"Whenever I have a client or patient in need of a trainer there is no one else I
would recommend but Vicki. Without fail I get nothing buy glowing reports of her
classes, her ability to deal with pets and people alike and her knowledge and
professionalism. I know that she will do the best and you will always get the best
from Braveheart Dog Training."
Dr. George Marmolejo
Chabot Veterinary Clinic
"Dog owners are lucky to have such a valuable resource found in Vicki
Ronchette. Vicki brings a broad scope of expertise and experience to her
students and their dogs, that sets her a step beyond most trainers. She brings
her vast background in breeding, showing, judging, breed rescue, grooming,
training and caring for dogs to all of her work. Whether you are a student in a
public class, a private client or reading one of her books; you will be treated to a
passionate, caring and skilled training advisor who is dedicated to continuing
excellence and skill development, unlike most people in the industry."
Lisa Clifton-Bumpass CTC, CPDT, CDBC, CAP2
A Step Beyond
Mentor, educator, trainer and dog behavior specialist
"Dog owners are very fortunate to have Vicki Ronchette teaching classes
in the East Bay. I took my fearful and sensitive dog Dottie through 3
of Vicki's classes. She never forced or punished Dottie for being
frightened. Vicki always made us feel comfortable and protected Dottie. We
both benefited greatly from Vicki's positive teaching methods and
expertise."
Lorril
Hayward
"You have such a gentle soothing hand on the dogs. This is exactly what they
need and it really calms them down when we take the pictures. People need to
watch this and see what you are doing."
Vicky Cook, Dog Show Photographer, Cook PhoDOGraphy
"My puppy, Jessamy, was so scared of the world that she couldn't walk. The
staff at the animal shelter thought she should be put down, but I was convinced
she'd get better with the right people in the right environment. After bringing her
home, my first action was to call Vicki Ronchette, CPDT, at Braveheart Dog
Training. Vicki came to my house to meet Jess, and she helped me design rest
and play areas in which she could feel secure, as well as advising me on the
delicate task of counter-conditioning all Jess' fear into positive associations.
When we enrolled in Vicki's Beginning Obedience class, she made a special
effort to set up an area in the class room where Jess would feel safe and paid
attention throughout the course to Jess' well-being. Indeed, people began
commenting within weeks of Jess' new found energy and willingness to
encounter the world. She has a long way to go, but Jess is downright joyful in
more and more places she visits.
Vicki teaches her classes with knowledge, energy, and kindness. Learning and
remembering each dog's name immediately, Vicki shows people how to train a
well-behaved dog in a gentle and fun manner. She fills each minute with
exciting new tricks and games, explaining her techniques clearly so the students
can follow what she's doing without struggle. Her knowledge and compassion
really set her apart in a world of shock collars and punishments, and I highly
recommend Vicki to anyone with a dog!"
Karen Johanson
"Vicki, Thank you for being Braveheart Dog Training. It was so wonderful to
watch you relate to the animals. Always with respect, kindness, and
understanding. And the response you received was amazing. Jerry and I aspire
to gain just an eentz of the skill you display. We very much enjoyed the class
and so did Daph. We'd laugh when we'd get home from class because she was
always exhausted. She didn't eat, didn't move for hours.
Again thanks. Hope to work with you again.
Pat Hamilton
"Chief gets really excited in the morning to go into the backyard and run around
and play while I make coffee. Most days I can hear him running back and forth
outside of the door chasing butterflies and birds, seriously he loves it! This
morning I let him out and I went into the kitchen to make my coffee...but I didn't
hear him at all, totally quiet! I go outside and he is standing in the flower bed
over a dead squirrel! Now I can tell from the position (def been dead for awhile)
and look of the squirrel that he didn't kill it. He was standing over it almost
confused or wondering if he should play with it or sniff it or what. I (of course)
panic and scream "Chief no, Chief no Chief no"...all of the things you tell us
NOT to do. I walked into the laundry room, took a deep breath, got his rope and
went outside. "CHIEF COME", and I turned and pretended to run in the house
with his rope. Before I hit the back step he was at my heels waiting for his rope.
(tear*tear). How proud was I knowing that I called him the right way and he
came!!!
I was on my own on this one and I thank you so much for showing us the right
way to bring up our dog!
