Courteous Canine, Inc - Client Quotes

"Jacque did great! *Fun* class. The tricks help my dog Chance relax and focus at agility trials. Jacque runs a fun, no-pressure class. She adapts to the needs of the class and makes everyone feel welcome and capable of accomplishing what they want."
Mary Ann Campbell, Professional Editor, Volunteer Yorkie Friends Rescue

"Trick class with Jacque was even more fun than basic obedience. They are both great wonderful classes and Riley loves Jacque. Jacque is very informative, helpful and I recommend her all the time and give Courteous Canine, Inc. a 10+! Thank you Jacque and you have not seen the last of us. Love puppy play group. Riley LOVES it! Thank you from the whole Carroll family."
Tanya, Rick, Alex and Clay Carroll

"Our instructor explained everything very clearly, and when you thought it would be impossible for your dog to do something, she would always prove you wrong."
Kristen Bechtold

"She stayed late with us numerous times.  I believe the classes at Courteous Canine, Inc. are the best in Tampa.  I also want to add that all the instructors my dog Kahlua and I interacted with were very professional and great.  Thank you."
Chris Clark

"The collar (gentle leader) has been a real help in walking Wrinkles, she is a good girl with it on."
Tamara Schwalhm

"You were very tolerant of [our dogs].  You took the time with the dogs that needed extra attention.  We like the way you relate to your students (both people & dogs)."
Debbie Leslie

"Extremely patient with dogs and owners."
Bonnie Marshall & Lou Nyary

"[Instructor] is very knowledgeable and FUN.  This makes the class more enjoyable and easier to learn."
Monika Stephan

"She made you want to come!  Very exciting!  Made it fun!"
Justin & Crystal Stalker

"You were fabulous! Your enthusiasm and passion was outstanding. You REALLY WERE extremely easy to follow and explained things well. Thank you for everything Payton has learned."
Julie DeBruyne, Payton's Mom

"Her patience with the dogs as well as with our questions was exceptional. The knowledge she gave us weekly was great."
Mercy Giovannelli

"You made the class fun.  Consider yourself clicked and treated!"
Diana Bloom

"You taught us patience.  Handout homework was especially helpful."
PB Hall

"I truly enjoyed this weekly time to spend with my dog.  We liked the socializing the pup with others and getting great tips about raising our puppy."
Jen Burns

"[Instructor] was very nice and gentle with the dogs and took the time to learn each dog's name and personality.  We also love the homework handouts because they keep you on track through the week."
Ken & Jennifer Bakunas, Magnetic Corporation [www.magnetic.com]

"Kept control of class and maintained focus of tasks at hand."
Richard & Katie Faedo

"Piper's "new attitude" since beginning the class says it all.  The tips on keeping her busy by asking her to do something [giving her a job Differential Reinforcement of Incompatible behavior] when she became unruly really works."
Lisa Keough

"Very helpful to the dogs and their owners."
Shannon Quistorff

"Each dog was allowed to become accustomed to each obstacle at their own pace.  Dogs that needed extra time on an obstacle were given the time they needed to get comfortable."
Alice Hall

"I feel like [instructor] is very helpful and her instructions are very clear and easy to understand.  She always has helpful hints."
Monika Stephan

"Instructed me as to stopping my unconscious approval of negative behavior."
Loretta Lafferty

"I really like how [instructor] explains things.  She makes everything very easy for the dogs."
Carol Clauws

"I was very satisfied and explanations were very clear."
Barbara Peterson

I have worked with Angelica Steinker for the past 5 years. I highly recommend her services to anyone who is seeking a positive approach to solving behaviorial issues, ranging from lack of self control to aggression. Angelica is also great with the owners which is an important aspect when solving or managing behavioral problems.

Have a great day!
Dee Zurburg of Class Act for Dogs

Angelica Steinker has been the behavior consultant of choice for Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, Inc. for the past six years. We have such high regard for her expertise that we have actually transferred dogs with extreme behavior issues to the Tampa area so that she could evaluate and work with them. Her instincts, advice and knowledge have proven invaluable.

