My roomate and I adopted Wambui as a 7-month old puppy from the local Humane Society. We knew from the beginning that he was shy and slow to warm up, but as we took him home and spent more tim e with him, we realized that it was more serious than this. He was very fearful around new people, and it was nearly impossible to take him on walks around the neighborhood, as he would tuck his tail and cower when new people came across him on the sidewalk. When anyone would come over to our house, he would hide in his crate or close to us for several hours and act very nervous, tentative, and fearful.
We decided to contact Camille about these issues, and she came into our house and did a thorough consultation. She gave us a lot of great recommendations, including back-up plans in case our first line approaches failed. We implemented her recommendations, and we started to notice gradual improvements. Furthermore, we enrolled Wambui in her beginning training class, which we were a little nervous about at first given Wambui's fear of people. Camille did a great job tailoring the class to Wambui and ensuring that he was not too overwhelmed around all the new dogs and people. We continued working with Wambui, and after several months time, we have noticed large improvements in his behavior. He is much more trustworthy of new people now, we can take him on walks around the neighborhood with any concerns, and he warms up to new guests much more quickly. He has some residue of his old behavior patterns, but the improvement has been so drastic that he has completely exceeded our expectations. We appreciate Camille's patience and guidance, and owe a lot of his progress to her efforts.
--Sara H. and Matt S., Ann Arbor, MI
We always knew we had a great dog... but a great dog with some 'issues'. Camille provided us with some great tools that, while simple, really provided the keys to unlocking Orbit's secrets. After just a few sessi ons with Camille, along with consistent practice using her methods, we now know we have that great dog.... WITHOUT the issues."
Before we met Camille, we were always cautious with Orbit, whenever strangers were involved. With the tools that Camille has taught 'US', we're confident that strangers are not an issue any more. Orbit is calmer and more relaxed in 'stressful' situations because we have methods to keep her calm... and that keeps US calm.
--Stephen and Kathleen W., Ann Arbor, MI
We contacted Dr. Camille Ward and About Dogs LLC after both of us were bitten by our recently-adopted adult German shepherd dog, Molly. During our first consultation, Camille provided insight into Molly's behavior and gave us specific exercises to build a positive relationship with our dog. Camille Ward shared her knowledge and experience in anim al behavior in a way that was easy for us to understand and use. Within a month, Molly went from growling when we gave her a food bowl to playing an interactive game during mealtimes, which was fun for all of us. After three consultations, we were able to approach Molly with a full food bowl, and she would back up and sit. This behavior exceeded our expectations of both Molly and About Dogs LLC.
Before we chose About Dogs LLC, we researched other local dog trainers. After a lot of discussion about the pros and cons of each trainer, the thing that compelled us to use Camille was her academic background. The fact that Dr. Ward is an animal behaviorist was the deal maker for us.
We recommend Dr. Camille Ward and About Dogs LLC to anyone wishing to improve their relationship with their dog.
--Diana B. & Joe G.,
Brighton, MI
Our initial consultation with Dr. Ward occurred on the eve of a road trip I was taking with Sasha, a rescue dog my husband and I had adopted only a few weeks earlier. A suddenly infirmed family member on the East Coast needed my help caring for our seven young nieces and nephews, aged 10 months to 7 years. Generously accommodating my last-minute request for the meeting, Dr. Ward must have sensed my serious apprehension about the trip: I was a first-time pet owner; Sasha didn’t seem fond of car rides; and most important, she was untested around kids. In fact, little was known of Sasha’s history except that she’d recently suffered multiple painful bone fractures throughout her body. Before that, her first 5-or-so years were likely spent in a small cage outdoors at a rural “puppy mill,” where she’d been continually bred.
In retrospect, Dr. Ward’s initial “read” on Sasha was spot on. She sensed a history of trauma, but believed Sasha had a great, very gentle and submissive temperament; was resilient and highly food motivated; and could learn quickly. After our initial two-hour meeting, I hit the road optimistically armed with practical strategies to keep Sasha, and everyone, safe and calm in new and unfamiliar environments. At Dr. Ward’s kind insistence, we also kept her contact information close at hand, “just in case.”
Since that initial consultation six months ago (and twice monthly sessions since then), Sasha’s progress (and ours!) has been tremendous.
Dr. Ward’s ability to “think on her feet” and adapt various methods to a dog’s individual circumstances has meant that no obstacle or setback we’ve encountered thus far has been insurmountable. For example, she devised and then refined a strategy for handling overnight trips to the home of our cousins in Chicago, where Sasha had had multiple indoor “accidents” and on one occasion accidentally bit off part of an antique wooden chair leg while playing at my feet with the family’s friendly, energetic boxer during dinnertime. Our most recent visit was (thankfully) uneventful, our success achieved by sticking to Camille’s advice—which emphasized always keeping a leash handy and using it often when indoors; taking Sasha outside hourly to relieve herself; and having her sit alone on her “place” (a comfortable, portable mat), positioned away from furniture, with a favorite toy or bone during family meals.
Camille has been no less than a godsend. Her exceptional techniques and, just as important, her extraordinary ability to motivate and inspire humans and canines alike, have transformed us and helped us to maximize our quality of life together as a family. Recently, while enjoying a stroll through one of our favorite nature trails, I ran into to an acquaintance whom we hadn’t seen since shortly after we’d adopted Sasha. Observing a thrilled and confident Sasha, who was enjoying an off-leash romp, and me, successfully calling her back to my side amidst numerous temptations, she said, “I just have to tell you that the change in Sasha from the last time I saw you guys is amazing! She looks like she’s gone from a scared, quiet senior to a reinvigorated puppy who’s fully in tune with her owner and thoroughly enjoying life. What happened?!” I thought for just a second, and then said with a smile, “Two words: Camille Ward.”
--Cris and Josh C., Ann Arbor, MI
Camille, you have been so positive and helpful in working with us. You have provided so much helpful information. I have learned so much from you. Thank you!
--Linda D. & Sunshine,
Ann Arbor, MI
We had a terrific compliment a couple of weeks ago. Our kids came over with our two grandchildren (a toddler and infant). Both Ella and Ypsi were pretty excited to see them and tried to lick them. Ypsi quit after a couple of minutes, and we kept Ella on a leash and distracted for about five minutes. After that, she calmed down, and we let her loose with the kids. She was almost PERFECT! Our son-in-law said that she was 100% better! Thank you!!!
--Chris K., Ann Arbor, MI
I don't think that any of us expected to see the kind of quick changes and positive outcomes that we have observed so far. Thanks!
--Anonymous from a private training client
You are a terrific teacher and run a great class! --Anonymous
We LOVED the class! Bernie and I looked forward to it every week!
--Julie K. & Bernie
Camille, thank you so much for all of your encouragement and assistance. I look forward to learning more from you. --Sharon W.
I wish that we had started classes sooner with Camille and that we had taken classes with our older dogs. --Anonymous
Great instruction and very positive. Even when we had a 'doggy meltdown' the instructor stayed positive and was never judgmental. --Anonymous
I never wanted the class to end. The class and instruction were excellent! --Anonymous
I learned so much about animal and dog behavior! --Anonymous
Camille, thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement with Ginger. --Anonymous
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er the first visit with Camille, we were educated on how to temper his anxiety in positive ways. We increased his exercise significantly and learned the value of food toys. He was a happier dog almost immediately. After the second visit, we were shown tranquility exercises that decreased his anxiety even further.