sara and I were talking about when we first brought Grace home, we would spend at least three hours a night dealing with her behavior problems and trying to calm her down. Those first couple months were a very frustrating time in our lives. Gracie was running our lives and we were letting it happen because we did not know how best to deal with her.
After our sessions with you, Grace is now what we would call "almost perfect." Having not even owned Grace for a full year yet, I only see life with her being richer and sweeter. You really gave us the tools to learn about her; not just how to correct her behaviors, but why she does them. In my opinion that has has been the most important part.
Riding the bike with her has become a daily part of our lives, and it has really worked out very well for everyone. This past summer we even taught Grace how to swim, and we really did have to teach her. Swimming definitely become one of her favorite activities! I have been doing some off-leash work Grace and she is making great progress with it. The squirrels are always an obstacle, but she is learning to use her nose.
Just wanted to thank you for all the help you have given our pack!
Sara, Chris, and Grace
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 We’ve always loved Finnian and Brodie, but we loved them despite their chronic barking, counter surfing, leash tugging, and car chasing ways. In one meeting you were able to point out the problem (which was our lack of consistent firm control with the boys), teach us how to regain control, and keep the energy level calm and balanced. With Shelties this is no small feat, but you did it, and you saw the results three weeks later, as we showed you we could do it too!
Many neighbors and friends are amazed at how much better behaved the boys are, and we give you the credit. We are working at being a happy balanced family.
Update: Finnian and Brodie are like different dogs! Brodie really enjoys not having to be in charge and he has loosened up considerably. He's even been known to spontaneously roll over onto his back on the floor, while I'm reading on the sofa. He would never willingly expose his belly to me in the past.
Our triumph is feeding time. What was chaos is now totally peaceful.
Finn doesn't chase cars! Amazing!
Thank you again!
Ginny and Peter |
 We contacted Christine in a desperate state because we were so tired of our dog’s bad behaviors: barking all day long in the house (and completely ignoring us when we told him to stop), barking aggressively at other dogs and children, and being stubbornly defiant in most ways imaginable. In one meeting with Christine, she gave us a one on one lesson on how to be calm and assertive and she helped us to improving our body language and other patterns so that he would follow our lead. With Christine’s direction, that very day we got him to stop barking, become appropriately submissive and learn to follow our commands, something we hadn’t accomplished in the 3 years we’ve had him. It was like a miracle! It took some effort over the next few weeks to implement all of the changes, but they really worked and we could not believe the transformation. It is not magic – it is a new way of working with our dog. It takes practice to be become more effective dog owners, but what we thought was impossible was in fact relatively easy to change. We have a new, good dog and a new life. Thank you Christine, only wish we found you sooner!
Andrea |
 It was great meeting you yesterday! Thank you for the tips and I will send you an update next week to let you know and Apache is doing…I see a HUGE difference in just one day already!!!!!
Apache update:
Christine,
I cannot express enough thanks to you for all of your assistance with Apache. As you recall, when you first Apache, he ruled our World! Although he was a loving dog, he barked when he wanted our attention, “stole” items from tables and would jump up on people when they entered my office. I was seriously beginning to have fears that he would not make it as our Therapy Dog and I knew it would break the hearts of all of our residents who had grown so attached to him.
Thankfully, you helped to change all of that. We learned immediately from your visit that we needed to establish control of the pack and that he needed us to take charge. Through your techniques and guidance, we have a 100% improvement in Apache. He sits patiently and waits for someone to come to him and greet him. When people call or visit our office, they can actually hear us speak and they do not have to yell over Apache’s barking. We have not had one episode of “stealing” and when he appears to be looking for mischief, we just have to snap our fingers and he corrects himself without any other intervention.
We took your advice and incorporated learning games into our daily routine and he truly loves the mental challenges and agility courses. His energy is being burned and the result is a Labrador that is content and loving. He looks to us for leadership and guidance and we have a dog that is relaxed and enjoying his job.
Thanks you so much for everything! We are forever indebted to you for helping us.
Lisa Williams |
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