Deb Ross | Amanda and Strider | Cheryl Ovas | Michele Martin | Susan O'Dowd

Debbie Crossling-Barker | Paul Cummings | Lydia Wedlock  | Janice Lynch  | Monica and Toby

In 1992 my husband and I bought our first Springer Spaniel, Molly. We brought her home at 6 months of age in September of that year. Neither of us knew a lot about dog training – OK anything. We had done all the preliminary work in selecting a dog – reading books, going to dog shows and talking to people to determine what breed was right for us. All of the research does not prepare you for what your breed will really be like, and for the training of that dog.

My Mom and Dad had purchased a Bearded Collie the year before, and had Trimark recommended to them as a training school through their veterinarian. I was delighted with my Mom’s and Dad’s dog, so I gave Trimark a call.

Molly and I started our 9 week course in Level 1 in the Fall of 1992. When I began training Molly I had no idea of the journey in store for me.

Molly did very well and I decided to continue on to the next level. By the time I had reached Level 3 with Molly we had purchased another Springer Spaniel pup, Talon.

I will say that Molly was anything but an easy pup. Linda, the owner of Trimark spent extra time consulting with me on some issues that I was having. Molly had been allowed to run free on a country property prior to my purchasing her at 6 months. Therefore, transferring her obedience school training to real life presented some challenges. With the help of Trimark, we gained the love and trust of a wonderful well-behaved dog that we had for over 15 years.

After my second dog Talon arrived the pack seemed to multiply. Every other dog after Tali was either a rehome or a rescue.

Until the Fall of this year, when I lost Molly and Tali to old age, I had six dogs in the house. I know that this sounds restrictive, but we were able to travel far and wide with them and were even grandfathered at hotels that no longer accepted pets. The reason was they were so well behaved.

The rehomes and the rescues came with challenges that had to be overcome. With each one of them we took our obedience classes through Trimark. Linda helped me on my journey, as I sought to better understand dog behaviour and make my new additions good canine citizens. All of my dogs have gone through multiple levels of obedience with Linda.

She brings a special gift to dog training. Linda understands that clear parameters must be put in place for new inexperienced dog owners, but she provides the opportunity to go well beyond basic obedience and build a strong and lasting relationship based on fun and trust with your dogs.

I will add that Trimark is not just around the corner from me. When I was taking Molly to Level 1, I lived in Collingwood, and for all subsequent dog training I have lived in Niagara. This means that I have a 1 ½ hour drive both directions.

I have never opted to enter dog obedience matches. Obedience for me has been a matter of working together on a long term lasting relationship.

Thanks Trimark for teaching me so much, and for helping 5 of my dogs, who would have been unlikely to make it in other environments, to have a great life.

Deb Ross

And Sam, Barley, Kelly, Brett

And in memory of Penny, Molly and Talon

 

I have been recommending Tri Mark for over 15 years to clients and have had too many compliments to count on how fantastic the program is.

I have found a new joy with my dog since starting at Tri Mark. They have helped make him a wonderful member of my family.

Linda and Leo’s approach to dog training is fantastic, my dog and I look forward to going every week to training.  I mention the word school and he goes crazy!

Tri Mark has helped me to understand my dog, and has greatly improved our relationship.  I would recommend Tri Mark to anyone interested in becoming closer to their canine friend, and having them a wonderful part of the family.

Since training my dog at Tri Mark I get complimented daily on what a nice, well behaved dog I have.  It’s a wonderful feeling. 

Rally O

I really enjoy the time I spend with my dog, I learned about Rally O from Tri Mark, it is such a fun and positive way to do something very challenging for both my dog and myself!  We have almost completed our Advanced Rally O title!

The Rally O classes I took through Tri Mark taught me a fun sport to do with my dog that we both really enjoy!  It’s a challenge, but a very positive one, it has brought my dog and I closer together. 

Amanda and Strider

It is so hard to put into words how great Linda has been with our dogs. Linda and her associates just have this warmth and tenderness that dogs relate to. It makes training our dogs a much more pleasant experience. Our dogs learn faster now and are eager to please us.

Linda is not only a great dog trainer, but also a great dog owner counselor.

Thanks again Linda for the great help you have given us.

Cheryl Ovas & Miniature Australian Shepherds Kodi and Alli

 

 I would just like to thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with my family and new puppy, Marigot.  As you know, this is the second dog I have trained through you and both times I have been able to raise happy, loving and well behaved pets.  I receive many compliments on Marigot's behaviour especially given how young she is.  I have, and will continue, to recommend you to all my friends . 

I look forward to continuing our training sessions with you,

 
Michele Martin and Standard Poodle Marigot

 

My 85 pound, 11 month old puppy "Bear" and I commenced Level One training with Linda and Leo at Trimark Canine Services in December of 2006.  We had completed Level One training with another dog training school and were having problems applying our learning on a daily basis.  We started our first few sessions at Trimark with a completely uncontrollable dog.  He clearly was unhappy being there and objected strongly in class.  Through Linda and Leo's patient approach, Bear continued gaining confidence and passed Level One with flying colours. 

