Welcome to the A+ Dog Training Website!

This is our page dedicated to our students. 
These are students (in no particular order) who have taken their dogs through our classes and a little bit of information about their experiences and their dogs.  ENJOY!

 This is the story of Lily the Pit Bull who was rescued by Orphans of the Storm and adopted by the Lorenz Family in June of 2005.  Lily was severely abused.  Lily had been electrocuted by jumper cables, had oil poured down her throat and her body was badly burned.  Her throat is so damaged that she can't bark.  Lily's vet recommended training Lily as a therapy dog because even after all the abuse, Lily had a good nature.  Laura Lorenz called several training facilities in the McHenry County area and was refused admission because Lily was a Pit Bull.  When Laura called A+ Dog Training and talked with Lindy Sander, Laura was welcomed to begin Lily's road to recovery and becoming a Good Canine Citizen.  Lily needed specialized attention due to her abuse and Laura was determined to help this good natured dog.  Laura and Lily attended a Beginners Obedience course and received the personalized attention that they needed.  Because Lily would not accept treats, alternative positive motivation techniques were required.  Today Lily is a Delta Society Therapy Dog and visits local nursing homes, hospitals and even travels on the CTA to visit patients at Rush Presbyterian University Hospital in Chicago.  One of Lily's favorite pastimes is visiting the Bark Park and playing with the other dogs.

"It was a long trip to get where she is today and she is all the better for it.  Thanks to our vet and A+ Dog Training!  Thanks for saving Lily."  Signed, Laura Lorenz

"Coby"  Owned and Loved by the Fink Family
Died 11/3/08

Coby and Janet came to A+ Dog Training because Janet knew she had a problem.  Dogs (or people) couldn't get within 10 feet of Coby without him lunging/growling/snapping.  Credit should be given to Janet for identifying Coby had a problem and her perserverence in following our suggestions and working diligently with Coby to correct the behavior.  After 16 weeks of training, Coby no longer growled at other dogs and people could pet him with Coby enjoying the attention. Thanks Janet for letting us guide you in the right direction.  All of us at A+ mourn the loss of this unique companion. 

"We appreciate your devotion to Coby when he was Cujo and not the wonderful dog he became because of A+ Dog Training. I wish we had made a film about Coby when he was the aggressive dog that people feared. Many of our friends thought Coby should have been put to sleep or at the very least us give him up because he was a liability. Some people refused to come over to our home unless he was crated. Our vet at that time had two vet techs hold him for his various shots and examinations. When we went back to him about 6 months after A+ Dog Training kicked in he asked if we had a different dog. Coby stood for an exam on command, tolerated without curling his lips at the touch of the vet, and sat until we signaled him to jump off the examination table. He still accused us of switching dogs. Our friends were amazed at the transformation of Coby
the Shar Pei. He was well behaved at our parties and was welcomed into our friend's homes. He went to restaurants and businesses as a celebrity. I took him to my school for demonstrations to cheering hands of 200 children. They swarmed him with affection and he allowed their petting. I would never have chanced a child to his exposure if I thought any harm would come to them. He was reformed. He was at peace and harmony in the world of dogs and humans. We will forever be in your debt for helping Coby become a joy, not only in our lives, but the lives of our grandchildren and other neighboring children. He was loved for the rest of his life by many. Our heart is still broken, but as an honor to him we will adopt another dog in time and of course enroll him at A+ dog training. I miss our Wednesday dog training sessions just as Coby knew it was Wednesday, the day he showed off to his subjects."

This is a picture of Fred and his dog Mako at a recent dog show.  Mako is a three year old German Shepherd.  The second picture is Fred and Sue's grandchildren (Ages 4 & 5) walking Mako and his 8 month old "brother" Valor in front of Fred and Sue's house.  (Please note the loose leashes.)

Stephanie and her poodle, Shadow (a National Frisbee Champion),
competing in a National Frisbee Competition. 
Stephanie and Shadow first came to Lindy Sander for training because Shadow was extremely hyperactive and uncontrollable.  After two obedience courses Stephanie realized the potential in Shadow for frisbee competition.  Stephanie believes Shadow's obedience training truly helped Shadow achieve his many frisbee awards. Shadow has also earned AKC titles in obedience and rally.

Eddie and Stephanie with their dogs Shadow and Timber.

