I first met Nancy Freedman-Smith when we were searching for a companion dog for Ghillie, our Border Collie/Aussie mix. As a volunteer with New England Border Collie Rescue, Nancy did the home visit. I think it went well, because she worked hard to find us a good match. Nancy hit the mark with Mira, a lovely purebred that instantly stole our hearts. Mira was a "soft" dog that had been abused and neglected, so her needs were special. But thanks to Nancy's insight, Mira's transition into our home was eased. Today she is a confident and happy dog.
It wasn't long after Mira joined our family that Ghillie started acting aggressively toward strange men. I consulted Nancy, distraught over the prospect of having to give him up. She gave me excellent advice on how to reestablish Ghillie's position in the family pack. Nancy also recommended some good books on dog aggression. Sure enough, his attitude toward strangers improved, and we now feel comfortable introducing him to new people.
I consulted Nancy once again when we were considering a cocker spaniel puppy for my daughter. I booked Nancy to visit the breeder's home with me. She met the mom and dad dogs and observed their litter of ten with the keen eye of a trained professional, picking up on all the puppy nuances that would escape a layperson. Alas, Baby Phoebe has been a delightful addition to our pack, and I thank Nancy for all the canine harmony that has settled on our home.
Jade
Ocean Park, Maine
Bridget with Ghillie and Phoebe
Brewster at Evergreen
We originally hired Nancy as Brewster's trainer when he was 9 months old, to help him fulfill his roll as resident therapy dog in the nursing home we own. Over the last seven years, we have developed a wonderful relationship with her. We continue to hire her for in home boarding as well occasional tune-ups. Brewster is free to roam around the Nursing Home halls quite often and left to his own devices he would probably never stop eating! It has been a relief to find someone who treats our dog as one of her own family. I recommend Nancy highly!
Richard
Swampscott, Ma
Note from Nancy-Brewter passed to the Rainbow Bridge May 07 after spending his last winter with me. We all miss him. Update! May 29th 07 they got a new puppy. Check out Sadie on my blog here
Hi Nancy: We want to thank you again for training Mica in the basic obedience class. We just came back from a NEADS puppy day in Hew Hampshire where Mica was evaluated for his progress. He did very well for his age. We are sure that much of his good behavior was a result of your help in training both him and us. The brief introduction to the clicker training that you showed us has become invaluable to helping him learn some new skills and even reinforcing some basic commands like a relaxed 'down' position. You class helped increase our confidence level as handlers. Again, thank you for donating such important training. Arlene and Don 1/7/07
Barbara, Jack and Emma at Graduation!
Testimonial:
My family and I adopted Jack as a 4-month-old puppy from a national rescue, sight unseen. We knew we'd have a challenge but didn't know how big of a one. Jack is very fearful of strangers, especially men.
We met Nancy after we hired her to come to our home, meet Jack and assess him. She gave us great tips that day and Jack progressed to the point where we thought we'd at least try her basic training course -- with other dogs and owners, in a busy store! He wasn't the best student in the group, for sure, but he persevered and actually seemed to enjoy it.
If you'd have seen Jack before he met Nancy, you'd realize what amazing progress this was for him. He has a long way to go, but we love him and we're more optimistic than ever before.
Eric, Cape Elizabeth
Dear Nancy,
Tucker and I would like to thank you for such a great class!! We're so happy he passed his CGC test, and we are looking forward to continuing in his education, hopefully becoming a certifited therapy dog. Our baby girl, Harriet, and I will see you in February for your Basic Manners class!!
Thanks again,
Michelle, South Portland Vet. Clinic
Olive, Harriet, and Tucker CGC
Casey CGC
Here is our brag!
When I first contacted Nancy, Casey was 5 months old. I was a first time dog owner and flabbergasted at how much work this 29 lb. puppy was. I went to the first class saying that Casey was going to be a challenge to train. Yet 6 months later here she is graduating from her second class and she is wonderful! Nancy helped with everything from jumping, to walking on a leash, and best of all making us very proud parents. Many times we are told she is the most well behaved dog and we couldn't have done it without Nancy's help. We look forward to working with her in the future and we highly recommend her fun and helpful classes.
Kara & David, Falmouth
Oliver, GoldenDoodle, Scarborough
Nancy, Thanks to you my Halloween was a huge success !!! Oliver did great when the door bell rang and did not rush the door or bark !!! I couldn't believe it. Tonight was a great night to practice. I will definitely see you in December, put me on your list !!!
Sincerely, Kerry
Who would have thought it… tonight Jack passed his Canine Good Citizens test. I don’t think anyone was more surprised than me. It couldn’t have happened without Nancy’s help. I hadn’t realized how much energy Jack had nor how tense he was about not having a “job” to do, as I don’t own cattle and don’t need him to herd animals, Jack needed something else to do. I hadn’t realized how often I was saying “no” or stop to Jack. Nancy was able to show both Jack and I how to work together to establish a positive and productive relationship.
Although we had taken previously training classes, the trainers were great with the dogs, but didn’t have the ability to work with the humans, so I wasn’t getting what I was supposed to do. Nancy was able to work with both Jack and me to show us how to work together and be both a better dog and a better owner.
My stress level has dropped too, I now know Jack will come when I call him, will sit and stay on command and can do a few tricks and he even knows “red light” means- okay time to chill out- I’m too wound up.
The classes were so good for Jack and me that we’ve signed up for a third one…
