Hiring Kirsten to work with me to support Charlie was the best decision I could have made for his well being. Highly observant and intuitive, Kirsten quickly came to an understanding of the dynamics of our relationship. She worked with us in an honest, straightforward and highly supportive manner, always focusing on growth and improvement. My reason for hiring Kirsten was to ask for help in ‘recall’. Kirsten helped me realize Charlie and I had other work to do, however, before we went off leash again. She provided me with a number of highly effective exercises to do on my own that brought Charlie and I towards a greater understanding of each other. Once we did go off leash, she helped me recognize that my voice, tone, body language and anxiety were impacting my dog. I began to use positive cues and practices as suggested by her. Charlie now comes back on a highly consistent basis (sometimes I ‘slip up’!). Because of Kirsten’s guidance, he often comes back before I ask him to, choosing or wanting to do so. If it is necessary he be called, he returns in a happy and obliging manner.

It is obvious that Kirsten cares very deeply about the wellbeing of her own dogs and the dogs with which she works – her sincerity and integrity shine through. She believes the owner/dog relationship should be built on recognition for what a dog does well and on an understanding that dogs ‘need to be dogs’. Of greatest importance, she believes that our relationships with dogs should be filled with joy.

I had such esteem and respect for Kirsten’s work, knowledge and experience, I hired her, when I was Director of Family and Volunteer Services at Ronald McDonald House Southern Alberta, to support us in introducing a working dog to the House. Kirsten was also asked to work with the owner, staff and dog on an ongoing basis. Her commitment was astounding, so much so that she made a personal promise to Asha’s life time. I truly believe that because of Kirsten’s ongoing and boundless enthusiasm, advocacy and support, highly positive relationships were established between Asha, her owner, staff, volunteers and families. We often expressed we didn’t know what we would have done without Kirsten!

Christina and Charlie

My husband and I were amazed with how much we learned about our boxer puppy Piper after just one session. With Kirsten's help we're learning to build a positive relationship with Piper. Our puppy has some anxiety issues and by using the training advice she has given us Piper is progressing well. Kirsten has also taught us that your dog's training does not end after a few weeks of classes, it is an ongoing commitment, one that we enjoy (and so does Piper!). We're all excited for the next set of classes that we've signed up for.

Jennifer and Piper

Kirsten was very good with both me and my dog, teaching us both a LOT during the Tails on Trails class that we took with her and the private sessions we did. The thing that impressed me the most about Kirsten was her follow up. She emailed me the homework to me and highlighted the areas that we needed to focus on. She was really wonderful to work with, and I will definitely continue to call her for help and advice in the future.

Jenn and Mo

We are the proud family of Jocoso (a 18 months/ 47 kg Komondor). We met Kirsten in the Puppy training and since then we have completed adult and "What the dog thinks" course with her. Her aim is that your dog prefers to be with you and obey you rather than anything else. You do not force him, you gain his trust. And that is how Jocoso is, he prefers hugs than food and it is our best friend. However, he is fearful of strangers and when my father came to visit from abroad Jocoso barked at him everytime he stood up. He could be by his feet and eat from his hand if my father was sitting still but he would not let him walk a step. We called Kirsten and she came to our home. She knew by Jocoso's body language that he was never going to bite but needed to change that behaviour. In one hour he turned the barking into a game and trained Jocoso to ignore/tolerate my father. Also, he taught my father how to move, walk and ignore Jocoso. We were amazed by the results. The photo by this review shows my father walking Jocoso the day after the private class. We will continue to attend classes and call Kirsten for help when needed. She really knows what she does

Gloria and Jocoso

I am pleased to recommend Kirsten Rose as an excellent canine behaviourist.

Kirsten gives classes as well as private consultations and she can usually be very flexible as to hours. She does all sorts of dog work – from puppy training to rehabilitating ‘bad’ behaviour—but I think her special passion is working with reactive dogs. She is all about creating situations where an over-excited dog can learn to trust that there are other choices. Understanding that there is a choice is so important for a reactive dog. So often, they seem to get kind of ‘stuck’ in behaviours that just get them more and more excited. Once they understand that they can choose other behaviours, they start to feel so much calmer and more in control.

Kirsten lives and breathes dogs and is constantly searching for and exploring new ideas so she has lots and lots of tricks up her sleeve – if one thing doesn’t work, she has other creative ideas to try. In my experience she truly believes that whenever possible learning should be a playful activity – and this works ‘cause dogs love to play!

