Kathy Minta and her dog bobby and her newly adopted dog After our work with Dennis, Bobby and I were highly inspired, encouraged and excited about learning more. We use TTouch and the other training methods daily. My husband Steve cannot believe the transformation that has occurred and our friends and family have commented on how wonderful Bobby is to be around. Bobby sits up and bats his eyes at all of the compliments he receives.
Kathy and Bobby Minta
Newport, Oregon

 

You working with Brianna was so kind and taught her (and myself), so much. It really cleared things up for her. She used to cry and get upset when Gambit would get hyper and upset….she now just kind of engulfs him in a nice quiet calm. And the results are amazing!
Coral Miller
Sequim Washington

Dear Dennis, I can't thank you enough for the difference that has been achieved in Marley's behavior due to your training.  Everyday used to be a struggle to get the lab to calm down and not be out of control. Now, Marley is comfortable in his own skin.  I can take him for a walk without him pulling on his leash.  He no longer bolts the door to get outside and he didn't jump on a visitor for the first time!  He wouldn't let me touch his front legs, but I can now brush him all over and he looks forward to it. Your handouts and music have all been instrumental in given additional support to the training sessions.  You have been available by phone and have always thought of the happiness of the dog (which contributes to my happiness) in your recommendations. I highly recommend you as a professional dog trainer and would love to be used as a reference, if you like.
Marguerite Michas

My thanks to Dennis of Friends For Life Dog Training for introducing the Thunder Shirt to me. My 1 1/2 year old Pit Bull Terrier, Aspen,
has been fearful since she was 5 months old and is now finally making progress towards becoming a balanced and more confident dog. For the first time since she was a puppy I can take Aspen in public without her shaking uncontrollably if she is wearing the Thunder Shirt.
Jerleen Bryant
All For Dogs Rescue
of Central Oregon

Sheba and I have been joining Dennis' training sessions since Sheba came home from the Humane Society and we started with puppy classes. Sheba gets so excited when she sees we're going to the facility. Dennis is so patient with both dogs and humans and he is always willing to change up the class or session to meet the needs of the dog, be it getting the dog's attention or giving them something more challenging to do. We enjoy our training sessions. I thank Dennis for helping Sheba become a fantastic dog and me to become a better friend and partner to her.
Jeanne Lorenz and Sheba

Friends for life dog training changed almost everything I thought I knew about training a dog. Beginning with my first visit to a community resource training I was impressed with the knowledge Dennis And Pam share with anyone willing to invest time into training a dog to be a forever friend. I just can't say enough about friends for life dog training and would recommend them to anyone who values and takes pride in owning a well mannered and loyal pet trained with compassion
Nancy Horn and Joe
Bend resident

July 22, 2011
Dear Dennis, I wanted to write you a note and let you know how much I appreciate you and the classes that I have taken through Friends for Life Dog Training. I got Finn a couple years ago to be a companion to my Husky who was not recovering well from the loss of my other dog. Finn was a couple years old, had lots of energy and was very aggressive on the leash. I took him to several other dog obedience courses and was not able to get him under control. I was frustrated and feeling incapable of handling him. Then I found out about the class you were offering for dogs with aggression problems. I signed up. The first day I came I felt a sense of relief and knew that I was going to get the help I needed. Over the course of several months, through your expertise and sincere caring and compassion for animals and people I have learned positive skills to manage my dog. The process not only has changed my relationship with Finn but given me opportunities to go places and do things with my dog I did not think were possible. I am sincerely grateful for the extra time and consideration that you have given to me and my Finny. The classes that I took and continue to take have been fun, interesting and extremely helpful. I appreciate the sense of community that you create and sensitivity and attention to individual needs and goals. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with you and your training. I am impressed by your knowledge and love how you make classes fun and interesting. Finn and I thoroughly enjoy coming to class each week and look forward to learning new skills and having fun. See you soon.
Thank you so much.