Angelica has additionally consulted with me on several occasions regarding my own rescue dog, which has highly unpredictable behavior. It is a tribute to her skills that he has evaded euthanization for the past six years.

I am pleased to recommend Angelica as an ethical, knowledgeable and caring trainer, who balances her care for the dog with her concern for the owner's well being.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Stine, President, Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida, Inc.

I have known Angelica Steinker for about two years now. I went to her for help with a very reactive, small dog. He was attacked by large dogs when he was eight weeks old, and has always reacted viciously by even just the distant sight of another dog.

In the beginning, she worked privately with us, then one-on-one within a class setting - given by another instructor, taking baby steps, clicking and treating, to get him within sight and then proximity of other dogs, and the progress was just wonderful.

Walks were something that wouldn't come easily, and so to make sure he could get the exercise he needed in the mean time, Angelica helped us to teach him to fetch a ball (he's a husky type dog so this wasn't a natural thing for him). He did, and we could easily tire him out in the back yard. Quiet walks for now should be taken without him until we worked more and more, so we avoided the problem, rather than dragging him into it.

The next challenge came when we wanted to get another puppy. We consulted with Angelica, and she helped us by relating her experiences with different breeds, and helped us select a good breeder, so we would have a good chance of getting what we wanted.

Then, we asked Angelica if we could set up a private session so she could help introduce Magic to the puppy, so that they might grow to be friends. Not only did she help, it was perfect, Magic never reacted badly once to the puppy, and after the one hour session with, armed with instructions on how to proceed at home, that very day they were playing happily together.

I have worked with many different obedience instructors and trainers, and have seen many different methods of training, and have also attended training seminars myself because I really enjoy it. I liked Angelica and her school so much I asked if I could volunteer to assist at one of her classes, and she agreed, and I enjoyed myself, and learned so much.

Since then I have moved to be about an hour away, and am seriously considering making the drive to join one of her classes, since in my opinion, she is simply the best around. I can't say enough about Angelica, she has a true love for our animals, and she knows what she's doing. Her methods are beyond humane, never heavy handed or cruel, and if the desired results are possible (sometimes what we people want from training is unrealistic), she'll find a way.

I hope you'll enjoy your training with Angelica as much as I have.

Best Regards,
Angela Hargest

I am writing this recommendation for Angelica Steinker who I have known for over ten years and have had the privilege of seeing her help many dogs, and the people who care for them, overcome a variety of issues. In particular, Angelica has been successful in treating many causes that display themselves as symptoms via aggression, lack of impulse control, as well as general disobedience. Angelica studies each case individually and her expertise and love for dogs in evident in her successful outcomes and long-standing clients, many of who continue at her school whether for agility, trick training, or other fun ways to interact with your dog - after their initial problems are managed or eliminated.
Brandy Oliver, MA

"When she was still a very young puppy, my dog was very "bitey" and didn't like to be handled at all.  At our first trip to vet, she was very resistant to being examined, and she actually bit the technician.  The doctor told me I had a potentially aggressive dog on my hands -- not at all what I wanted to hear!

So it wasn't long before I started working with Angelica.  By the end of our first lesson, I knew things were going to turn around.  My dog was going to be my friend!  Angelica showed me how to reward my dog for allowing me to touch her and stroke her, how to distract her from biting, and how to ignore her when I needed to.  My dog quickly learned the joys of ear rubs and neck scratches, and soon became quite the cuddle-pup.

Now people comment on how friendly she is and how much she loves to be petted -- even the vet has noticed the change! It's really wonderful to have a dog that is welcome wherever she goes."
Client and owner of a formerly dog-aggressive dog

"Before working with Angelica I had to be very careful with my dog when I took her for walks.  When seeing another dog her hair would stand on end, she would growl, bark and throw herself at the end of the leash trying to get into a fight with the approaching dog.  This made walking my dog a big source of stress, since I was always looking for other dogs and had to prepare for her launching.  What made matters worse is that on three occasions she got loose and actually attacked other dogs.  This behavior continued for 7 years before I began working with Angelica.

