Testimonials Page 2
TRAINING with Kate Johansson from Sit Means Sit Tacoma Dog Training
I had a hard time using the collar myself at first. I was not educated about this method (which is medical technology similar to a tens unit). I adopted a shy/fearful GSD/Chow mix who didn't wag his tail or lift his head due to years of apparent abuse. He has scars on his face that remind me of what he went through at one time in his life. About 1 month after I adopted him, he began biting men and children who entered my home. I was shocked! He has nipped at, head butted and growled at 10 men and children. I used 6 trainers to deal with his fear aggression, took him to classes faithfully and worked with him countless hours at home. Months later, my uncle came to visit from Chicago. I instructed him to give my dog a treat right when he came in, as I had been instructed to do so from 3 of the trainers I had used. My dog took the treat, dropped it on the ground and bit my uncle on the leg! The very next day the neighbor knocked on the door and my dog almost knocked me over to get to him. I love my dog dearly and couldn't live with myself if he had hurt someone else OR if he was euthanized because I didn't have control of my dog. What type of life is that if my dog has to be locked up for hours in a bedroom when we have company? I decided to work with Sit Means Sit. The first session, my dog bit the trainer. Now, he can't wait to see her! I had no idea this training would make my dog so happy. When I put his collar on, he bolts down the stairs like a truck and waits by the door with his tail wagging! He views his collar as a positive experience. He knows when his collar goes on, he gets to use agility equiptment, go on a 2 mile walk on a trail OFF LEASH, or swim with Kate's 5 dogs. He wags his tail more than ever now. I would never hurt my dogs. Being in rescue, fostering various dogs from various backgrounds- it is the fearful/shy & scared dogs that develop fear aggression and will bite. I refused to accept the fact that my dog was going to decide who could or couldn't enter MY home and did something about it. We are both much happier now.. He gets to do MORE than ever before. I feel good about this training because I have used so many trainers in the past that couldn't help my dog.. Believe me, I am always open to suggestions, but all of the suggestions I've received have not changed a thing. The Sit Means Sit training was like a miracle to us. Thank you
Sunny Ortega
TRAINING Comments About Internet
I'm continually impressed with your results. Trainers, no matter how good they think they are, have to be impressed with what you've accomplished. They'll continue to bitch - but bottom line - they all want to know how you do it.
Have a good day Fred.
Chris Hadley
04/2004
COMPETITIONS AKC Obedience
Hi Fred,
Copper earned her UKC CDX this past weekend with a 195 and I just wanted to thank you and Alfredo again for all your assistance last December. I feel certain that we would not have gotten past her stay problem without your help in straightening her out and the No Limitations method. Now – on to Utility.
Julie
SEMINAR Search and Rescue
I was at the Search seminar in Jacksboro Texas on the 9th of March 2004. I have a bloodhound that I got and she was dog aggressive when I originally got her. She was 14 months old at the time, and had lived inside and not been out very much. I started trailing with her after 2 months that I owned her, and she had bit me almost every time I worked her. I had tried to run her down the road for 2 miles everyday so she would not have so much energy. That worked for about a month, then she was back to biting. For the next 8 months I tried everything that anyone would tell me. At Jacksboro, I watched Fred with his dog that was very handler aggressive when he first got him, and was even worse than Wrinkles. I watched Fred's dog do all of the things that it can now do, and I asked Carla if she would try the Dogtra 200ncp gold on Wrinkles. Carla told me she could fix my problem. 10 Minutes later, there was my hound in the middle of about 20 dogs sitting, not fighting, barking, or biting anyone. Carla came over to me and spent time showing me how to use the collar. I went out in the group and could not believe that this was the same dog that I had been having to fight every time I took her out of the trailer. The next day I ran a trail without having to watch out for other dogs. This does work.
Greg Hardy
POLICE K-9 Training
My name is Jeff Quackenbush. I am a K9 handler for a sheriff's office located in the eastern section of Washington State. I have been a K9 handler for fifteen years and am currently working my fourth cross trained patrol/narcotic K9. Recently I had the opportunity to attend a "No Limitations" seminar that featured Fred Hassen. Having come from the "old school" method of training, I was very skeptical about what I could learn by attending such an event.
