'Dog doctor' to hold obedience-training sessions

By Tribune Staff
May 3rd, 2006

Is your dog willful? Hyperactive? A car chaser? A woman dubbed "Montana's dog doctor" can see you soon. Susan Overfield often delivers a perfect — or at least improved — pooch with less than an hour of training. Using "dog whisperer" techniques, the Vaughn woman utilizes dog psychology to teach dogs and their owners. She doesn't use choke chains, pinch collars or treats. "Maybe the dog is bored. Maybe the dog is frustrated. Maybe the dog isn't getting enough physical and mental exercise," she said."Most likely, the problem is all of the above. "And if the situation isn't brought under control, maybe he will behave aggressively, which is not the same as being an aggressive dog by nature." She will be conducting obedience-training sessions Saturday, and Sunday if there's interest. The classes raise money for the Humane Society of Cascade County, with half the fees going to the shelter. The cost is $50 for the morning-only session, which examines how dogs think and react, or $100 for the morning and an afternoon session with dogs. Classes are limited to 60 people in the morning and 20 with their dogs in the afternoon. For information about the "Psych-O" Clinic or any of Overfield's classes, clinics or private consultations call her at 868-5121, email stockdog@3rivers.net or visit her Web site at www.overfieldkennel.com. To sign up for a session, call the Humane Society at 454-5768.

Clinic Testimonials

"Cut Bank Animal Shelter has used the Susan Overfield Training Methods and Dog Psychology on the dogs that enter the shelter. We firmly believe that a successful adoption is only possible when the pup or dog has had basic obedience lessons.

Using Susan's training methods has made our dogs adoptable, the return rate has been only three dogs in more than a three year period of using the Overfield training and dog psychology methods. The returns were due to owner's lack of abilities and not that of the dog.
 
Cut Bank Animal Shelter also offers dog obedience classes twice a year, in which we use the Overfield training methods and Susan's Dog Psychology. We have happy attendees and happier dogs, because they finally have an owner that understands their dog's need for security, love, attention and protection from their owners.
 
We heartily endorse Susan's Dog Psychology Course and the Overfield training methods. We refer owners to take Susan's classes which are usually booked months in advance. Susan has always been available for consultation with the Cut Bank Animal Shelter.
 
We are looking forward to her book, Saturday Dogs... and the Owners They Trained." Tina G., Cut Bank Animal Shelter, Cut Bank, MT.

"I am the Montana coordinator for American Brittany Rescue. I attended Susan's work shop in Great Falls, Montana to further my knowledge, gain tools to help me and the many dogs we get every year that have behavioral problems. It was great, and I can't thank Susan enough. It has literally saved dog's lives, because we would have had to put down dogs because they were un-adoptable. We learned to block the behavior instead of trying to train the behavior out, it is much more effective. Thanks again." - Dave, Montana coordinator ABR

We learned a great deal from material presented in her day-long clinic, the difference in our dog Ginger was amazing. Before attending, Ginger would pull and lunge when we walked her, Susan first recommended that we get rid of our Flexi-Lead and choke chain, which we did. The difference was almost immediate.  Now Ginger walks along beside us and rarely pulls.  I now regularly drop the lead, and she walks beside me dragging the lead and never has tried to run off on her own. Susan is very dedicated to helping her students, both human and canine. She definitely knows dogs and how to communicate with them.  Her methods make sense and are not difficult to follow.  Susan impresses upon her human students that they are boss and must communicate that to their dogs. I have been especially impressed with her willingness to help, even after classes are over, via e-mail.  Susan goes above and beyond in her assistance to her students.  One can tell she really does want all her students to succeed. - Ann C., Great Falls, MT.

This Clinic was a wonderful resource for us. I was grateful to learn of Susan’s clinic.  What caught my interest was the approach (learning more about dog psychology to enable us to work with them), and its being sponsored by CCHS/with half of the proceeds going there. Since we had been  awaiting enrolling the 9 month old in obedience training, we had done no training.  As a result, he was quite out of control when we took him into the “classroom” on Saturday.  When he saw the other roughly 15 four-legged “students”, he totally lost his composure.  He was out of control.  As we progressed through the afternoon training and Susan’s working with him, he made a great deal of progress in a very short time.  By mid-afternoon, when he and I had an opportunity to work together alone in the center of the classroom, we had him to a point where he would sit, off leash in the middle of the room and stay there…in the presence of the other dogs.  It was amazing. - S.A.L., Great Falls, MT.