You are truly the best!
Victoria Larson
"I was in Oregon the last four days for an ASCA show. Wylie looked very good
in Dixon. My granddaughter showed him and he got Reserve Winner's Dog on
Saturday. He had his ears up the entire time and seemed to be having a good
time. I told my granddaughter I didn't care about winning - I just wanted him and
her to have fun. And they did.
This past weekend we did three ASCA shows and he got Winner's Dog on
Sunday (a 3 point major) and two Reserved Winners Dog on Saturday. He
really is showing so much better. My friend is very impressed and asked me to
show her how to train hers with the clicker.
My little blue Merle Puppy took Best Puppy on Saturday and Best Opposite on
Sunday. I am really having a good time with the clicker. Thank you so much.
Have you published your book yet. I thought you said it was in process last time
I was there. Both my friend and I want to buy a copy."
Sally Kirn
Australian Shepherd breeder/owner/handler
"As a veterinary technician, long time dog owner and strong believer in the need
for obedience class for all dogs, I have worked with a variety of dog trainers and
techniques. From personal experience I have found Vicki to be one of the most
insightful and successful trainers I have worked with. Our own puppy, now 16
months and over 90 pounds, wasd enrolled in obedience school at 4 months old
not only for socialization but because he was beginning to show dog agressive
tendencies. We were concerned and asked Vicki to help us focus on this
unwanted trait. She gave our situation a great deal of attention and time, asking
us questions about his behavior and really observing him in class. She seemed
to know exactly what to do, placing him in situations with other dogs in class
where he learned to focus on us and ignore them. She has a great instinct and
ability to understand dog behavior and applies a great deal of flexibility in her
training. She treats each dog in every situation individually and teaches owners
how best to work with their dogs.
Many of our fellow attendees in class are, like us, repeatedly taking the
advanced off leash classes. All the dogs and owners have a great deal of fun
whil eenjoying the challenge of learning new behaviors and creating great K9
citizens. vicki insists that class remain fun and challenging for both dog and
owner. We personally have seen great improvement in our dog's attitude
towards other dogs under Vicki's guidance as well as having a great deal of fun
and making friends. We wouldn't think of stopping our Thursday night sessions
and I believe our dogs would agree. We would recommend Vicki for all aspects
of dog training, from Puppy Socialization to severe behavioral problems. Both
dogs and owners have a great deal to gain in fun training and bonding through
a successful working relationship."
Bea Linn, RVT (Resgistered Veterinary Technician)
"I wanted to also tell you how well Rocket did on Saturday at the Ridgeback
Specialty - she took first in the 12-18 puppy bitch class over a field of 11 other
pretty darn nice puppy bitches. I don't know if it was our clicker session on
Friday that gave her the extra confidence but it sure was obvious to everyone
(people actually approached me and said so) that she had a "show attitude"
going. Of course I'm thrilled - it was my first nice win with her as a handler.
Thanks again - I'll definitely stay in touch!"
Sara Glasser
"Thank you for a wonderful class. Guinness and I are all the happier for it! You
are a terrific teacher. I'm very eager to keep Guinness' training moving ahead."
Joan Sieber
"Rielly, the spotted dog, starts to wag his tail as soon as he realizes we are
going to class! Vicki makes learning fun and exciting for both dog and handler.
She breaks down goals into baby steps so it is easy for the dogs to succeed
and she is perceptive enough to try different techniques if the dog doesn't
understand. Vicki is passionate about canine behavior. She has instilled in me
that the ways you can communicate with your , and the things he can learn to do
are limitless!"
Linda Blain, RVT (Registered Veterinary Technician)
"Neither of us had ever had a puppy before we brought 8 week old Josie home.
By the end of the first few days, as adorable as she was, we were ready to take
her back. We knew a puppy would change our lives but even with all of the
research we’d done to try to prepare for her, we were overwhelmed and felt like
we were in over our heads.