CONGRATULATIONS TIMBER AND STEPHANIE FOR EARNING RALLY EXCELLENT TITLE!

Nadine and her rescue dog Barney.  Nadine came to obedience classes just to have some fun with Barney.  After realizing how much Barney enjoyed working obedience Nadine decided to try her hand at competition.  Barney, at 9 years old, won his title with a third place, second place and first place ribbon!  Great job Nadine and Barney!

Barb and Miko

When I met Lindy I had a very frisky Husky on my hands.  Miko was just one year old with very little training.   Lindy said the first thing I had to do was to show him I was the pack leader.  Since I had never trained before this was very difficult for me.  There were many times when he would growl at me for making him do things, but I soon learned from Lindy to ignore it and go on being the boss.  After one year of training with Lindy, I entered Miko in his first obedience  show.  He qualified!  Over the next few months we entered three more shows and he got his CD.  We went on to get his CGC and registered with Delta Society and spent the next few years visiting a nursing home and a hospital.  Then Rally came along.  I think we can do this??  I can't believe the things he learned to do in training for Rally.  Lindy helped us so much to get it all right - he learned to read my body language - it was amazing.  In June of 2007  Miko earned his Rally Excellent Title.  Thank you Lindy for all you have done for us.  Miko loves you!

Here's what some of our students say:

Hello Lindy, 15 years ago I attended puppy school and obedience class with my chocolate lab, Elvis, taught by you.  Unfortunately I had to let him go last year but I felt you should know a few things.  Without a doubt the techniques we learned from you helped us create a trust I can't put into words.  Elvis lived a good full life, we hiked Superstition Mountain 4 times, boated, fished and went racing.  Everyone that he came in contact with loved him.  Thank you for your help and good luck to you. 

Jason

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Dear A+,
When my dog began to display negative behavior I contacted a local dog trainer for advice.  I set up an appointment with this person for 4 weeks of private training.  After the first night of traning, I became very uncomfortable with the method of training used.

A few weeks later my dog's behavior became worse.  He was becoming very aggressive and even turned on my husband.  We knew something had to be done.  I called A+ Dog Training and spoke with them about the problem.  After some discussion I felt confident that this problem could be resolved with their help.  We set up to meet for an hour a week for 4 weeks, at my home, with my family in attendance.  The trainer was very professional in the way she handled my dog.  She was firm yet gentle and she explained everything she was doing.  She helped us to understand what we needed to do to help our dog.

After our 4 weeks of training I noticed a major change in my dog.  We were able to trust him in ways we were never able to in the past.  I would highly recommend A+ to anyone in need of training their dog.

Regards, Beverly
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Dear Lindy,

Even though my Mom was nervous,
I knew I had to be impervious.
I listened closely to every command,
making sure my best paw to land.
Even though the other dogs disobeyed,
only I was left continuing to stay.
The scores were tallied to hand out the blues,
I surprised my Mom with "Best of the crew"!
A good trainer can either make or break,
you just so happen to have what it takes. 

Thanks Lindy,

Snickers and Kim

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Dear A+,
Thanks you so much for sharing your excellent talents.  Your trainers did a tremendous job.  Buddy is now more of a pleasure to be around.     Sincerely,  Joann

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"The beginners class in and of itself has made a tremendous difference in our dog's life and our lives."

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"I've trained many dogs in my life at many different places but I learned more in the first few weeks of your class than all the other classes combined.  Great job!"

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At 12 weeks old our Australian Shepherd puppy was extremely aggressive.  Our vet told us we should put her down which, of course, we were very reluctant to do. She told us that she had heard that Lindy Sander was very good in dealing with this type of behavior and recommended we contact her.  We followed Lindy's recommendations and the next time our dog visited the vet, she couldn't believe it was the same dog!  Thank You Lindy!

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I've been showing dogs in conformation for many years and attended many conformation classes.  A friend recommended Lindy's conformation class and since I had some upcoming shows for my puppies I attended.  Lindy took the time to teach us a better way to handle our dogs. At my puppies first show he took a four point major!  Thanks for your expertise Lindy!

Roberta

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 I have been going to classes with Lindy for 8 years and LOVE her!!! Every time I am in class I learn something and feel respected for what I know, as well!!! I am a breeder and recommend that my new puppy families attend class at A Plus! If you are thinking about showing, Lindy is the best!!!

Cathy Gallagher

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More pictures and info to come---check back to see who has been added!