The following are a few letters and photos of and by our students!

Student writes:

DITR is such a great program. We are currently taking our second class and are thrilled with the immediate progress our dogs have made. DITR training help teach us how to make our dogs a very enjoyable part of our lives. No more chewing things they shouldn't, no more 'marking', no more digging, no more jumping up on visitors as soon as they come to the door. DITR makes it very enjoyable and rewarding to work with and teach new behaviors and skills to our dogs. We actually look forward to training sessions and LOVE to take the dogs out for walks. They are actually getting so well trained with their "manners" that I can take them to work with me and have them sit in my office while I work and have co-workers stop by without worrying if they'll run off, jump on someone, or have an accident. DITR is the best investment a person can make in their pet!!!!

- student Stacia Reagan - owner of Sebastian (Pitt Bull/Rottie) and Zoey (Pitt Bullx)

From a Favorite Former Social Skills Grad:

Carol & Dana,

I hope all is well with you. Rob and I are great. Oh yah...so is Sofie. I wanted to let you know that Sofie is doing great. She's doing great because of the training she got at Diamond's in the Ruff. Sofie loves to be around other dogs. She approaches them in a cautious manner, greats then plays. We hike at Edgecliff with her 'off leash' (shhhh, don't tell) and approaching other dogs has not been a problem. Fortunately, because of her nature, and mine, I will always be cautious. Probably a good thing.

Sofie and her cat are inseparable. She's even adopted the next door neighbor cat as her backyard cat. Sofie still has a problem with the dog over one house. There are two fences between she and the other dog. Sofie will bark at the do, in a 'can't you come over and play?' manner. Rob and I have observed that fences can also cause her to be territorial, or protective.

Sofie loves visitors in the house. We have a lot of family visit for periods of time. All of them love having her around. She's turned out to be a very happy dog. She has a look of anticipation, of 'what's next?'. Sofie doesn't see her mom and dad as often any more. I don't know if you remember, they used to live a block away. They moved to a house by Audobon Park. Sofie's dad took fourth place at national competition for frisbee throwing in accuracy and distance. I don't know why that's important. It just seemed like it needed to be said.

Now, Rob and I are in the process of an international adoption. We're trying to determine how to introduce a little one into the house. I've thought about playing recordings of childrens sounds and carrying around a doll so Sofie will get used to this on more than a 'the family's here to visit' basis. We've got about 1 year to take care of this though. I'm confident Sofie, and we, will do fine with this.

Thanks again for allowing Sofie to be a member of our family.
Jennifer and Rob Walter

From L.A., California

I've met your dogs, and it still amazes me, 7 years later, how loving, consistent training can bring out the best in a dog. We're planning on adding a dog to our family within the year, and if there's anything I learned from you guys it's the importance of being the perfect family for your dog, not just finding the perfect dog for your family. Thanks for maintaining such an awsome, accessible resource for dog people.

Janine McCarthy

Los Angeles, CA

From Sammy's folks!

Hi Dana, First of all, we REALLY enjoy your classes! Your lively, entertaining instructing style makes the information easy to understand, remember—and fun! Although we already thought Sammy was the cutest, most brilliant and lovable puppy in the world (I’m sure you’ve probably noticed how enamored we are of him), the things we are learning at Diamonds In The Ruff are helping give us a better understanding and deeper appreciation of Sammy and our relationship with him.

The training and daily practice is providing a fun, new dimension to the bonding experience I think we might otherwise have missed out on. I think all young couples should first try using the basic principles you are teaching to raise a polite, respectful, well-mannered puppy BEFORE they try raising kids of their own. It is too easy in America today to inadvertently ingrain our kids with an insidious “sense of entitlement” that can become destructive to their families, relationships, and to themselves. Training Sammy has required John and I constantly examine and communicate—and come to agreement on—our expectations, methods and discipline.

- Annie & John Edwards

Dilemma solved - note of student appreciation:

Thank you for your support! Because of it I felt motivated to make our class attendance happen as well as feeling like we should be there regardless of our obstacles of lateness, etc. You are proving yourselves to be people of integrity and caring of others in your business environment. I am grateful for this and appreciate who you are. Your instructors picked up the ball on the other end, upon our arrival, and we experienced a great time in class. Mosa loved going to class and it made our day as well as it opened doors in our relationship with our sweet dog. You and your people are awesome.