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In Memorium
KOAL (Sept 1995-May 2008)

Spirit Ridge K9 Training & Rescue

RR #3, Orton

E-mail: jim@spiritridge.net

"........ because sit happens"

Client Testimonials

Below are copies of some of the letters/e-mails clients have sent in to us as testimonials of the work we have done with them. They are reproduced with their explicit permission. In addition, I have reproduced some of the articles that have appeared in the local media. I hope you enjoy the testimonials.

Jim Tsitanidis
K9 Trainer & Behavioural Consultant
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As a student of Spirit Ridge - Mr. Jim Tsitanidis and Suzanne Adams, I believe they should be awarded a medal for every animal they save and for every human they train. I am a student who has owned dogs my entire life and I could never really train my pets. I met Jim and his wife at Spirit Ridge before my first session was over, my unruly Sheppard was lying down calmly between two of Jim's dogs. I could not believe it! He - Jim - was able to calmly talk and with no touch walk my Sheppard around two other dogs. I was and I still am in awe. Jim and his wife are so in tune with the way the animals think that they feel there is absolutely no reason for any "hands on" treatment. These two people are what all dog or any other kind of animal "owner" should be. We should be so lucky to have an ounce of the nurturing, loving and respect for animals that Spirit Ridge (Jim and his partner) have. We should be so lucky!!!! If it were not for them, my dog would not be my dog”.[he would have been euthanized].
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“My name is Traci, I am a business owner, a wife and a mother. I am also an animal rescuer. I have affiliations with some of the largest animal rescue organizations in North America. I am certified in livestock rescue, human and animal swift water and low angle elevation rescue. I am currently taking courses (which I travel too) from the University of Missouri for animal cruelty and investigation. I am the founder and on the Board of Directors of an animal rescue non profit organization. I have driven into the eyes of hurricanes to rescue animals. I have been at the scene of puppy mill seizures, and seen the most horrible circumstances and conditions that any animal could possibly endure.

My dog Ratchet [120lb deaf Rottweiler] is dominance aggressive with a bite level of 5-6 (meaning 2 strikes, back to back, with pulling and head shaking to cause tearing). Ratchet used to think he was the boss. He used to attack (without warning) if things did not go his way. Ratchet now lives in my home, has not bitten in over 10 months, we now communicate with him thru hand signals and he is a valuable member of my family. I adore him. The value that I saw in him that day, was there, he will never be adoptable, but he has found love and happiness in my home.

None of Ratchet's accomplishments would have been possible without Jim at Spirit Ridge. He spent hours with my family and Ratchet one Sunday afternoon, teaching us, hands on, how to manage Ratchet in a positive manner… Jim is one of the best behaviorist/trainers I have met in North America. I will continue to consult Jim with any other difficult dogs that I may come across and forward his information to any that may need his help. He is one of the few trainer/behaviorist that truly takes on the most dangerous of dogs and makes a difference in the dog's life and the life of the dog's handlers. He understands dogs and sees what very few trainers/behaviorists can see. I have met and contacted many trainers/behaviorists and find Jim at Spirit Ridge to be the most knowledgeable, approachable and accessible person in his field. I rely on his judgment and his professionalism. He has worked miracles with animals that truly would have been euthanized without him.”
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“I have personal experience with Jim Tsitanidis and his methods at Spirit Ridge as I just completed one of his courses. Spirit Ridge was highly recommended to me by a customer at my place of employment. I attended an open house in July ‘08 and was quite impressed with Jim and his training centre. Since that time I have completed a six week obedience course at Spirit Ridge with my dog Emma. Jim is our local Caesar Milan (the dog whisperer). I plan on attending other courses that Spirit Ridge offers and I have and would continue to recommend them to anyone.”
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“I just completed a six week course of dog training with Jim and must say that both my husband and I were very pleased with the results that we achieved with our dog ‘Opee’. I found Jim to be very informed about dog training and behavior. He helped us to realize what kind of effect we had on our dog. Before the classes I had read books and have previously had the good fortune of sharing my life with many furry friends, but it wasn't until we met Jim that it really "clicked" on how our behavior affected our dog. Our Aussie is now a much calmer, relaxed male as a result of the change in how we handle him. Opee looks to us now as the leader, and he can simply "relax" and be what he is best at...just being a dog. If he feels confident that we are taking control then he doesn't have to act frantically, pulling and leading on the leash. Instead we are in charge. Jim, not only teaches training, but also teaches behavioural understanding from a dog's perspective.

I would highly recommend Jim to all of your friends who are having "issues" with their dogs. As Jim say's "there are no bad dogs", just handlers who need some advice and direction. I found Jim to be very caring about all the dogs in our class. He has a big heart and we could tell that he really loves what he does, and the dogs have so much respect for him. Our class all benefited greatly from the training, and I believe that we all were thrilled with the results.”
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“I was referred to Spirit Ridge by my Vet. I have a 18 month old German Shepherd with some behaviour problems. I spoke with Jim prior to my visiting, and after my lengthy conversation with Jim felt so confident that he was the right person to help me and this dog. You see the dog was not the problem really, I was. Jim was very gentle in pointing this out.

Once we went to the facility, Jim took over in teaching myself and my son. Our dogs, Ireland and Ned, immediately, had respect for Jim and he had not even spoken or come near them yet. It was totally amazing. Not to go into our whole training experience, Jim was very firm in his demeanour and in his voice, but not once did he suggest or even try anything that would harm the dog. He even made suggestions on new collars as he felt the choke chain was not good for the dogs and could harm them.

It has been 6 months since I have been to Spirit Ridge, however, Jim keeps in contact with all clients through email. I have just recently emailed Jim with a problem with on of my dogs and he was so wonderful to email me back right away, with great positive, constructive, safe information. He made me feel that he truly cares about these animals nor did he ask me to pay for his ever helpful and spot on information.”

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