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Our Graduates

Graduation standards are high and only achieved when a dog successfully performs the skills of Sit (near, remotely, in motion), Down (near, remotely, in motion), Stay (implied with sit and down), Come, Heel, Off, Leave It, Place, etc in the distractions of other dogs, people, toys and while off leash. We have several dogs that are very close and we look forward to adding to this page VERY SOON!

Shannon Conner and Bella (Golden Retriever) - 2011

David and Mary Losure and Nicci (Border Collie -- 2010

Dan Sloven and Jasmine (Border Collie mix)  -- December 17, 2008

Dan and his wife Rose, seemed at wits end when they first called MYTDOG about training.  Jasmine was an active dog that they wanted to be a part of their family but her behavior had really created a barrier to them truly loving and appreciating her.  Jasmine needed some structure and direction but getting through to her had proven to be a struggle and compared to their other dog (who was older, laid-back and well-behaved) and they wondered what they had gotten themselves into.  As I recall, I believe there were even moments wondering if Jasmine would be able to remain in their family.  Those things that should have been enjoyable and good for them (like time spent together in the house, going for walks and playing with her) had become frustrating. Jasmine was a challenging dog and Dan had his struggles with establishing clear communication and understanding with her but his commitment and dedication to training and working with the MYTDOG program transformed this barky, nippy, crazy dog from "annoying" to "amazing"!  There is not greater compliment than being recognized by your peers and this pair certainly has achieved that!  Fellow students are incredibly impressed with the change in this pair and their progress and accomplishments!

This family has not only given Jasmine the commitment of teaching her to be a great family member but they also have given her many outlets for her energy through our Agility seminar and our TEAM MYTDOG dockdogs® training program!

To say I am impressed with this Dan and Jasmine is an understatement! The dog and owner I see in class now is a bonded, focused, fun pair that truly communicate with and understanding and respect that is far above what I could have hoped for. To see the progress and success is both humbling and and inspirational and I hope to continue to see this pair be mentors and examples to our many new clients!

Emily and Brewski (rottweiler-mastiff mix)

Emily and Brewski were the very first MYTDOG clients when we first opened full-time in Des Moines in April 2006.  Emily was a student at Drake who had fallen in love with a puppy (that had many names before "Brewski" was decided on) and impulsively added it to her home.  Thanks to the encouragement of her parents and Emily's desire to have the best behaved dog around, she came to MYTDOG to reach her goals.  Emily and Brewski worked tirelessly to not only achieve the basic goals of graduation, but also some advanced skills that make Brewski the Emily beam with pride.

Brew was not always the easiest dog but the challenges she gave Emily made them even closer and made Emily learn to be an even more effective leader.

Emily and Brew still attend group class on a regular basis.  Emily enjoys working with Brewski and also being able to support and encourage new clients to work with their dogs to give them the knowledge and freedom they deserve.

I am very proud to have had the honor of working with this pair and believe they are a fantastic example of what a MYTDOG is!

Leesa and Arden (West highland White Terrier)

Leesa and Arden first experienced MYTDOG when they attended a dockdogs seminar.  Leesa had already done a good deal of training with Arden and was looking for new experiences and fun but when she saw that most of the seminar attendees had their dogs off leash (other MYTDOG clients) she wanted to know more and have that kind of freedom with her energetic Westie. 

Leesa and Arden were star students and excelled quickly and always looked for ways to challenge and improve their skills. Leesa did not settle and would not settle for graduating by just being good.....she has always worked to be great and it shows.  Her strong skills and leadership has made Arden a dog with many skills that is not only well behaved but balanced on all acounts. Though Arden has the energy and tenacity of an westie, she has one of the most balanced personalities I have ever seen.

Leesa and Arden attend class regularly and enjoy helping with new clients and classes.  Leesa has been a great example to those with little dogs who think that bad behavior is just part of having a little dog.....Arden proves that is not true!  Arden and Leesa continue to challenge themselves with new experiences like Dockdogs, Earth dogs and Agility! One thing is for sure, whatever they do they will do it well and have tons of fun!