Within the first half hour of the seminar, I realized that Fred definitely knew what he was talking about and had a method of utilizing the "E" collar that I had never seen before. I currently work a Malinois that is a high drive, energetic dog. During the three day seminar and by using the methods taught by Fred, I was able to display almost complete control of my dog, even during bite training. The amazing part is that none of the dogs that were in attendance lost any of their drive and remained tail wagging and happy throughout the seminar.
The training I received while at the "No Limitations" seminar is something that I will continue to utilize with my patrol partner and am very excited about sharing with other police K9 handlers throughout the area.
Jeff Quackenbush
Benton County Sheriff's Office
Kennewick WA
SCHOOL NL Grad
Hi Fred,
Just like you to know that empowered by your method, I entered myself and my Lab (our first time) into our Singapore Kennel Club Obedience Trial on 14th Dec and we came in 3rd in the Pre-Novice (score tied with 2nd) and 2nd in the Novice (score tied with 1st).
Also, the e-collar is getting more acceptable here because of the way we use it to train with. Thanks again for the knowledge you taught me.
Will definitely catch up with you again (probably at 1 of your seminar). Not now as my wife will be expecting any day now. Hope I will be as successful training my daughter like how I train dogs. Hahaha!
Gilbert Fong
Singapore
POLICE K-9 Training
I want to thank you for coming out and giving a demonstration regarding your training methods at the Orange County Police K9 Association meeting. I have been involved in training police canines since 1991 and I have never been as impressed with a trainer like I was with you. Anybody who trains dogs understands the importance of obedience, in my line of work its important not because it look nice, but because our lives depend on it. I would highly recommend your services to all police agencies throughout the United States. Simply put, Fred’s system of training works. Do not take my word for it, seeing Fred’s training in person will be enough to convince you.
Eric Oden, Senior K9 Handler, Brea Police Department, Brea, California
SEMINAR Attendee
Your seminar was super helpful. having never trained a dog, the immediate results i received using your method were much more than i had expected. looking forward to having a super trained dog.
Sarah Oneill
TRAINING Search and Rescue
I just wanted to say thanks for attending the recent Bay Area Search and Rescue Training (BATSAR) in Dublin last weekend. I enjoyed your collar training and found you to be very knowledgeable. You definitely "put up or shut up" with your dog "Sara" WOW!! We were all very impressed!!!!!! Thanks again….I would love to see you in action again and learn more. Keep up the great work!!!
Joe Riva #383, California Rescue Dog Association (CARDA)
PUBLIC SPEAKING at Police Events
I had Fred Hassen speak at the Fall meeting of Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) on the subject of electronic collars. His talk was brief as we had limited time available, yet he was able to cover an overview of what can be accomplished with an electronic collar. His presentation was well received, and has prompted a number of agencies in Arizona, to include Tucson P.D., to further consider and use electronic collars in their respective programs. In February of 2001, the Tucson P.D. Service Dog Unit invited Mr. Hassen back to Tucson to give some more formal training on the use of electronic collars to all of our handlers. The training took place over three days. During those days, we covered a number of techniques, and addressed a number of problem solving procedures. We are continuing to use these techniques in our daily training.
Sgt. Lewis, Tucson PD
SEMINAR NL Grad
I think that you can learn something from everyone. People just do things differently. One style may suit your training/teaching style better than the other, that's all. I try not to knock what other trainers do, or pit one trainer against another. That is not what I am about. I train peoples PETS and specialize in severe behavioral problems. I also install and train pets to the non-visible containment systems. I have been successful using e-collars for over 12 years in my business. I don't do protection, field work, agility, etc. I refer that stuff out currently. Maybe in a four years when my kids go to college I will take the time to learn more about using e-collars for different dog sports. Till then I know what I know. I know what I saw at Fred's seminar and until another e-collar trainer shows me what they can do with their OWN dog AND TEACH the WIDE VARIETY of things I saw Fred do MY opinion will remain that he IS the best ALL AROUND e-collar trainer on the planet.