Great clinic!  And a great hands on fund raiser!  Amazing to see the change in so many different dogs in such a short period of time.  I have had the good fortune to work with Susan before and am a firm believer in her methods with border collies.  However, watching these different breeds respond in record time (despite owners who were much more difficult to convince) was phenomenal. - Anne K., Great Falls, MT.

I believe Lady is becoming more of a lady!   She’s learned to stay in the small fence (dog yard) in the back yard after only one corrected infraction – I’d say she’s doing good! I haven’t had a problem with her staying in the fence since. Thanks for sharing your practical knowledge and dry humor – it helps with learning retention! - Jan O., Great Falls, MT.

I attended Susan Overfield's Psych-O Clinic.  The clinic consisted of two classes. The first class on the psychology of the dog's mind gave me a whole new perspective and understanding of why my dog behave the way it does, why any dog acts and/or reacts the way they do.

The second class was all about putting into action what we had learned. This class provided me with the solutions to being in control of my dog. Susan taught us how to establish the position as "THE BOSS".

I have seen marked improvement in my dog as I continue to apply what I learned from Susan; considering my dog was the most difficult, strong-willed dog in attendance, it's amazing!!!  I am very excited and relieved to have found a solution that doesn't require abusive treatment.  I was considering a shock collar which I am thrilled to say is no longer an option. I whole-heartedly recommend Susan's classes to ALL dog owners, whether they have obedience problems or not, it can improve your understanding and relationship with your "Best Friend".  - Michelle G.  Great Falls, MT.

More Testimonials

"Annie, our first dog who is a chocolate lab, is our pride and joy. We asked our vet about obedience classes and she told us about a few. One used a choke chain and we knew that wasn't for us. Another one taught class in the country on a sheep farm. The choice was simple. Susan is amazing with dogs. She had Annie going no leash after a couple of classes. As Susan has said she has to train the parents more often than the dogs. The best part of the class is afterwards the dogs get to play and run. Susan even takes a picture of the dogs on graduation. I highly recommend Overfield Kennels." - Tracie H., Great Falls, MT.

"I called Susan out of desperation over my 6-month old holy terror cocker mix named Dylan. He was totally out of control. I felt like I was talking to the walls when I tried to teach him anything. In our first phone conversation Susan assured me he was trainable. Needless to say, I didn't believe a word she said. When we got to her house for the first lesson, he was so excited that he pushed me out of my vehicle onto the ground as he tried to get at the other dogs in her yard. Well, within about 10 minutes Susan had him heeling on a slack leash. And she did it without hurting him or punishment. From then on he behaved like a little gentleman and seemed to love learning. The changes in him were amazing. Susan taught both Dylan and me how to communicate with each other. He is now three-years old and a joy to live with. I'm really grateful to her for teaching me 'dog speak'. I've recommended her to all my friends and they've been extremely happy with the results in their dogs, too." - Debi P., Vaughn, MT.

"I cannot say enough about Susan Overfield's training methods. I started with her with my unruly lab, Sadie, who had been through 'traditional' obedience training. Sadie quickly realized that without a choke collar and leash or treats, I had no control. But I saw almost immediate results after going to Susan. I also very much like that her classes are ongoing, and that she trains each dog as an individual. I have used Susan's method for all three of my dogs, and with every shelter dog I have ever worked with (50+), all with excellent results. She knows how to teach owners a universal dog language! Not only do I like her, but so do my dogs. She is the only person I will leave them with." - Pam H., Great Falls, MT.

"Having Susan show us how to work with our dog was one of the most positive and beneficial experiences we and our dog could have had. Our dog, Rio, is our first rescue dog and we were not real sure on how to work with him. Through Susan's guidance we learned how to understand Rio. She helped us establish an effective method of training to give us the confidence to deal with a dog that had no socialization for his first three years. I would have no reservation recommending Susan as a trainer for any dog." - Ed D., Great Falls, MT.

"Our dog training experience with Susan was invaluable. Using voice commands (no choke chains or snacks), our dogs learned obedience and we learned to trust and communicate with our dogs. Within minutes of our first visit with our first dog, Susan had him leash-broke." - Polly & Norm C., Great Falls, MT.