When you are with her, you can tell that she is carefully analysing the dog’s behaviour, nature and comfort level as well as paying attention to how the owner communicates with and relates to the dog. I love that she is gentle, respectful, patient and positive to both the owner and the dog. (You know how we can sometimes feel like idiots over our inability to get our dogs to give up certain frustrating behaviours? Well, she never makes you feel stupid she just gives you new ways of making change happen.) And, on top of everything else, the dogs love her energy!

Carole Orr

Carole Orr and Honey the Husky

We met Kirsten shortly after we brought our new puppy home 18 months ago, and she has quickly become the one person we turn to for guidance about our dog. Our journey began with a basic puppy obedience class where we began to learn how to relate to and communicate with our dog; and later, when we discovered that we had a fearful puppy on our hands, it was Kirsten who guided us along our path to coping with, managing, and learning strategies to help our dog with his reactivity towards people. Her simple, practical, gentle, and compassionate approach has helped us to develop a mutually trusting and respectful relationship with our dog. There was a point where we had lost a lot of our own confidence in our ability to manage our dog, and now thanks to Kirsten, we are in a place where we can offer our dog a full life where he can enjoy time with us out in public with very little stress for all of us. It's comforting for us to know we always have a solid support in Kirsten, whether it be to enjoy one of her fun classes, to get together for a one-on-one session when we get "stuck" or need to build some much needed confidence (in ourselves as much as in our dog). I learn something just about every day from the wealth of information she passes on through Facebook and Twitter and have benefited from more than one referral to other programs that she felt would be of benefit to us. I believe she feels a passionate dedication to helping people to form strong long-lasting bonds with their dogs and we simply cannot do without her.

Carol

We sought Kirsten's assistance to help us get our two dogs ready for our new baby and to give us some tools to help our reactive dog when we were out and about. Kirsten's experience and knowledge from the Dogs and Storks ™ program gave us the tools we needed to help our dogs be ready to safely welcome a new baby into our home. The exercises she gave us were fun, easy to do, and our dogs LOVED every minute of it! Kirsten also helped us to work with our reactive dog. She taught us gentle and loving techniques that clearly increased his feelings of security and safety when he was in difficult-to-him situations. By following Kirsten's methods and suggestions, we saw true lasting positive changes!

Adriane

'Noodle' came to me about a year ago as a foster pup. She had been rescued from a reserve in Southern Ab in rough repair. After she started feeling better, gaining weight and learning how to be a happy dog she stole my heart and that of my old German Shephard! She, with her happy go lucky attitude, moved in for good! I sought out a basic obedience class and chose Kirsten to help build our relationship! Her positive, practical approach to training appealed to me. 'Noodle' was a prize student, and we completed that course with flying colors! As Noodle came into her own, and as many rescues do, she began having some minor behavioural issues and we sought Kirstens' help once again! Kirsten was instrumental in helping recognize the issues and handle them in a practical, uncomplicated, positive way. Noodle will always have a ghost or two in her head from her experiences but I, thanks to Kirsten, now have the confidence and patience to coach her through them! Kirsten has set us up for success and has always been willing to spend a little extra time if I have questions. Thank you Kirsten for giving us the tools to enjoy a walk (and the dark!) once again!

Tanya

When my daughter moved out she was not able to take her dog with her as Pepper had lots of aggression towards other people. I wanted to be able to take Pepper for walks and be able to have people over without Pepper going crazy. Found Kirsten after searching the internet. We started with one on one classes with Kirsten, very impressed with how she treated Pepper and all the great advice. After we enrolled in the reactive dog classes. Pepper has come a long way thanks to Kirsten and all her patient help. I have also learned alot from Kirsten. We will be taking other classes with Kirsten. Thank you Kirsten

Catherine

Kirsten has been instrumental in the success of Asha, the Ronald McDonald House dog in Calgary. We asked her to join us in selecting a breeder and subsequently a dog, that would become a source of joy, comfort and compassion for sick children and their families. Kirsten spent many weeks visiting breeders and 'interviewing' breeding pairs to determine what personalities would ensure the right fit. After selecting a local breeder, Kirsten worked closely with me to ensure the transition of the puppy to the 'real' world would be seamless. The training started right away and Kirsten was at our home the first night Asha was brought home. She has taught, instructed and engaged all staff members at Ronald McDonald House to ensure we are all looking out for the best interests of Asha. She has committed herself to Asha's success unconditionally. We have attended puppy class, as well as her obedience and instruction classes. We have learned how important it is to put the time in to ensure your dog is successful. Asha is now 10 months old and we can see how all of Kirsten's work has paid off. Kirsten continues to play a very important role in Asha's life and her life at Ronald McDonald House. She continues to come in for training sessions with staff, as well as working with children and families at the House. Ronald McDonald House could not have introduced a therapy dog without Kirsten's careful instruction and support. Asha loves you Kirsten!

