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Spirit Ridge K9 Training & Rescue

PO Box 70,
Hillsburgh, Ontario, N0B 1Z0

E-mail: jim@spiritridge.net

"........ because sit happens"

Client Testimonials

Below are copies of some of the letters/e-mails clients have sent in to us as testimonials of the work we have done with them. They are reproduced with their explicit permission. In addition, I have reproduced some of the articles that have appeared in the local media. I hope you enjoy the testimonials.

Jim Tsitanidis
K9 Trainer & Behavioural Consultant
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Testimonial from Brenda Z. of Orangeville – October 25, 2010

To Jim and Suzanne:
Jim, who would have thought when I answered your ad in the Orangeville Banner in 2008 that Ripley and I would be embarking on a life changing course. I did not even know what Rally O was all about when I made that call -- all I knew is that Ripley did not want to do competitive retrieving anymore. Ripley had signaled this to me loud and clear the day I sent her out to retrieve a bird at a trial and she proceeded to pick it up, turn around to face me, spit it out and roll on it! This is the retriever equivalent of giving me the proverbial “finger”! All the trial judge could say was ‘that’s a Chesapeake Bay Retriever for you’. It was clear that I needed to find another outlet for her and me.

Oh my what a journey we have traveled together Jim -- and now with your support and Suzanne's I have gone from entering my dog in my first Rally Obedience trial in November 2008 to being certified a judge for the Canadian Association of Rally Obedience (CARO). As I embarked on judging my first trial on October 17, 2010 and looked out at the sea of competitors’ faces waiting for me to impart some words of wisdom (with my knees shaking and my mind a blank), all I could think of was “@$@#@@ Jim what have you gotten me into”! Then I remembered your words of wisdom ‘ have fun’ and boy did I, ever!

Suzanne you too have played a special role in Ripley's and my journey. You have taught me to be more patience with myself as this is a definite requirement in order to 'win the prize' as I have struggled to learn the sport of agility. Without your help Ripley would still be 'glued' to my side and we would still be struggling to get successfully get her over the 'jump' in advanced Rally Obedience let alone manage to FINALLY get her Agility Dog of Canada title on October 24^th! Thank you for your continued support and advice as Ripley and I continue to try to master the art of agility (a lesser person would have given up on us long ago so thanks for sticking in there with us).

I truly value and respect our friendship. When I am old and sitting in the rocking chair at the old folks’ home what stories I will tell of my journey, the friends I made along the way, the dogs I knew and loved and you two will figure prominently in those stories -- and like the 'fish that got away' the story will reach epic portions.

To our continued journey - my the people one meets when one let's a dog come into their life. To Spirit Ridge, its owners Jim and Suzanne and their very special dogs - thank you for opening my eyes to the possibilities. To Joan Richard and her fabulous collies: Indy, Macy, Ryder and Breeze thanks for being such a great partner and buddy and all the laughs along the way. And lastly – they always say to leave the best to last, Ripley my canine companion of 9 wonderful and rewarding years (so far, and hopefully many more to come) three simple but powerful words ‘I love you’.

Brenda & “Ripley”
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I first met Jim Labour day weekend 2008 at the Orangeville Fall fair. Passing by his "Spirit Ridge" booth, I noticed the word "aggression". I thought just maybe here was someone who could help me with my 2 1/2 yr old Border Collie, Toby.

I had gotten Toby as a puppy from a dog rescue. The older he became the more aggressive he seemed to become, despite obedience lessons and two walks a day. Toby and I had started with a group obedience/intro to agility class with another trainer and on to private lessons because of his behaviour. When private lessons did not seem to help, he was placed on medication for his anxiety and nervousness.

Prior to meeting Jim, walking Toby had been something I had to mentally prepare for, I hated it. He would react to every lawn ornament, bike, skateboard, person and dog. God forbid that he would even catch a glimpse of another dog! He would rear up on his hind legs, shake his head and growl, somewhere in this process he always managed to bite me. At home he was very sweet, affectionate and smart but always on high alert, never relaxing. People often told me Toby was "not right in the head" and that I should consider euthanizing him.

Jim was open to assessing Toby and within a few weeks my two teenage daughters, Toby and I found ourselves crossing the threshold of the training facility at Spirit Ridge.

Toby was true to his form and as soon as Jim approached us completely ignoring Toby, our dog turned and started to snarl and bark, lips curled back and teeth barred. He was worse than I had ever seen him with a person and frankly very scary. For about what felt like an eternity, Jim stood calmly in front of Toby – not backing down – and Toby reciprocated by continuing his snarlng, barking and lip curling.

Jim calmly confirmed his aggression and also dominance while this was going on and explained that if he would back down at this point, it would only serve to fuel and reward Toby’s aggression. By this time, both my daughters were crying and I was totally at a loss not certain what would come next. Jim explained that if he made any move at this point and seeing that he had no protective tools with him, Toby would bite. So he calmly explained that he had to wait Toby out. About 10 minutes later, Toby started to settle and when he turned way, Jim took that opportunity to retreat and get his equipment.