Sincerely,
Willow and Finn

I adopted Jager, my black lab, about 8 or so months before taking him to see Dennis. It had been some trying times as he was my first large and rambunctious dog, and I chose to enroll in a Basic Manners class because I felt that anything where he and I worked together would help our bond grow. He had many issues I wanted to work on, but the underlying one was that he didn’t seem to listen to me and this permeated our entire relationship. After 8 classes with Dennis, it is amazing how much he has transformed. He’s not perfect of course, but he’s as close to it as I think he’s going to get. Dennis taught me the skills I neede—as an inexperienced dog owner—to find a way to communicate successfully with Jager and without using punishment, fear or physically aggressive techniques to do so. Though his selective listening was my biggest concern, we also worked on some skills that have proved extremely useful. It is SO nice to have a dog I can take to the coast or hiking in the woods and let him off leash, knowing he will actually come back when called! Also, working on his leash walking has made walks around town much more pleasant, and learning how to teach Jager some necessary social skills like patience and rewarding him for his good behavior around other canines has proved invaluable. Jager and I both thank Dennis from the bottom of our human and canine hearts for his time and dedication to his work that has helped cultivate our relationship from one of ongoing frustration, (probably on both our parts), to a more balanced one with mutual respect and affection. Before we worked with Dennis I think I felt Jager was a bit of a burden, even if I wouldn't admit it, but now I can say it is truly a pleasure to be a dog owner!
Jenelle Eager

Maximilian and I have learned so much with the help of Dennis & Pam. Their knowledge on how to handle and teach a dog correctly is invaluable, for sure !!! ... My husband, Maximilian and I are so very Thankful we have people like Dennis and Pam that are willing to pass on what they know to us novices ... as we need all the help we can get !  ... This is the first time we've had a German Shepherd, and believe you me I can't express how priceless Pam and Dennis's help and training has been for me. Thank you guys and I'll see you next class. Candy & Mike Bouvia ( very happy customers) PS .. Thank you Dennis for pointing out why Max would not sit for me ... I was "yelling" at him to sit ... all I needed to do is ask him nicely !!! Too funny

Candy and Mike Bouvia

Friends for life dog training and it's owner, Dennis Fehling has provided the best dog training I have ever Experienced. I am training my third dog and the first adopted adult dog. She came to me having never been socialized as a puppy and at two years old was afraid of other people and animals. In one month of training with Dennis, she was wagging her tail at strangers, greeting other dogs without being afraid: a much more confident dog. After five months of classes with Friends for life dog training, she passed her Canine Good Citizens class!! We continue to take classes from Dennis and recommend his training school to everyone we know with a dog. Thanks Dennis!!

Diane and Ray Anderson, and Beaches ( 2 year old Yellow Lab)

Dennis, just wanted to give you an update. Skye was like another dog yesterday after training. Much more relaxed. It was like she needed to be shown how to calm down and see that it was ok. Incredible difference. Went out and got a couple more Kongs and filled them up with stuff so hopefully she'll have more stimulation today. Its great to see her like this. Looking forward to more. Thanks. Lauri Turner

I have a 10 month old male Bull Terrier who is very shy and timid around people, even though he has been very well socialized. I had heard about the Tundershirt from my trainer Dennis Fehling and I was very skeptical. Last week, I took my dog into the pet store and the man that was helping me could not get within 4 feet of my dog. My dog was hiding behind me with his tail between his legs. The guy convinced me to try the Thundershirt on my dog. The moment I put it on him, he went to the guy and allowed him to pet him. The Tundershirt has worked miracles on on my dog! The same people that he always barked at and hid from, he was now walking up to them wagging his tail! I took him to basic manners class with Dennis and Pam the next week, with his shirt on, and my trainers couldn't believe it was the same dog. The shirt has given my dog the confidence that he was lacking. You can look in his eyes when he has the shirt on and see that he is a happier, calmer and more content dog. When riding in the car he is no longer anxious and standing up and pacing. He now lays down and sleeps. I am a believer in the power of the Tundershirt! I now have a completely different dog who lets his personality shine! Tug Bailey passed away at the very young age of just over a year old from cancer.  we will all miss you Mr tug Bailey.  we loved having you in class...........Dennis and Pam

Kendyl Hanning and Mr Tug Bailey.