Kelly

Kirsten helped us out with our rescue dog Charlie. She is very knowledgeable and gave us a lot of good instruction. Charlie is now more manageable when going for walks and meeting other dogs which makes our time outside more enjoyable. Thanks Kirsten for your kindness and help!

Alana

Maya is doing GREAT with the walks, and her manners are really improved! she sits for treats, to be let out.. but to put the leash on, she's still a bit hyper, but its getting much better! you were a great help! :)

Shannie

I very much appreciated being able to have Kirsten visit my home to observe my excitable car chasing dog Jack in his own environment. She provided me with some very specific strategies to help calm my dog, which were simple but really made a difference, and then followed up with me afterward to ask how it was going and if I had any questions. Thank you Kirsten!

Joanne Myers

Hi Kirsten, I just wanted to let you know that you gave me and my kids some good points to remember when training a puppy. It was great watching you work with him and seeing that he really does listen. Rocky's biting has slowed down substantially and his jumping is getting there and I want to let you know that I appreciate you answering my questions over the phone. Thanks again for everything.

Silvana Giocoli

Kirsten came by to provide some puppy training to our new addition Piper. She was excellent - kept the training fun and easy for everyone. Piper understands now to get off the couch and enjoys her crate (food filled kongs). Walking her is much easier with the harness - Thank you SO very much for all your tips!

Katrina Boles

I have had the pleasure of walking Kirsten's own dog Gunner and he is a dog walker's dream. He is well behaved, well socialized and just a great well rounded dog. I look forward to having the opportunity to walk him again when Kirsten goes on holidays or out of town on business.
Trish
Dog Walker
trish_way@shaw.ca

Trish Way
Pooches in the Park

Thank you again so much for all that you have done for me and Max. I am so appreciative that you were willing to train Max at home where you could observe him in his own home. Watching you work was amazing ? I never knew Max could be a good dog! Thanks for all the great tips on getting him trained and keeping his mind active ? who knew dogs could get bored! Also much appreciated the additional help you sent throughout the months after our training sessions to facilitate the training on my own. Not only did you help get Max trained, you gave me the confidence to succeed! I don?t know how I could ever repay you for that. Keep up the great work and I am looking forward to bringing you Dog #2 to work with someday! :)

Sherry Q.

My husband and I were recently in a Reactive Training class with Canine Mines and Manners Professional Dog Training. Our instructor, Kirsten, was outstanding. Her knowledge of dog behavior and reactions was unbelievable. Both of us, and both of our dogs, came away from each class feeling more confident and in control. We use everything we learned in the classes on a daily basis and the change in both of our dogs is amazing. We are able to stop bad behavior before it happens and our dogs are starting to respect our position in the house a lot more. Thank you Kirsten, I don't know what we would have done without you.

Nancy and Glen Foster

I am pleased to provide a recommendation for Kirsten. I had never used the services of a private trainer in the past, the advantages to me were that it fit my schedule and my lifestyle. I knew that would increase the chances that I would complete and stick with the training. I purchased a goldendoodle pup though I had owned dogs previously, he was going to be larger than those I had had in the past, and I wanted the security (for both of us) in knowing that he was well trained. Kirsten gave practical advice and pointers including appropriate rewards, toys and training tools. She used clear and plain language to explain proper training techniques she also took the time to explain why they worked, so that I understood the rationale. I received a written summary following each session, so I could review and practice correctly. I still refer to these notes.

PM

"Twix graduated from the Puppy Program last spring. We had made arrangements to have Kirsten be at our house the very first night we brought her home. Being a busy mom with a 4 year old and a 7 month old bringing a puppy home was a crazy decision. The training with Kirsten has resulted in all of us being better pet owners and a great family dog. Kirsten's approach is straightforward and effective - she took the time to train Twix as well as all of us (including showing the kids how to interact with any dog). Thank you Kirsten, we recommend you to everyone we know with dogs!"

The Roys