It is really rewarding to hear from my clients on their continued success with their dogs.  Keep the letters coming.            
-- Tony

Hi Tony: Camille, I, and our dogs would like to thank you for getting us on the right track. We couldn't stop talking about what we had learned and experienced. I used many of the techniques this morning during the morning routine and it was much more sane with less talk. I caught myself in amazement several times. I realize we have a lot of work to do. Having Camille and I on the same page will benefit everyone. We were at a loss of what to do. You truly have a gift and we are grateful you are helping us. Again, many heartfelt thanks. We not only have a future, but a bright one! We are looking forward to our next meeting.
Craig, Camille, Luka (the Majestic one), Sadie (the pacer) & Bella (our disorder child)

Hi Laura and Tony, Tony did a great job yesterday on assisting us with rehabilatating a very fearful dog. It's hard to believe how far Nulato came out of himself. Connie, his Pet Parent, will certainly follow up--she was on the right track and will make full use of the lesson. All of us were impressed with the great resource we have in Tony's wisdom about dogs. He does excellent presentations too! And accepts human faults, like treats.

The additional observation I had with going with Tony on a follow-up appointment with the Aussies showed me alot too. I am amazed at what their owners accomplished in one week, thanks to Tony. With my soft heart, I find the dog's current confusion over change of rules hard to take. But clearly the dogs have to learn. A serious aggressive situation, hopefully saved from disaster. Tony is one in a million in understanding dogs. We are lucky to have you both in the Valley. Thanks so much.

Our shelter is one in a million too, in its staff and volunteer compassion. Can you believe how many animals we are saving! These dogs and cats would likely have been euthanized (shot or whatever) without our shelter. I am proud to be part of it and to have Tony part of it. We need to keep our eyes open for many more partnerships.
- Phyllis Kittle, Ark-Valley Humane Society, Volunteer

Mountain Mail: "New Yorker offers kudos to dog trainer"

Dear Editor: While visiting a friend in Howard, I had an incredibly wonderful three-hour experience with Willie, my four-month-old rescue dog and Tong Bussing, behaviorist and owner of GONE TO THE DOGS in Salida, CO. With patience, understanding and humor, Tony taught me ways to become pack leader and Willie the follower. We walked around town interrupting Willie from sniffing everything, from barking at dogs behind fences, walking up and down steps without tripping me, helping Willie understand my clothes are not something he can eat, and much more.

The visit changed my relationship with Willie but I know it takes consistent practice and time to maintain our new roles. When we returned to New York, Willie walks the streets without sniffing everything unless I want him to. I haven't tripped over him once, he isn't eating my clothes and most importantly, I know how to interrupt any behavior with a simple sound that lets Willie know I want him to stop doing what he's doing at that moments.

I can't wait to work with Tony again on my next trip back to Salida in June. ...Ellen Tuckman, New York, NY

"Tony,

My wife Deb and I were in your store Friday to look at training leads or
pinch collars.

You took a few minutes to show us how to get our dogs attention by using a
short lead and the slip collar riding high under the chin and ears.

Thank you. Thank you. We got immediate results. It was like walking a
new dog. When the collar was high he pranced next to us in heel position.
Unbelievable. What a difference!!!!!!!!!!"

Thanks again. --- Brian Wingert

"I am grateful that I contacted Tony Bussing and made an appointment to have him visit with my dogs.  I have two nine year old dogs, one a "cow dog" and the other a little cocker spaniel mix.  They are friendly, loving dogs, however not perfect on a leash or with certain commands.  I wasn't sure if Tony could help me, however to my amazement, within 10 minutes of our session, my dogs were not jumping on Tony or rushing the front door to bark at dogs they saw outside.  Walking on a leash has always been a bit of a job with two dogs, one has a nose for wanting to visit every blade of grass, while the other just wants to march ahead.  Well, Tony taught me how to be the LEADER, to be in control of what we were going to do, where we were going to go, and at what pace we were going to get there.  It might sound militant, but honestly, my dogs seemed to like the new me.  Now my dogs walk at my side with no problem and they also do not exhibit behavior problems when they encounter other dogs.  I didn't know it could be so easy to change "poor" behaviors by learning to understand how to communicate better with my dogs.  My dogs are my best friends, if you love your dog and want to help "cure" some behavior problems, give Tony a call.  I'm glad I did."

-  Lori Young, Salida, Colorado 

An insecure dominant dog, Sara would jump on us and mouth/bite our arms and any part of our body within reach. Although we both recognized that this behavior did not stem from pure aggression, it was obvious that it would, if not handled, escalate to “really scary stuff”. And we had to handle it – we were Sara’s lifeline.

We sought out a trainer/behaviorist and our vet recommended Tony. Tony uses the same methods of Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer) and immediately it was reassuring to know we were on the same training page. Sara also feared her environment – the wind, birds, objects on the road, noises, - everything.

Tony transferred his calm assertive energy to us and to Sara and that, coupled with his training skills, proved to be a real life-saver for all of us. He taught us “pack leader” skills through dog walking, dog manners, voice level and praise timing. He illustrated how to use these skills to calm Sara’s panic of the world. Given the level of our nervousness, Tony also played with Sara – he spent time showing us her wonderful side – her potential for evolving into a safe, fun and lovely dog.

Today – four months later, Sara rarely jumps on us and when she does, we have the skills to immediately stop that behavior. Sara walks quietly, heeds our request to stop barking, and is learning to accept new people and her surroundings. She melts into our arms for affection and we are madly in love with our Sara.

This ending would never have happened without Tony’s special skills and abundant patience.

- Judy Goldstock, Howard, CO

 "My name is Erica and I have and 8 year old Border Collie by the name of Sydney. She has over the years become aggressive towards other dogs. Aggressive to the point of attacking any dog they came within her reach! Tony was able to help us turn her behavior around in such amazing ways that I still am in shock when I see how she acts now! Through his techniques and "re-training" us she has completely changed and now allows completely foreign dogs to even enter our house. She has become social and I feel enjoys her dog life more now then she ever has because I am no longer afraid to take her out into the world for fear that something horrible will happen.
Thanks again for everything Tony"