Other Training - Testimonials
Recently after our home was robbed, I became very uneasy about being home alone. My husband, Dennis, suggested purchasing a dog trained for personal protection.
During an online search, I found the AMA web site which featured a dog (Sky), which we were interested in.
I talked with John Holcomb extensively about my situation, what I was looking for and needed in a dog. Sky sold before we could come and look at him, which was a disappointment, but John undertook to find me a dog which would suit my needs and fit into our lifestyle.
The dog he found for me, Luka, is a gem. I credit John for his good
judgment of both people and dogs. We talked several times on the phone and my confidence in his judgment was not misplaced. He worked with Luka for three weeks of training, before my husband and I made the trip from Maryland to Indiana to get her.
When we arrived, John immediately began a crash course in dog handling. I appreciate his patience, and cheerful encouragement as it was obvious, watching him work with Luka and then doing it myself that any mistakes she made, were really my doing.
We were fortunate that our weekend in Indiana coincided with one of AMA's free training weekends. We met some really fantastic people and received excellent training with Luka. I was impressed at what the AMA group offers in the way of free training to the general public. Although their main focus that day was on the man trailing procedures, John also worked with us and at least one other attendee, privately on obedience training. It was an added bonus to see that Luka actually had some tracking ability and was able to complete two tracks successfully.
We have only had Luka for 3 weeks, now, but she is extremely alert and already showing protectiveness towards both my husband and myself.
Since purchasing Luka, John has made himself available to answer questions and give advice anytime we need it.
Although our confidence in Luka grows daily and she is proving to be exactly what I needed, it is very reassuring to know that support is available.
We were so happy with our AMA experience, and John's expertise in particular, we have signed up for the week-long Spring Seminar in May.
I would recommend John Holcomb as a trainer and the AMA organization as a whole to anyone wanting to develop excellent dog handling techniques.
Ginny Fitzpatrick
Maryland
April 12, 2011
Mercedes is my two year old Bloodhound mix who has never had any type of professional training. In mid-February she manifested "timid agression" behavior and after an especially upsetting ill-tempered outing, I realized help was urgently needed.
I contacted Tony Keith with the American Mantrailing Academy who recommended John Holcomb as the best person to assist with the level of training required. I spoke with John later that night, and much to my relief, he told me that from what I had described Mercedes just needed basic obedience training and that he was available to meet with us that weekend. Mercedes and I met with John as planned. John demonstrated some of the basic commands with his K9 that he would be teaching us over the next few weeks. After the demonstration, John began to work one-on-one with Mercedes and she responded to him instantly.
Our training has continued on a weekly basis. John works with Mercedes and me as a team. The changes that I can see in the both of us are stunning! Friends and family have also commented on Mercedes’ behavior and how well she is doing.
John’s high level of professionalism, expertise and enthusiasm for training dogs and their owners is phenomenal. I highly recommend John Holcomb to anyone who’s out of control dog has behavior or obedience training needs.
Jennifer B.
Indianapolis, IN
April 3, 2011