Now after working with Angelica, there is a huge improvement.  My dog mostly ignores other dogs and sometimes when she does notice them, I just tell her to "sit" and "leave it".  Even my neighbors have complimented me on the progress my dog has made.  My right arm has really appreciated the fact that my dog does no longer hurl herself at other dogs."
Client and owner of a formerly dog-aggressive dog

"Thanks so much for the advice you gave me!  I had asked what to do about my very smart, not so eager to please dog.  who could get mean when she had treats that were just too good.  Well, I followed your advice and got the book "So Your Dog is Not Lassie" and it works.  Amazingly enough, I can reach right down and take almost anything right from her mouth without so much as a sound from Copper. 

You have literally saved my puppy's life, there is no way I can put up with an aggressive dog.  Without your ideas I am not sure I would have ever found out what a loving and trustworthy friend Copper is now.  Thank you again!  I am glad there are people like you out there."
Misty and Copper, former clients

"My daughter was 7 years old when Angelica started training with her and her 6-year-old dog.  She was always very reassuring and kind to them and really helped to build my daughter's confidence.  She got a blue ribbon at her first match."
Simone Pabon, mother of Nicole Pabon and Miniature Pinscher Chelsea

"Angelica has been working with me for about a year.  After a very unpleasant experience with a puppy class where pinch collars and brute force were the norm, I forfeited that investment and called Courteous Canine, Inc.  During that first conversation Angelica reassured me that my puppy would become my friend; she recommended books to read, and even gave me hints for starting out on the right foot (and paw).

So we started in-home training.  I have an independent and easily bored Jack Russell Terrier - a breed that Angelica is especially good with.  She quickly learned how to get, and keep, Suzy's attention, and from that point on, we made great strides.  Angelica uses only positive reinforcement in her training, and it really works!  She is also an advocate of clicker training, which has been very effective for Suzy and I.  It is also a really fun way to teach your dog almost anything you want.

I could not believe how well trained my dog could be.  I went from saying "no, no, no" almost constantly, to saying "good girl, Suzy!" all the time!

Angelica is always encouraging, and really knows what she is doing.  She is very sensitive to the needs of both the dog and the owner, and can help make the bond between them a strong and positive one.  She has helped me completely change the relationship I have with my dog; where I used to think I had to be dominant, and a real disciplinarian, now I am my dog's best friend, a source of fun and play, and favorite companion - just what my dog is to me!"
Sally and Suzie, basic obedience and agility clients

"I have known Angelica Steinker for about three years and find her a kind, caring and considerate dog trainer.  She has Jack Russell Terriers herself and believe me it takes a real dog trainer to train them."
Captain Haggerty, world-renowned dog trainer and publisher of the "Aggression Newsletter"

"Working with Angelica has been an extremely enlightening and successful experience.  After a lifetime with dogs, over 18 years of that with terriers, I have altered my approach to kennel management, socialization, and training to follow Angelica's methods of observation and behavior modification.  I recommend her to my clients before their puppy arrives home and follow-ups as needed.  They have given me raving reviews of their brilliant, mannerly new companions."
Brenda Swanson, Jack Russell Terrier Breeder, and AKC Earth Dog Judge

"Thank you!!  I enjoyed a most wonderful weekend with the puppy.  I am in love again.  Now instead of ripping the skin off my arms, she licks, thanks so much!  I am in your debt.  I could not believe I could actually reach the point I no longer liked a puppy, especially as much as I adore animals.  You turned everything around for me!  It was just a matter of not really knowing what to do or who to turn to.  Thank you so much for your help."
Susan and puppy, former clients

"Angelica Steinker is a compassionate trainer with a sharp mind and unique, creative problem solving skills.  She is able to analyze dog's behavior and the owner's needs in a quick and effective way as to bring about lasting change.  Her love of dogs and enthusiasm for her job is refreshing."
Cynthia Kean, Professional Dog Trainer, and top agility competitor

"Angelica Steinker has the patience that is needed and she knows that dogs also need to have fun while they learn both obedience and agility training.  We are proud students of her for agility and hope to one day make her proud at an actual match or maybe, even a trial."
Jeanette Marcus and Ranger, Owners of Doggie Delites and More