"I have referred numerous clients to Susan with dogs who have had a wide range of behavioral dysfunctions. Every one of them has been extremely satisfied and the results are quite evident when they return to the clinic. Feedback has been very positive regarding her knowledge, techniques and demeanor." - Dr. Rick Helms, D.V.M., Great Falls Veterinary Service, Great Falls, MT.

"When Susan talks, all the dogs listen. Our collie has learned so much from attending her classes. He was so excited to see Susan at the second class that he ran right up and jumped on her. He has learned patience as well as working on a long-down, come, and walk on and off-leash. Our young collie was a neglected kennel dog and would not have been able to attend any classes where he was asked to do things beyond his ability. Susan really understands dogs and communicates well with them-and us. Our collie has turned out to be a wonderful dog and has learned from the classes some of the things that dogs just need to know. He is much more calm now and listens well to commands. Thanks Susan!" - Sharon E., Conrad, MT.

"My mom made me go to a clinic that Susan had because my dog was being crazy. He jumped on us, didn't come when we wanted, chased our cows and didn't sit and stay. I was in 4-H obedience, but it didn't make a change him. Mom said she had heard good things about Susan. I went to the clinic and she talked to us first, a lot, about dogs and why they do what they do. Then she taught us a sound to make if the dog didn't listen and behave and how to use it. By lunch, my dog had stopped pulling me and was doing what I wanted when I asked. I have won lots of awards in 4-H obedience competitions with him doing what Susan taught me to do. My whole family likes him better and he is happy." - B.H., Cascade, MT.

"Our dog suddenly began trying to bite us when we fed her or removed her food bowl and resisting when we tried to put her in a crate. We had heard Susan worked with dogs and got immediate results, so we called her. Because we lived two hours away, we could only make class twice a month. Susan works with each dog individually and we saw an immediate difference behavior. We learned to 'talk' to Lettie and problems disappeared. We are all much happier." - R. B., Cut Bank, MT.

"We took our dog to Susan when it was almost three-months old. By starting her that young we have never had any behavior or obedience problems. Susan taught us how to work with her and what to expect as she grew up. I would never go back to the other methods of training (treats or choke chains) on any dog we might have. It was worth the trip to go to Susan. People are just amazed how well our dog behaves." - T. P. D., TX.

"My husband is in the military and was away most of the time. We got an Airedale puppy for the family, but I had the responsibility of making it behave. He was a very stubborn puppy and by 10 weeks old had started nipping the kids. My vet recommended Susan because she had such success with dogs and puppies. We started class when Luke was 12 weeks old. Immediately bad behavior stopped. He became a wonderful dog and knew all his basic obedience very quickly. He could sit, stay, come, walk on and off a leash with us and would correct his own mistakes when we made the correction sound all before he was 15 weeks old. We have moved across the world and now live on base and Luke is wonderfully behaved. We know we can trust him no matter what. I always tell people it was Susan who trained both of us." - N.S., Taiwan.

"I took my dog to Susan's dog camp because I had heard how well her training worked and I had a friend whose dog had gone to Susan and I was really impressed with how well he minded. What really was amazing was that he would correct his own behavior when my friend made a correction sound, she didn't need to give commands or touch her dog. Queen and I went because she would not listen to me, come when she got out and would not stay when I told her to. By lunch on the first day Queen was a totally different dog and was able to work without a leash even though there were lots of other dogs. I was a little slower learning what had to be done. I have sent several friends to Susan's camps and they are just as pleased as I am. One friend took her puppy when it was 8 weeks old and says she can't even imagine what Mandy would have been like if she had waited until she was older. Everyone should learn this method. Susan is great with the dogs and us, the owners." - Cathy H., Tacoma, WA.

"I was taught how to work with my dog by Susan. My dog, Brooke, can go everywhere with me and I trust her completely. She knows what she can and cannot do and behaves so well people ask me who trained her. I tell them, Susan, and then explain Brooke understood from the first, it was me that needed to be trained. I also tell them, 'Just do what Susan tells you.' I have never needed a choke collar and I don't use treats. Brooke has learned every new thing quickly using Susan's method. Her training method has been able to stand the test of time as Brooke has matured. I took Brooke when she was 8 weeks old and have been able to adjust to all her ages and changes because of what Susan taught me. If I get another dog, I will only use Susan's method because it is best for the dog and they understand it." - Micael M., North Carolina.