Dawn Wolfe
SEMINAR Attendee
The seminar was an immeasurable success for both me (Ben) and my dog Harley. If you recall, our dog was the Yellow Lab who jumped, mouthed and whined the first day (I was COVERED in sand!) and was running through the mini-agility course (on command) on the third (day of seminar). We had to leave early (upcoming exams at college) so I had no time to Thank-you .. Thank-you (I got that out of the way). This was not Harley amp; Mac185's first class. As a puppy he went to puppy school (socialization et. Al) and then basic obedience (non e-collar, standard leash and cookie training). He was top-of-the-class, learning quicker than other dogs; that is, UNTIL he turned about 5-6 months old at which time he became both stubborn and damn STRONG (too strong for his own good and mine, more on that later). It was not that he forgot the commands and boundaries he had learned but he seemed to give us the doggy middle-finger whenever we asked him to do something. As he grew, he became both much stronger and much more bold in his rebellion. As a result, he lost our trust and slowly began to lose freedoms he previously had. Because we could not trust him and could not devote every waking moment to him, he began to spend more and more time confined to his crate. His walks also became less regular as my mother became fearful of walking him. As a full-time student I do not always have time to accompany my mother on the walks and I thought it absurd to have to act as a strong arm insurance policy during what were supposed to be leisurely strolls for both human and canine. One time, when my mother walked without me, my mother lost grip of the dog. Harley jumped up (with all his might) to kiss a child and ended up hurting him (long story short — he needed an emergency dental appointment).
It was never a matter of a bad attitude, it was just a fact that Harley was a very energetic, loving and naturally dominant dog. This is what made confining him troublesome to everyone in our household. We wanted him to be a part of the family. We wanted the crate to be his bed and den during the working day, not a tool to keep him from running around with the kitchen knife in his mouth (something he loved to do, he would grab the biggest, baddest knife from the counter and then encouraged us to play catch me if you can with him). In just three days, Harley has rejoined our household. My sister and mother can now supervise and even walk him without my accompaniment. We can watch a movie with Harley at our feet rather than having to drag him to the crate. I predict that within a week or two Harley will earn back his off-leash privileges, something he lost after his last bolt.
I am now equipped with an answer to anyone who might frown at the e-collar: IN 3 DAYS THE COLLAR RAISED THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THIS DOG IMMEASURABLY. Whereas he was once crate-bound, constantly scolded and always followed by an apprehensive eye he now has freedom in the house, will enjoy longer, more free walks and will even be allowed to resume swimming in the water he once loved as a tiny (harmless) 2 month old (another privilege he lost after I had to swim in to retrieve my unruly retriever). Most importantly: This was NOT a dog that was neglected or left unsocialized as a puppy. He DID get properly socialized, he DID do obedience training, he DID get A LOT of practice using the leash and cookie method. The bottom line was that he was smart enough to figure out that he was faster and stronger than most and knew what he could get away with. As soon as the leash was in the hands of a weak individual or as soon as he was within distance to escape, he would. The e-collar puts control BACK in our hands. You have probably heard this all before. Thanks for everything!
Ben Ahi Hilleli and Family
SEMINAR Attendee
I just wanted to say thank you for helping me with my "dunderhead" Cane Corso at the seminar in Arizona this weekend. Watching you take him and have him follow you off lead in a matter of minutes was amazing. It really helped me understand how to use my body language to guide him. This is a dog that I brought him home at eight weeks old and was shocked when he entered an extreme fear phase at six months old. I had been socializing him regularly and had planned to train him for SAR. I have spent the last six months socializing him in new and strange environments on a daily basis. He has come along way, but what you were able to accomplish in just a matter of minutes was more amazing. You were able to bring him full circle and not have him still scrambling to find his security zone, which has often been back in the car, before he felt completely secure. Thanks so much.
Teresa (and Cubilon)
TRAINING NL Grad
I attended your North Carolina seminar in December. I was the very reluctant woman working the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Chester. First of all, I'd like to thank you. I am now a huge fan of yours. I really appreciate the fact that you came to NC and shared your methods. I can't tell you how amazed I've been with what can be accomplished with your techniques. I have completely changed my approach to dog training. Thank you.
Julie Atchison, A New Leash, Greensboro NC
TRAINING Greyhound
The e-collar training surpassed my expectations, now that I am educated on the tremendous tool the e-collar is in the hands of someone who has been training properly. Already, this morning brings proof in amazing ways. The early morning walk this morning with our Greyhounds and Kali was wonderful. My wife Jayne almost dropped her drawers when she saw what was happening. Kali was on the Flexi lead and with a quick "here" and one stem from the e-collar on 4 with the low button, I was never pulled as usually was the case. Going down the path that she usually charges down to beat the Greyhounds was a treat. She stayed with me and even telling her "free" she was not yanking my arm off. When Jayne saw her come and sit so I could change leads she couldn't believe it. What is even more of a miracle is, after Kali was back in the house and had a treat, I gave the Greyhounds each their treat and Kali did not bolt to grab their treats. I didn't even have the e-collar on her a! nd she was totally attentive to me. I know we have wonderful experiences ahead of us. It's almost like both Kali and I have been liberated, knowing how to please each other by what is expected and being able to accomplish it with this tremendous tool. Yet, she is just as happy as a puppy as always with all the drive still intact.