He returned with a muzzle and a more corrective collar (up to that point, the previous trainer had suggested that a halti would be as much correction as we would have needed). Jim gave a hearty laugh and explained that a halti would have been an exercise in futility and that up to that day, Toby had never had any boundaries or rules enforced and that that had to begin immediately. He also comforted all of us by expressing his opinion that Toby would not only be rehabilitated but that it was his intention to eventually also get him off the drugs that he had been put on. Toby, he felt, ruled in our house; I never thought he did until we started to say no to him. We were to keep him off all furniture and to say he did not like that was an understatement! Jim gave me the titles of two books he wanted me to read which I did within three weeks. We had several exercises to do including two walks a day. Playing fetch type games with Toby were to stop, it was not physical exercise he needed but mental exercise he lacked. The physical exercise was only exacerbating his “obsessive-compulsive” type of behaviour. Jim suggested I muzzle Toby when I walked him so that I would feel calmer and the energy I exuded would become more confident. My fear of his reactions to this point had been a big part of the problem and were fuelling his reactions as he was very much in tune with my weak and fearful energy.

I knew I had the right trainer for us when Jim called me the day after the assessment to see how we were coping. He truly seemed to care about Toby. I emailed Jim several times when I had a problem or a success and he always answered back within the day. Occasionally we had to change directions because things weren't working. After a few weeks, Jim came over to my house to assess Toby's progress. Toby and I had improved but more work needed to be done.

Within a few more weeks we were ready for the next phase of Toby’s rehabilitation which Jim said was an essential step in the process. We were enrolled in a beginner group obedience class at Spirit Ridge. To have Toby in a room with several other dogs would have previously been unthinkable. This is when Toby had his biggest change ..... to “work”, that is what Toby needed. Twenty minutes of obedience practicing exhausted him more than a 2hr hike ever did. Walks were becoming much more enjoyable and Toby was increasingly more relaxed at home.

After successfully graduating from the Group Obedience class, Jim felt that it was time for the “end game”. What I had always dreamed of and never expected Toby would even come close to, was entering an agility training class. Jim felt that, since border collies have a natural aptitude for this dog sport, it would only make sense to focus him on learning the equipment and working in agility. I was in seventh heaven!

Nearly 8 months after I had crossed the Spirit Ridge threshold, I was now passed over to “Mrs. Spirit Ridge” and Agility Instructor Suzanne.

Given Toby’s high intensity and drive as well as the high energy nature of agility, it has been a lot of work for Suzanne, Toby and me but it has also been a lot more fun than I had ever even dared to imagine.

It has taken me a long time to start relaxing and becoming more confident in Toby's behaviour as well as my ability as a handler. The biggest success for my dog and I occurred in May of this year (2010) when we entered our first AAC agility trial! I would never have thought I could have Toby at an event with so many other dogs around.

I cannot thank Jim and Suzanne enough for their dedication to Toby. The training methods at Spirit Ridge were always tailored to Toby's breed as a Border Collie, his personality and my personality because, as I have come to realize, I was the one that had the most to learn. Their rehabilitation and training methods are not of the "cookie cutter" variety.

In writing this I cannot forget to also thank all the classmates Toby and I have been with at Spirit Ridge for being so tolerant and supportive to Toby's sometime less than exemplary behaviour.

Toby is a different dog from when we first met Jim and Suzanne. Anti- anxiety medications were discontinued a long time ago. He is a relaxed, happy and above all – as Jim would say – a “fulfilled” dog.

Finally, as I write this testimonial, I must mention that two days after returning from a Transatlantic trip and totally jetlagged, Suzanne (who had insisted that she be entered as Toby’s handler) ran him in his second AAC agility trial this September (2010). I was in shock at his focus on Suzanne and his total disregard for any other dog around. Suzanne, being relaxed and confident in his abilities showed me, once again, that I was always the one “fueling” Toby. They almost came in with a qualifying score but, regardless, Suzanne and Jim tell me it is just a matter of time.

Regardless, I am having fun with my dog and Toby is having the time of his life! And to think that I was so close to having him euthanized!