I came to Dennis for help with my reactive border collie, on the recommendation of a fellow agility student. I had gotten my dog as a trail riding buddy, as well as for agility. As he matured he would lunge, bark, and try to bite the legs of my horses. This reaction also happened in the car with motorcycles, joggers, bikers, etc. I was afraid for his life if I did not do something about this. Dennis immediately impressed me at our first meeting by thoroughly interviewing me, and interacting and observing my dog. He shared his significant knowledge, tips, and support, but most importantly he was genuinely interested in helping my dog and I succeed. Every training session we have had has been an improvement to my timing and handling skills, and my dog is learning how to cope with his triggers. He is a calmer, more confident dog. By showing him other ways of dealing with his stress that are acceptable behaviors (sniffing, digging, or simply walking away) I believe THAT is training. You are your dogs advocate. Do the work!

Ann an Lefty

We highly recommend Dennis and Friends for Life Dog Training to anyone wanting basic, advanced, or issue related dog training. We had some real concerns with our much loved adolescent male and Dennis helped us to work through them with patience, caring, studied and natural expertise. One month after we started working with Dennis issues were resolving and it was a night and day difference! He always approached our work together from a place of non-judgment and compassion and took the time to really understand the issues, us and our dog and then develop an approach that would best meet our needs adapting along the way for the best outcome. His commitment to positive based training was important to us and so respectful of the human-canine bond. We had felt that we were pretty knowledgeable about dogs but our previous experience was not helping us in our current situation. We learned so much and have changed our approach considerably in our ongoing work with our furry boy. We only wish that we had started out with Dennis when Auggie was a puppy. The level of value for dollars spent that Dennis provides is quite high. He is organized in his approach, thorough in his direction – always following up with carefully written summaries and reminders after each session and attentive to ongoing questions or concerns including providing compassionate emotional support along the way! I just can’t say enough about the gifts he brings to his work. We have now started working with Pam as well doing nose work with Auggie and are so pleased with her and her classes as well. Her classes are organized and easy to participate in. She adapts for the individuality of the different dogs in the class so all are successful and the class still flows well. Thank you Dennis and Pam for what you do! It is clear you love what you do and we love that we get to benefit from your work! Lois and Paul Vallerga Bend Oregon.

Rose, Hi Dennis: Rose and I – and of course Maggie - wanted to thank you again for a great experience in your Basic Manners class. We loved your enthusiasm and your attitude about dogs and how to train and interact with them. The class not only helped us train Maggie, but to bond with her as well. We really learned a lot, and most importantly, they’re lessons that can be used everyday, in real-world situations. I mentioned that we deal periodically with Golden Bond Rescue. They’re located in the Portland area, so they know trainers over there, but don’t know good trainers over in this area that they can feel comfortable recommending to their foster families and new adopters on this side of the mountain. When they heard we were taking a class from you, one of their senior adoption coordinators asked if we’d report back on our impressions of the class. I wanted to share with you what I told them: I wanted to take a moment to follow up with you concerning the dog training.

Rose and Maggie and I just finished up the “Basic Manners” class on Tuesday, and I’m happy to report that it was a very positive experience! Dennis, the trainer, was wonderful with both the dogs and the people. To say that the class focuses on positive reinforcement is an understatement – that’s Dennis’s entire philosophy, and he makes it clear from day one. The class is seven weeks long, once a week, and week one is people only, no dogs. That class is 2 hours, and it’s basically an introduction to what you’re going to be doing, his teaching methods, how dogs learn, etc. He explains that if you’re there to learn how to punish your dog when he does the wrong thing or how to jerk him around on a leash, then you’re in the wrong class! (loved that!!) He doesn’t collect the money for the class until the end of that intro, so if you don’t like his philosophy, you don’t have to sign up, another thing I liked. After that, the classes are once a week, 1 – 1-1/2 hours each, held indoors. You learn all the basics, and you use a lot of treats for motivation and reward. One week he even has a small agility course set up to help bonding and build confidence, which was a lot of fun. He limits the class size to 5 dogs and he has an assistant, so you get a lot of personal attention. The whole thing was $135, which I thought was very reasonable. Anyway, thanks again for a great class, and please give our best to Andrea as well – she’s a real gem, and was a definite asset to the class! Best wishes, Paul