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"Educating Owners to Create Smart Dogs"
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Shannon, American Pit Bull Terrier with the Anthony girls. "We are a family of five with myself, my husband, my 2 ½ year old daughter, my 1 year old daughter and my senior Doberman. When we decided to adopt a dog from the humane society, we chose a 1 year old American Pit Bull Terrier because she was the best with our children and our older Doberman. Everyone thought we were crazy when we came home with Shannon because she was a “pit bull”. Because people had so many negative things to say about pit bulls, I started to have second thoughts. Since I never turn down a challenge, I immediately began looking for trainers to make sure Shannon was really as sweet as she appeared. I found Fairwayfox Dog Training on the internet and called that night. I must have had a hint of desperation in my voice because even though Kim Kilmer was out of town, she called me right back to touch base. From the moment we met her, Kim made us feel at ease not only with her but with the whole dog training process. There was never an issue that could not be dealt with and usually the behavior was corrected within minutes with creative tricks that were easy on us and Shannon. Within weeks of working with Kim, Shannon started to blossom and is now an absolute treasure and a wonderful addition to our family. Kim has built our confidence and has taught us how to read the “body language” of a dog. She has also helped us to become proud American Pit Bull Terrier owners that includes Shannon in all of our family activities and outings. Today we have Shannon enrolled in Kim’s agility class which we both really enjoy. Whenever we call or email her with questions or problems, Kim always responds immediately. Fairwayfox Dog Training makes it easy to own a well behaved dog and for that reason I am very grateful to her and I highly recommend her and her services to anyone." Kimberly Anthony, proud Pit Bull owner, East New Market, MD
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Rudolph Valentino Kirn, CD, RN, OAJ, CGC, TDI Shih Tzu
Rudy is nationally ranked as the #2 Novice A Shih Tzu for 2005
“Last year, I was in training to get Rudy's CD (Companion Dog) Title. Being a novice handler, everything I was learning was new. Several months before the show, there were several areas in which I just didn't feel competent, but didn't have the knowledge or experience to correct. I contacted Kim, and she was able, in a very short period of time, to "fix" those areas to make me a better handler and therefore improve Rudy's performance. He received his CD in three successive days with three qualifying scores and one third place finish. Kim's success and experience in putting titles on dogs and helping others do the same has encouraged me to continue training with her, and continue working toward additional titles.”
C. Kirn, Salisbury, MD
Photo: Copyright Tom DiGiancomo
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Cooper and Bailey, Boxers
"When my third rescued boxer, Cooper, suddenly decided he could no longer stand his fur-brother, Bailey, I was distraught. I wondered if Cooper was naturally aggressive and I hadn’t noticed. I was afraid that Cooper might be sick. I was afraid there might not be anything I could do.
I searched everywhere for a behaviorist, since his veterinary check-up came up clear, feeling that this would be my—and Cooper’s—last hope. I finally was recommended to see Kim.
Kim immediately put my husband and I at ease because she could see what Cooper was feeling. Cooper’s insecurity and fear were driving him to feel unnatural anxiety and the need to control his environment. After helping us to understand Cooper, his way of thinking, and his issues, Kim taught us to communicate clearly with him. We began a great regimen of training, learning, and bonding. It took some time, but Cooper finally learned how to be a dog.
Cooper now plays with humans, rather than tries to protect us from them. Cooper received his first massage the other day from my dad and now is a “hound” for them. He knows what a toy is. He has learned the joys of “fetch”. He has discovered the trash can.
Cooper is truly a new dog. And the best thing about the new Cooper is that he likes his fur-brother, Bailey, again."
Jill and Patrick McCormack
Millersville, MD
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West Highland White Terrier in CARA rescue program "I originally met Kim when I had problems within my own pack and I loved her approach, personality, and immense knowledge of all dog issues. I have since brought Kim in to consult with the rescue for which I volunteer, Companion Animal Rescue Alliance (CARA), where I manage the canine side as "The Dog Coordinator". In the past year alone, Kim has helped us with an ignored Rat Terrier, puppy mill West Highland White Terriers, an abused and neglected yellow Labrador Retriever, and an aggressive Basenji. There isn't an issue that I have brought to her that hasn't been answered completely, quickly, and with a clear way forward. CARA (and I!) recommend Kim's approach for all canine issues, large and small! She has helped our rescued animals become great furry companions!"
Jill Sopko-McCormack
The Dog Coordinator
Companion Animal Rescue Alliance (CARA)
www.cara-adopt.org
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MACH Bevanton Phoenex Jasper, CD, Delta Pet Partner, Miniature Poodle
Jasper was nationally ranked as the #7 Non-Sporting, Novice A dog for 2005
“I retired my 12 year old from agility but didn’t want to give up our training partnership so we moved to obedience. It’s been a new experience for both of us and great fun with Kim. I’d heard how tedious obedience could be but Kim trains the exercises in a way that keeps my dog’s tail up and a smile on my face. The judge at our first show told me to tell my trainer she was doing a great job – as she gave us our blue ribbon!”
J. Quillin, Ocean City, MD
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Tucker, Pit Bull Mix
“Tucker found us in March 2003. Extremely thin and hungry, he was wandering along our road looking for scraps. Wanting to help, we fed him and planned on sheltering him temporarily until we could find a suitable home. The fact that he appeared to be part pit bull made that difficult. While a reputable rescue group offered to take Tucker, it had so many dogs that space would not be available for 2 weeks. So, we decided to keep him ourselves. At 8 months, he was very hard to handle—even at half his normal weight. But, while he lacked social skills, he seemed to have a heart of gold. We knew we had to train him, so we enrolled in a basic obedience course and a canine good citizenship course. Then we found Kim at Fairwayfox Dog Training. She helped us with additional basic and advanced training. She’s clearly talented with dogs, but perhaps more important, she is talented with us. Kim has helped us develop our own understanding about how we and Tucker can enjoy our time together. We now have an idea of what he is capable of and how much we gain in our relationship with him by investing just modest amounts of time. In the several years that he has been a part of our family, Tucker has progressed from a wild stray that did not like to be touched to a well-behaved dog that enjoys grooming and training sessions. While Tucker may never compete in any formal events we still train him in general obedience, aspects of agility, and scent discrimination and other tricks almost every day. People sometimes ask us why we bother. The answer is simple: He loves it, and we do, too.”
Cary and Patty, Salisbury, MD
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