Jane O., Orangeville, Ontario

(September 20, 2010)

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As a student of Spirit Ridge - Mr. Jim Tsitanidis and Suzanne Adams, I believe they should be awarded a medal for every animal they save and for every human they train. I am a student who has owned dogs my entire life and I could never really train my pets. I met Jim and his wife at Spirit Ridge before my first session was over, my unruly Sheppard was lying down calmly between two of Jim's dogs. I could not believe it! He - Jim - was able to calmly talk and with no touch walk my Sheppard around two other dogs. I was and I still am in awe. Jim and his wife are so in tune with the way the animals think that they feel there is absolutely no reason for any "hands on" treatment. These two people are what all dog or any other kind of animal "owner" should be. We should be so lucky to have an ounce of the nurturing, loving and respect for animals that Spirit Ridge (Jim and his partner) have. We should be so lucky!!!! If it were not for them, my dog would not be my dog”.[he would have been euthanized].
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“My name is Traci, I am a business owner, a wife and a mother. I am also an animal rescuer. I have affiliations with some of the largest animal rescue organizations in North America. I am certified in livestock rescue, human and animal swift water and low angle elevation rescue. I am currently taking courses (which I travel too) from the University of Missouri for animal cruelty and investigation. I am the founder and on the Board of Directors of an animal rescue non profit organization. I have driven into the eyes of hurricanes to rescue animals. I have been at the scene of puppy mill seizures, and seen the most horrible circumstances and conditions that any animal could possibly endure.

My dog Ratchet [120lb deaf Rottweiler] is dominance aggressive with a bite level of 5-6 (meaning 2 strikes, back to back, with pulling and head shaking to cause tearing). Ratchet used to think he was the boss. He used to attack (without warning) if things did not go his way. Ratchet now lives in my home, has not bitten in over 10 months, we now communicate with him thru hand signals and he is a valuable member of my family. I adore him. The value that I saw in him that day, was there, he will never be adoptable, but he has found love and happiness in my home.

None of Ratchet's accomplishments would have been possible without Jim at Spirit Ridge. He spent hours with my family and Ratchet one Sunday afternoon, teaching us, hands on, how to manage Ratchet in a positive manner… Jim is one of the best behaviorist/trainers I have met in North America. I will continue to consult Jim with any other difficult dogs that I may come across and forward his information to any that may need his help. He is one of the few trainer/behaviorist that truly takes on the most dangerous of dogs and makes a difference in the dog's life and the life of the dog's handlers. He understands dogs and sees what very few trainers/behaviorists can see. I have met and contacted many trainers/behaviorists and find Jim at Spirit Ridge to be the most knowledgeable, approachable and accessible person in his field. I rely on his judgment and his professionalism. He has worked miracles with animals that truly would have been euthanized without him.”
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“I have personal experience with Jim Tsitanidis and his methods at Spirit Ridge as I just completed one of his courses. Spirit Ridge was highly recommended to me by a customer at my place of employment. I attended an open house in July ‘08 and was quite impressed with Jim and his training centre. Since that time I have completed a six week obedience course at Spirit Ridge with my dog Emma. Jim is our local Caesar Milan (the dog whisperer). I plan on attending other courses that Spirit Ridge offers and I have and would continue to recommend them to anyone.”
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“I just completed a six week course of dog training with Jim and must say that both my husband and I were very pleased with the results that we achieved with our dog ‘Opee’. I found Jim to be very informed about dog training and behavior. He helped us to realize what kind of effect we had on our dog. Before the classes I had read books and have previously had the good fortune of sharing my life with many furry friends, but it wasn't until we met Jim that it really "clicked" on how our behavior affected our dog. Our Aussie is now a much calmer, relaxed male as a result of the change in how we handle him. Opee looks to us now as the leader, and he can simply "relax" and be what he is best at...just being a dog. If he feels confident that we are taking control then he doesn't have to act frantically, pulling and leading on the leash. Instead we are in charge. Jim, not only teaches training, but also teaches behavioural understanding from a dog's perspective.

I would highly recommend Jim to all of your friends who are having "issues" with their dogs. As Jim say's "there are no bad dogs", just handlers who need some advice and direction. I found Jim to be very caring about all the dogs in our class. He has a big heart and we could tell that he really loves what he does, and the dogs have so much respect for him. Our class all benefited greatly from the training, and I believe that we all were thrilled with the results.”
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“I was referred to Spirit Ridge by my Vet. I have a 18 month old German Shepherd with some behaviour problems. I spoke with Jim prior to my visiting, and after my lengthy conversation with Jim felt so confident that he was the right person to help me and this dog. You see the dog was not the problem really, I was. Jim was very gentle in pointing this out.

Once we went to the facility, Jim took over in teaching myself and my son. Our dogs, Ireland and Ned, immediately, had respect for Jim and he had not even spoken or come near them yet. It was totally amazing. Not to go into our whole training experience, Jim was very firm in his demeanour and in his voice, but not once did he suggest or even try anything that would harm the dog. He even made suggestions on new collars as he felt the choke chain was not good for the dogs and could harm them.

It has been 6 months since I have been to Spirit Ridge, however, Jim keeps in contact with all clients through email. I have just recently emailed Jim with a problem with on of my dogs and he was so wonderful to email me back right away, with great positive, constructive, safe information. He made me feel that he truly cares about these animals nor did he ask me to pay for his ever helpful and spot on information.”

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