Our vet had recommended Vicki with such enthusiasm that we decided we’d give
her a call to see if she could help. From the moment Vicki came into our home
we knew she was right for us. In her very gentle and matter of fact way, she got
to know us, looked at the way we had the house set up for the puppy and
evaluated the puppy. Josie was in love with her from the beginning and within
minutes Vicki taught her to sit, down and leave it just using some treats and a
clicker. Then she showed us how we could do it just as easily as she did. What
a boost to our confidence that was! The biggest relief was in teaching Josie bite
inhibition. How quickly she caught on when we said "ouch" just as loud as we
could and quit playing when she bit too hard – what a simple and effective way
to teach a puppy not to bite! Just as soon as she had her shots, we had Josie
in puppy preschool with Vicki and she’s been in a variety of her classes ever
since.
Under Vicki’s guidance she’s well socialized to other dogs and people and her
behavior is getting more reliable all the time. She’s 18 months old now and we
can’t imagine what our lives would be like without her - or without Vicki, for that
matter! Vicki is always available to answer questions and help us solve
problems that arise from time to time. She’s an intuitive and patient teacher and
we’re so happy to be using a clicker instead of a choke collar for training."
Kathy Kinney and Diane Peterson
"Hi Vicki
It has been such a long time since we have chatted. Things look so great for
you, congratulations on all that you have done with Braveheart! Tom has finally
had one knee replacement, things got complicated and infection became an
issue so he was finally "paroled" out of the hospital after an almost 2 month
stay. He plans on getting the next one done next month. He says he wants to
run like Teddy!!!
You would be so proud of what a wonderful little "man" Teddy has turned out to
be. He could not be more perfect with our little grandaughter, although there
were times he would be just so pitiful and want to climb into my lap like the baby.
They just love each other although at 18 months when she has had enough she
points to the floor and says DOWN. When he has had enough he gives her a
big ole wet kiss. OF course they are always monitored with someone right there
as much as I love and trust my big ole boy you know does not pay to be stupid.
Although it has been such a long time we have been in class just want to let you
know his Braveheart training has never left him. This is common. Walking along I
see dogs approaching I watch them if I sense something negative I wander out
across the street or over out of the way and prepare Teddy,........."watch me
leave it good boy". While the other dogs are completely out of control Teddy
(the banned breed) is just totally ignoring them and trotting along. We have had
dogs charging out of open garages or wherever and same thing, the ability to
keep my dog safe. This may be nuts but I just sense that he trusts that I will
never put him in a situation that he is in danger. So just wanted to pass on that
once a Braveheart dog always a Braveheart dog. Such a pleasure to walk my
dog, all that traing has SO PAID OFF.
I think the thing about your training is that you were able to bring out the best in
my dog and teach me how to be a better dog owner. We have not been back for
a while, had to put some things on hold but hopefully we can get back in the
future or even see you at Pt Isabel.
I can never ever thank you enough for all that we have learned through you."
Tom and Deirdre Winterhalter
"Just thought you'd like to know how well Talyn did at his very first CPE trial, HE
DID GREAT!! =) Talyn ran Snookers (Level 1), but DQ when he knocked down
the very first bar, however he still got third place [not in the video]. He ran
Jumpers (Level 2) and got a Qualifying score and placed 4th! He also ran
Standard (Level 2) and got a Qualifying score and placed 3rd!
I was so proud of him! The trial was so much fun! I wanted to thank
you soo much since you were the first agility teacher we had! We had
such a wonderful experience with your class that we definitely caught
the agility bug!! It all been so wonderful and I have you to thank for
such a great start! Thanks again and I hope you enjoy the video! See you on
Saturday!
Tracy M. Duncan
"I adopted a black lab girl from the Hayward Animal Shelter in December. She
was about 12 months old when we brought her home. She seemed very sweet.
She was great with my kids and very affectionate. She had lots of puppy
behavior. Ran wild, chewed on anything she could get. She had never been
trained on a leash. I would take her out walking and she would come unglued
when we saw another dog. I would have to run the other way when there was
another dog out walking. She would turn into another dog. Barking, jumping all
over the place and lunging at the other dogs. I started to wonder if I had
adopted the wrong dog. I talked to my vet about dog training and she gave me
Vicki's pamphlet. I called her right away and signed up for her next beginning
obedinece class. The first couple of classes rough. Abby (that's my lab girl)
couldn't even stay in the class the first two weeks. By the end of the eight week
class, she was not only in the class, she was able to do the exercises with the
other dogs nearby. Vicki is very dedicated to dogs. She met me early several
times to help me with Abby. Abby and I have worked really hard. We can even
go to Lake Chabot and the Marina and walk in close proximity to other dogs. I
knew in my heart that Abby was the right dog. She just needed some extra
attention and love to get through her issues. Before you give up on your dog,
call Vicki."
