Natural Dog Behaviour - Testimonials

Here you will find comments and testimonials from the many satisfied clients I have helped. If you require more information, some of my clients are willing to give verbal endorsements. Just contact me and I can make those arrangements. Hopefully this can help you make a decision on using my service.

'I was initially struck by Ted’s response to Ivan...'

Amanda, Edmonton
My relationship with my Australian Shepherd, Ted, had become serious and desperate when Ivan came into our lives. I couldn't walk him anywhere I might come across another dog or person as he had become aggressive with people and animals and uncontrollable around children and joggers. I was initially struck by Ted’s response to Ivan. Ted was obedient, calm and focused, despite the busy environment. Ivan taught me how read the body language of my dog, when to respond and how to focus his attention on me and away from his old triggers. 

More importantly, Ivan’s help has given me back the harmonious relationship with my dog that I was longing for. I have begun to enjoy spending time with him outside of our home and we have even been back to the dog park! I don’t dread taking my dog on long walks and I am no longer anxious if I see another person or dog. Ted listens to my commands and responds better than ever before, easing my stress and making our walks relaxing at the end of the day.

I am certain that without Ivan’s guidance I wouldn't have been able to handle Ted and I would have eventually given him up. The knowledge I have gained has given me the confidence to work through any situation with my dog and it has made us closer than ever. Ivan has changed our lives and we will always be grateful for what we have learned.

Sara & Jared, Edmonton
About a year after adopting our German Shepherd, AJ, we had several issues during “the walk” as well as a few quirks in the house which brought us to the point where we felt we needed help.

For me, walking the dog was no longer enjoyable but more an anxious guessing game of what AJ would do next. He seemed unpredictable as he would aggressively bark and pull towards some dogs and to other dogs be very friendly.  He was a different dog on the walk then when he was in the house.  At home he acted shy and timid and was scared to go upstairs or to be pet by anyone other then my husband and I.

Our initial consultation with Ivan was a real eye opener.  We did not have a shy timid dog but rather a dominant one that only did things he wanted to do. AJ had us wrapped around his paw and Ivan was going help us put an end to that. Ivan helped us see that AJ was longing for leadership and direction from us and we were not providing it.

Through simple techniques and vast knowledge of dog psychology Ivan showed us how to gain respect and be a pack leader without having to yell or use fancy choke collars. Ivan showed us that we have a great dog but how we were inadvertently sending mixed messages to him on the walk.  We learned how to read AJ’s body language and triggers that were setting him off on the walk. No longer were we guessing what AJ was thinking or going to do next but rather anticipating and reacting to a situation before it escalated into a bigger issue.

The walk is much more enjoyable as we have the tools to handle anything on our path.  The quirks around the house have totally disappeared as AJ seems more calm and relaxed.  This is no miracle quick fix but rather a path towards helping your dog achieve balance.  Ivan is there every step along the way and if you put the work into your dog you will see the results…we did!

Barb, Edmonton
I contacted Ivan after perusing his website in our search for help. My dog  had developed a disturbing habit of menacing young males around our home and at the dog park. The initial telephone contact  with Ivan was most encouraging and we set up an appointment for a full assessment in my home. I immediately felt that I was in the hands of an expert.  He was so caring toward  my dog and so knowledgeable about all aspects of dog behaviour.

We followed up with four 'hands on' sessions at the dog park where he patiently taught me many skills and strategies for dealing with my concern. Ivan's prompt attention to the problem as well as  his knowledge, skills and caring for dogs have helped me become a more confident, knowledgeable dog owner.  He has provided me with valuable tools to carry on with the necessary training and I heartily recommend him as a very competent, caring dog behaviour consultant.

Lisa, Edmonton
I did enjoy our conversations and discussions about living and working with dogs. You taught me a lot and gave me the confidence to manage them in any situation. I have tried (with Gilbey) other traditional dog training in groups but found that they did not really give you the true sense of working with your dog. I appreciated that you came to my home and to the places and parks where I walk them and worked with me in their normal day to day activities.

Rhonda & Mark, St. Albert
I was very impressed with Ivan from the very first phone call. We completed Ivan's Core Program with both of our Bernese Mountain dogs and the changes have been significant. My dogs both responded very quickly to Ivan's behaviour training and to how we now relate to our dogs. He was also able to show me a side to my dogs that I never even knew existed. We are a much happier family now thanks to Ivan.