Since that time, we have successfully passed Levels Two through Four, including a Rally Obedience Program.  What I really appreciated about Trimark versus other dog training schools' approaches, is that Linda and Leo are able to try alternative approaches if initially a dog has difficulty completing a command.  Bear wasn't always the quickest to pick up new concepts, and Linda was able to break the command down for us into smaller parts, and when we made progress and developed confidence with each small step, it enabled us to progress to the goal -- even if it took us more time than other dogs. 

I strongly endorse this dog training facility and the skills and patience of each instructor. 

Susan O'Dowd and Bernese Mountain Dog Bear

 

Jeff and I were at Erindale Park on Friday evening, walking Panda off-leash (yes... I know!!!). She and I go most mornings, so it's a routine thing for me to call her to 'come', 'sit' and 'stay' whenever anyone goes past. Well, this other couple were jogging and Panda and I did our usual 'obedience show-off' and the lady says as she runs by, "Oh that must be a Trimark-trained dog!" To which I replied, "YES!". It was so funny and I thought you should both know how much we all appreciate the training we received in our classes!

 The lady ran past again and said, "She must have graduated with top marks!!!" (as Panda repeated her perfect performance). Needless to say, I was very proud - but you and Leo should take all of the credit!

 

Emma and Panda. 

Photo by Michael Crossling

 

Debbie Crossling-Barker
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Cummings and Murphy enjoying Jack Darling Park

 

 

Clicker training at Tri-Mark Canine Services turned my dog Olive and I into a happy, successful team.  Prior to using a clicker we struggled but once I was introduced to the concept, training was easy and more fun for Olive.  It is a method that brings consistency to training and removes the highs and lows of your voice.  Within one week we caught up to the class, graduated in second place and moved on to Rally training.  Olive is now enthusiastic and it increased my bonding with her.  My daughter had been away and commented on how different Olive was.  She said, "Actually Mom, you have changed!"  True, it is a great tool and I highly recommend it.

Thank you also to Linda and Leo for an enjoyable Rally course - it was a good fit after our introductory obedience.  It kept us working on the basics in a fun atmosphere.  You both have great patience and tolerance for both the handlers and dogs and you are clearly passionate and devoted to your work.  We will continue with our training in the Fall and look forward to it.

 Lydia Wedlock and Olive

Jazzy and I have successfully taken multiple classes at TriMark -  Levels 1 through 5, as well as Novice and Advanced Rally Obedience.  Jazzy is a 6.5 lb. Maltese and was often the only small dog in the class.  Many small dog owners do not take advanced training with their dogs as they feel it is not necessary.  However, the classes that I have taken with Jazzy have resulted in a “take anywhere” dog who is a joy to live with.  We are Snowbirds who spend winters in Florida and Jazzy flies back and forth with us each Fall and Spring.  He is the perfect little traveler – spending 5 to 6  hours in his flight bag – and not a peep out of him.  While we were in Florida last winter, he passed his AKC Canine Good Citizen test with flying colours.  Also while there, I became interested in Therapy Pet work and had Jazzy certified through the Florida-based Share-A-Pet program.   The certification test is like an advanced obedience test with some additions like staying calm during  sudden  noises and tolerating rough petting.  Again, Jazzy aced the test.  We volunteered at an Alzheimer’s facility in Florida and this summer have been making weekly visits to a retirement home in Mississauga.  Jazzy knows lots of tricks and is a huge hit with the seniors.  He is a funny, smart and very engaging little dog who loves to please.  Everywhere we go with Jazzy people comment on his good behavior and calm demeanour.  He is so much fun to travel with that we don’t go anywhere unless we can take him with us.

I feel that Jazzy and I were able to achieve all of this due to the wonderful training we both received at TriMark.  Linda and Leo are  experts in their field.  They have endless patience, especially with the owners who often have more trouble than the dogs learning a new command.  Training Jazzy was not without its trials as he  developed a noise phobia after a particularly bad thunderstorm in Florida.  The phobia started to develop into general fear of any sudden noise.  At one point in Level 2, Jazzy was even afraid to come to TriMark’s location.  With coaching from Linda, we developed methods to get Jazzy through his fears and he was soon happy again to come to class.  Although he is still a little uneasy during thunderstorms, he now just looks at me for reassurance (and perhaps a treat) when he hears a loud noise and remains calm.

I highly recommend TriMark to other dog owners, especially those with small dogs.  By training your small dog you will have a well behaved pet who is welcome anywhere.  Thank you Linda and Leo for sharing your expertise with Jazzy and me!

  

                                   Jan and Jazzy

Obedience Training

Not only is a well behaved and obedient dog a pleasure to have as a pet, but it is a must if they will be performing in obedience, agility, field tests and dog shows.

Toby's obedience training is being done by Linda Webb of Tri-mark Canine Services. 

Toby, at 9 months old, already has 5 points towards his show championship title and I truly believe that the training he received at Tri-mark has played a definite role in his success. Linda is not only a great dog trainer, but a genuinely nice person who is always willing to share her knowledge and help in all aspects of your beloved pets life. Thanks Linda for being such a great person.

Level 1

Toby just completed his Level 1 obedience training with the highest score in his class, posting 157.5 points out of a possible 160 points.

Level 2

Toby will begin his level 2 training in March and he's looking forward to the challenge.

Here is a link to Toby's website http://beauvertshiddencreekecho.webs.com/

Monica and Toby

More To Come...