K9 TODDLERS
THINK like a dog.   BEHAVE like a Master!

More references from pleased clients:

Evaluating new dogs and determining the appropriate training and environment for the dog:

"I have known Teka Ludovico for several years now, through animal rescue. I can highly recommend her with regard to her professional abilities to analyze and train animals. She is very capable and personable. I have dealt with her in stray dog rescue situations, and she has been able to immediately analyze the personality and temperament of the animal, and prescribe the appropriate training and proper environment for the individual dog. She never fails to impress me, and she is also a joy to work with. Both personally and professionally, she is of the highest caliber." --Maggie Kuhns

Teaching the dog not to dart out an open door:

Dear Teka,

First of all, I miss you. Since I moved away from Los Angeles with my mom and dad, it's sad that I never get to see you anymore. But I want you to know that I still think about you all the time, even though we're far apart.

For example, I remember how you taught me to understand my parents and focused on what they told me to do. The hardest one was to stay at my front door -- sometimes for a very, very long time -- until my mom or dad says "OK." I used to bolt out of the front door, remember? Not anymore, thanks to you, Teka! And another thing I remember is how I'm not supposed to jump up on people or pull on my leash when I'm on a walk. One thing that's kinda sad to remember is all the long hikes you used to take me on. Those were fun. I like my new home a lot, but it would be more fun if you were here. And the other thing I want you to know is that I wouldn't be half the dog I am today if it wasn't for you. (To tell you the truth, I'm a lot smarter than most of the local dogs around here, and I'm sure that's because of you!)

Lots of love and licks, Griffin Curran

Teaching the owner to calm an overactive dog:

"I love Teka, she came to my house when my mom was desperate and scared I was an aggressive dog. I was scared and Teka finally taught my mom how to understand me. My Mom just would never listen, she would get frustrated and repeat commands over and over again, she would pull on my leash and yell at me! But Teka totally straightened her out, she taught my mom to be more confident on her walks and her assertive energy just calmed me down. Now we get along great! Thank you Teka for showing my Mommy how to behave, now she is a good Mommy and thank you for bringing yummy treats!!!!" ~ Lulu Miles

Teaching the owner to train a shy, timid puppy:

"When I first met Teka as a 3-month old I was a timid and shy puppy. But Teka really knew how to talk to me and she put me at ease immediately. I learned how to 'come' and 'sit' in a flash, right then and there. And Teka spent lots of time answering the millions of questions my nervous, first-time parents had. I think she really put them at ease too--she was so patient and helpful I can't believe they didn't even think to offer her a tasty liver treat! Now I am growing bigger and bigger and have energy to spare; thank goodness Teka is there to help my parents understand how to talk to a rambunctious adolescent like me. I love Teka--when I grow up I want to be just like her!" -- Rezzie Wesslyn

Discerning that the cause of misbehavior was intimidation by another dog:

I remember the first time Teka came to see us, eight years ago. My parents thought that I was the problem child. Me Ruby! They were shocked to find out it was my older sister Sadie, pretending to be a little angel, and all the time growling at me under her breath, telling me I wasn't wanted, that I was an accident! Boy did she ever have everyone fooled. But not Teka. Oh no. Teka knew right away why I refused to sleep in the bedroom with the rest of the family. She knew how scared I was of Sadie, and in just one visit she set things right. Told my parents how to fix it and before I knew it Sadie was my best friend. The best thing about Teka is she knows what dogs are thinking! Not many humans can read a dog's mind, but she sure can. Ruby (14yrs old)

Dealing with fear-induced aggression:

My name is Jed. My dad calls me sometimes Happy. I smile a lot these days, now that I'm out of the cage I lived in for 8 months. Before that I got pretty messed up in a car accident. You could say I was one mad dog. Teka showed me how to get rid of all the anger and now I haven't got time for the pain, as they say. I bit quite a few people before Teka came along. She gave it to me straight. Jed, she said, no one's going to hurt you now. I had to wear my stupid leash around the house when people came over and greet them politely instead of biting them when they wanted to pet me. Humiliating. So finally I got to figuring maybe people weren't all bad. And guess what? Just like Teka said, nobody ever hurts me! Jed (6yrs old - I think)

Calming a rambunctious dog:

Jed and Ruby warned me, but I didn't listen. Keep pulling on that leash and chasing cats, they said, next thing you know, Teka will be here. Sure enough, she showed up. Made me sit just feet away from Pearl the cat. Had me walking this way, then that way, until I figured out what the deal was. Walk next to those holding the leash. Everybody says my manners are much improved since Teka paid a visit. Even Pearl. Bronte (2yrs old )

Multiple dogs: Housebreaking, lead training and training not to run out the door:

Dear Teka,

How can we ever thank you for teaching our mom how to understand us??? We tried our best to teach her how to walk us on the leash all together, where we wanted our "toilets" to be and what shoes we liked to chew on the most. Our lives together are great thanks to your help! Now mom has no problem walking all three of us together. We only give a short bark for a "head's up' when someone suspicious is lurking around and we LOVE our potty place in the backyard. We greet our friends at the door instead of running out the door and jumping on them and everyone is happy! We do miss the shoes but that is just a small sacrifice to keep Charlene happy!
We love you Teka!!! Thanks for everything!!! ~~
Betty, Dutchess, Lady and our foster sister Jasmin

Back to main references page:

Teka Ludovico
* Animal Behavior Specialist *
- Member, Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) -
K9 Toddlers Behavior Training
Office:  (310) 478-9562
e-mail:   Teka@k9toddlers.com
http://www.k9toddlers.com/

© Teka Ludovico 2004-2007