I can't wait until his book comes out as I will be the first in line. I will always be committed to channeling my inner "Ivan".

Lorena & Andrew, Edmonton
From the first phone call with Ivan i knew he was beyond capable of helping our family with our dog Jasmine (1 1/2 yr old rotti). She was becoming very aggressive with children and i felt during the day she was becoming too much to handle around our son. Ivan's knowledge and patience was amazing! In 4 sessions not only has Jasmine become a more balanced and happy dog, but our home is such a better environment for us all. Jasmine is tolerant, alert, respectful and she amazingly doesn't even bark at kids anymore (let alone try to attack them).

The difference in her is like night and day and i know that if we didn't call Ivan our lives would be completely different. The time and effort Ivan put into our FAMILY is truly what made this so special, he puts everything on the table and gets right down to the root of the problem and that is priceless. There has been a huge weight lifted off our shoulders and we could not be more grateful for the knowledge and skills we have received. When we're with Jasmine now, there is no fear, anxiety, anger, guilt or worry... We have a great connection and she knows her place in our pack as a well balanced dog and thanks to the tools and help from Ivan, we are her well balanced leaders.

Snow & Brent, Edmonton
Never in a million years did we think we’d be able to bring our Miniature Pinschers, Scout and Mini, to an off-leash park—and have them behave.  Ivan has taught us valuable skills on how to properly interact with our energetic dogs that have allowed to us regain “ownership” of our once chaotic house.  With the knowledge and skills that Ivan has taught us, we no longer fear the embarrassment of our dogs excessively barking when friends come over or that they will “destroy” the house when they are on their own at home.

We would recommend Ivan to dog owners that want to reclaim the lost “control” of their homes and wish to develop a better relationship with their dogs.  Thanks again, Ivan – we wish we were aware of your services when we first got the pups!.

Sylvia, Edmonton
Mikko is our very affectionate Jack Russell Terrier of 9 years. He is an integral dynamic in our family. It was not until I became pregnant did we see there was an issue. He lives with my parents , our family is very close so my husband and I are over a lot, and vise versa. My mother was diagnosed with MS and Mikko was her faithful companion.

So getting to the point... Our daughter was born and we read all the books on introductions with family pets. But nothing prepared us for the dogs reaction to the baby. We did all the steps like having her blanket there for him to get used to the sent...ect but the moment he laid eyes on her and heard her, we lost total control of him.. his whining would match her intensity of a cry, and barking and jumping . Lets just say Christmas was about 45 min long because of his out of control behavior. We tried time and time again, and no luck if anything he got worse to the point that he was in another room and we could not even talk. We were at a loss..I could no longer visit my parents as it was way to stressful and not enjoyable. We needed Mikko to see our daughter as a part of out unit.. as Ivan would say our "pack" So I decided to do some research. Ivan's website stood out right away. I wanted to get to the issue, not play games with food and rewards. 

The call went out for help, and Ivan was in contact with me immediately. He taught us that there needs to be limitations and boundaries for a dog, as well as he needs to be balanced. He inspired our family to take matters into our own hands and realize that we create what we want. It took a lot of hard work, and Ivan helped us through every step of the way. I can proudly say that we are a family again,, we can have our 4 month daughter over at grandmas and granddads there are no issues. Of course we  constantly work on improving and working at giving Mikko what he needs, which is exercise, discipline and affection in that order. He deserves to be happy and balanced and Ivan was the integral key to understanding our true relationship with our natural dog!

4-H Club, Busby
I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to spend an evening with our 4-H Club on Friday, March 6, 2009.  Our canine club benefited immensely by your demonstration; showing the club members how to work with their dogs as the “leader” and how to have their dog focus on them and pay attention.

I know our club has several dogs that require more help than June or I could give and by you taking the time at the end of the evening to have private discussions with the parents and children, we now have some direction with these animals. Also, June and I (my co-leader) had confirmation that the direction we were taking and the work we’ve been doing with our club has been on the right track.

We would be more than willing to recommend you for “owner training” as we could see that it’s more often the human response to the animal that causes the issues.

Bonnie Kluthe and June Van Brabant, Canine Leaders
Double Diamond 4-H Multi-Club
Busby, Alberta