Testimonials
What Our Students Say!
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
It was in April 2015 that I made the decision to enrol my 31/2 year old Portuguese Water dog in agility classes - little did I know at that time that we would forgo agility in the short term. Instead we hooked up with Lorraine Wilson and the "world of water" was opened for us!
We started training in May. When Lorraine told me we would be ready to trial in July, I remember saying "Really"? If the truth be known, I didn't even know what a water trial was!!!! My lack of knowledge was short lived, thanks to Lorraine.
While TBear was not the most enthusiastic land participant, once we hit the water it was a totally different story!!!! I had a Portuguese Water dog that really wanted to work - I saw a whole new side of his personality once we started swimming and doing the tasks at the Junior level. He also became more focused in other situations as well.
We did attend trials in Michigan in July. While we were not successful, the experience was just awesome - great weather, food and people. We came home and immediately started training with Lorraine and addressed the areas that we still needed to work on to be successful at the Junior level.
Lorraine certainly had her challenges working with TBear and myself - I am 63 and just picking up the sport and I had a dog that had never been in water, did not retrieve, did not tug on toys and certainly did not have a retrieve to hand. Lorraine never gave up on us!
July and August passed and we trained consistently. I met and trained with an amazing group of people who are dedicated to the sport - and I am definitely hooked!
At the end of August, the Portuguese Water dog trials were held at Laurel Creek Conservation Area. It was a weekend of great sportsmanship, great weather and once again, the wonderful people involved in the sport.
This time we had a much more successful outing on the competitive front - TBear achieved his Junior Water Dog certificate and almost passed his Apprentice level. However, I learned a very valuable lesson from all of this.
While achieving a title or certificate is a great feeling, it is not the most important thing. This summer I met wonderful people who will be a part of my life for years to come. We trained together, laughed 
together, cried together and competed together. A bond was forged with these people that will never be broken. But also, the bond that develops between a dog owner and their working dog is also very unique.
The season is winding down and I am going into PTD - Post Training Depression. As we've trained through the month of September, I have not only been working on the Apprentice level but Lorraine has been coaching us on the next level. I can hardly wait for the next session of water classes!
The words thank you will never convey the depth of gratitude I have for Lorraine. Meeting her and getting involved with water works has certainly changed my life ( and TBear's) for the better.
Thank you, Lorraine
Chelsea's Story
Lorraine- I wanted to thank you again for two excellent group classes, and your private training with Chelsea.
When she started her in your obedience class at 9 months of age, she was a 65 lb puppy with a lot of enthusiasm and energy, and as you said, not much 'respect for her leash'. Walking her was a challenge as she was always out of control -pulling - rushing - eager to meet and greet everything in her path. We taught her 'leave it' so she now has much greater control passing people as well as squirrels.
She was hesitant to get it into the car and I was having to physically lift her up and put her into the car. After 5 minutes of you working with us, she is up and into the car on her own, and eager to begin her travels.
Any visitors coming to the house were greeted by an energetic, charging, often jumping up pup which was totally unacceptable. Again after your private session with us, she now goes to 'stairs' and lies down to wait until our guests enter the house, are greeted by us, and then she is invited to greet them.
Chelsea is now so much more in control, has to think about her behavior, and she is growing up into a lovely, controlled member of the family
We thank you again for all of your hard work with us, and look forward to more classes in the fall. Janet and Mike
Lorraine offers a good balance of fun and structure that has kept “Jimi“ and I moving forward. From guid-ing a rambunctious puppy to happily fitting in with the family, through obedience basics and water trials, Lorraine has been there—identifying road blocks and offering the practical tips and encouragement we needed – well worth the investment!
Sue Heath
Lorraine- the class was great! I left with such a positive feeling!
Joy Gough
" I adopted my 3yr old German Sheppard/Bordie Collie mix, Coco, in August 2009 and immediately turned to Lorraine Wilson and her team at 4PAWS training for consultation and advice. Thank heavens for that, as it was soon clear that Coco needed a lot of training and socialization skills. We started with basic training which really made a difference, and have since had fun with agilty and some rally-O. Lorraine's classes are excellent. It's obvious that she's both experienced and passionate about dogs and their needs. Friends tell me that they really notice a positive difference in Coco. We also use 4PAWs grooming and dog walking service, and Coco just loves her daily group walks. I have absolute confidence that my pet is in great hands, whatever the activity. Thank you Lorraine and Andy - you're terrific."
Pamela D.
Lorraine has a unique combination of problem solving ability, organizational skills and common sense. These traits, along with her dedication make her an awesome trainer and coach.
Josefa Rodriguez
This course has gone beyond our expectations. In addition to water training, it has given us an obedience tool kit that we use with our dog every day.
John Sherlowski
This course was extremely beneficial in helping us to better understand our dog as the training was focused on our breed’s natural skills and abilities.
Geoff & Carla Romanowski
I wanted to let you know how impressed my human family is with my new skills and how proud I am of them for learning how to communicate effectively with me. Finally I can figure out what they want me to do. I am much happier now and so are they!
Daisey – owned and loved by Kashka Kril
In January 2010 I had a 5 month old standard poodle pup who had just completed his initial "puppy training" and who I realized required additional training and would probably benefit from both a socialization and exercise perspective from attending daycare on a regular basis.
I was hoping to find a situation close to home and convenient for my commute to work. After some internet searching I found 4 Paws Training and it fit both of my personal criteria, so all that was left to do was to meet with them to ensure that I would be comfortable with their training methodology and leaving my pet in their care several days a week.
I called the number on the website and had a lengthy conversation with Lorraine. As much as I was asking questions, I realized that I was being asked questions as well! Lorraine followed up via e-mail promptly with the details of the training programs and the daycare services- which offers different packages to suit individual requirements. The package I was sent included an application for the daycare that was very in depth and thorough. Once I had completed the application and returned it, I received a follow up call to arrange an interview with me and my pet! I was both surprised and impressed with this level of detail. It gave me a lot of comfort that my dog and the other dogs attending daycare would be in good hands and I have not been disappointed.
We also began a training session and have been attending regularly ever since. The training sessions are structured to challenge the dogs skill level, as well as to keep both the pet and their owner interested and involved. We have moved from basic commands to Rally-O, Obedience, Introduction to Agility and Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) training.
Crystal- Richmond Hill
Lorraine - Thank you for all of your help with Commotion. Because of you, I have an absolutely wonderful dog...... she's still a bit cheeky but she is wonderful to walk because she doesn't pull on the leash, I can put food on the floor and she won't take it until I tell her, she sits, stays, turns left and right, down, up and "says please" when asked. She is great with children.
Pat S.
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