I know this sounds flowery but it is the way I feel. I can't wait to go work with her on the e-collar. What a difference from the old obedience experiences where many times one did not look forward to those training sessions.
Thanks for all you guys are doing in the world of canine handling and also the world of the mantrailing Bloodhound.
Ron & Kali
SEMINAR Professional Dog Trainer
Let me brag for one of my students…. It took awhile to cajole a shy student into showing her shy dog but… Mary Masterson took Bebe, her eight-year old Lab-Shepherd mix to some UKC obedience competitions and took 3 first places and attained her Companion dog title in 3 straight trials. One of the requirements of this title is a 'stay alone' stand for examination by a total stranger… Mary attended a Hassen seminar at B.C. dog training in Mundelein Illinois a while back and Fred worked with this dog. Some of you may have been there. A highly fearful dog all of her life, she would try to run 'to the next county' if approached by a stranger. Fred taught her that fear is not an option. He laid in the basic work and then saturated her with approaches by every man in the audience. Bebe not only survived this 'ordeal' but after sleeping on it, the next day at that seminar she was cautiously soliciting attention.
Mary is a trooper and has continued Bebe's education and is now working in utility training. Thanks to Fred and congratulations to Mary & Bebe.
Mary Mazzeri, Care Dog Training
SCHOOL Graduate
I just got back from Fred Hassen's Sit Means Sit Dog Training school in Las Vegas. I expected to learn a lot. But what I didn't expect was to come away from the experience with so much. Not just information. But a total program for sales, marketing and training. Not just seeing a couple of dogs trained, but watching four staff trainers and Fred work dozens of dogs including their own of every size, shape and temperament, and in every stage of training from the demo to the owner's last requested lesson. In homes and in the park and out on the streets. Not just seeing and learning all of this, but being impressed with every facet of the program, the character and caliber of every member of the Sit Means Sit team, and the energy, enthusiasm and total commitment of Fred to his method and his students. I talked to several clients with little puppies who said the same thing to me — they couldn't wait until their dog was big enough to wear a remote. His clients and their dogs are in every park in the city. They form a kind of movable celebration of training, and their dogs couldn't be happier. Of course I didn't just watch, I participated in training and in demos with my own dogs and got lots of feedback from everyone on the team.
On my last day, I got to go to the pound with Fred and work a big monster American Bulldog who had no trouble shaking me off like a flea when he first came out of his cage, and was walking quietly and confidently with me past dozens of cages full of dogs by the time we were done, stopping when I stopped, moving when I moved, coming back to me when I backed away and snuggling up to me for a head scratch. Even I was amazed by that miracle. A large city shelter is barely controlled chaos, loud and hot and full of crazy energy even when it's as well run as this shelter. And this American Bulldog was no foofy dog wanting to please you for a cookie. Fred is a trainer who can analyze and work problems out as they come up, and he helped me polish my skills even in the pound will all those distraction and the public and his colleagues watching every step. Talk about showing you. I could stop here to tease Fred so that his head still fits in his new, very subtly wrapped motor home. But I have to say that anyone thinking of going to Vegas would come back with their own confidence so built up that you better not be planning to stay small minded. The generosity of Fred and his staff, the camaraderie they extend, the playfulness and commitment that they bring to work with them every day, is the real thing. If anyone is considering a trip to Vegas, I gotta say, go! Me? I'm pretty much taking the stance of the Terminator. I'll be back. Thank you to Fred, Alfredo, Rich, Brian, Joe, Yolanda and all of Fred's students and colleagues for your hospitality and friendship. You're pretty nice, no matter what they say about you.
Pat Troise, The Compatible Pet, Los Angeles
TRAINING Las Vegas Client
I'm Fred's mom, (the Finnish Spitz in the Saturday class at Sunset Park). I plan to send this site to all my friends so thr dogs can get the same chance you gave my Fred. Thank you so much, I cant believe he is my same dog!
Sabina Charles
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