Wendy Posados
Update on Abby:
Hello Vicki,
Happy New Year! I had an exciting day with Abby yesterday and I wanted to
share it with you. My brother in law has a 6 month old Bullmastiff already 60+
pounds. We got him and Abby together yesterday and they played. They ran
around 5 acres together and played in a pond and had a great time. I am so
pleased at her progress. We have just hit our one year anniversary of her
adoption. She has really settled into the family. Thanks again for your help.
"Just wanted to know that we simply LOVE your class and how you interact with
the dogs. You have an awesome gift and it shows with the animals.
Plus everyone I know loves you and your techniques!"
Nancy
"Thank you for providing such wonderful classes. I'm never sure who's more
excited, me or Blue. I've had dogs all my life, but the bond with him is much
stronger, thanks to your style and teachings."
Sloane Whelan
"I just had to drop you a line to let you know how great the clicker training of my
Mustang baby is going. She caught on quicker than the dogs. In less than a
week I was petting her and picking up her feet. Now it has been two weeks and I
can lay on her back, lead her with a lead rope, pick up her feet, touch her head
and everywhere else, she backs up and I can undo her halter. Which to any
other horse would be no big deal, but for a horse that had never been touched
by a human 3 1/2 months ago. That's HUGE! So, I wanted to tell you thank you
so much for the great advice. I have even learned how to use the clicker much
better. I am allowing her to make the right decision and reward her for it. Wow,
it is so much easier than traditional methods. And so much faster! I think she is
so much like our cattle dogs! She is so smart, she learns things very fast and
she understands what I am asking her to do. She even likes doing her work.
She waits for me in the roung pen every morning. I ask her, "Are you ready to
work?" and she always whinnies back at me!I am going to take this all the way. I
have thought of how to teach her tricks with the clicker. She uses her feet and
mouth for everything. So, I think she will be a great trick horse."
Ann Azevedo
"I plan on taking more of your classes with Walter and with my other dog. I really
enjoy your method of training, not having to get physical with my dogs or jerk
them around with a choke chain, it's a pleasant change from the old training
methods. We have been talking about you to clients left and right, my boss is
also excited about it and quizzes me every Thursday about class. "
Jessica Souza
"Vicki's puppy classes are wonderful for the owners and the pups. She goes
beyond the expected for a group class. She has a way of making you feel that
your pup is the one and only pup that matters to her. It is like private classes
that includes interacting with other pups. She is always available to help."
Linda Tripp
Thank you so much for the feedback on Leise. My husband and I have always
felt that she could overcome her reactive behavior if we cuold figure out how we
were supposed to handle it. We have seen more progress in the training
sessions with you during the past few weeks than we ever dared to hope for.
I really appreciate the positive approach you use with both Leise and me, as well
as your understanding of my need to be comfortable with each training step so
that I'm not increasing her anxiety through my concern about how her behavior
is perceived.
The time with you always seems to fly. Leise and I both enjoy the training
sessions immensely and my husband is always eager to hear what we have
learned. Thanks again for the wonders you are working for us each week. We
are so glad that we found you.
R. Daniel, Chandra
"Toby and I just are really enjoying your class and we both are learning so
much. I am just amazed with your talent Vicki. Dogs just love you and seem to
listen to you almost instantly. WOW."
Rosy Rivera
"What great classes! And that never happens by accident. Your organization
and "people skills" just compliment your knowledge and experience".
Robin Zachritz
"Tank & Capri are doing well. Tank took Group 2 in Bred by Exhibitor at
the San Jose show on Valentine's Day weekend. He is quite the boy!!! Capri
blew her coat so we are waiting until her coat comes back. We hope all is well
with you? We really enjoyed your conformation classes and we will be back,
your the BEST teacher we have ever had. Take care and hope to see you soon.
Joy & Kristine Oden
"You are AWESOME and we are so incredibly thankful to have found such a
KIND, PATIENT and KNOWLEDGEABLE trainer as yourself!!! Thank you again
so very much!!"
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