I found Becki in September of 2016 on a whim really, we had adopted a 3 month old Australian Kelpie (Leia). From the beginning I was told by the rescue and the very few service dog places I found that her breed would not be a good fit for SD work. I was not going to settle for that answer, I was going to find a SD trainer that believed in Leia and I, we found that in Becki and more. When I called and talked to Becki telling her what we needed she said let me do some research and get back to you. I received a call the following day from Becki saying lets meet and discuss what we can do. When we met it was an instant connection with us I knew I had found the right person to train us.Right off the bat Becki and I both knew there was something special about Leia, she began DPT (deep pressure therapy) on me all on her own when I would have a panic attack. She would even come to me from a different room in the house when I started to have an attack. When we were with Becki, Leia would DPT her also to an injury she was dealing with. I knew I was going to be headed for an above the knee amputation within the next year. I was eager to get her training done, we sat and made a list of all the things I knew I needed Leia to help with. She was trained in 2 stages, mom with a leg and walking with crutches and mom without a leg and using a wheelchair. We began training immediately with basic puppy training and achieving our AKC Star Puppy certificate. From there we continued on through the AKC certifications earning our Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, and AKC Urban Canine. All in all it took us a year and a half or so to achieve all of her certificates and pass Becki's SD test. Throughout the training I was taking classes 2 days a week (1-2hrs) in a classroom setting and then venturing out for private training with Becki 1-2 days a week. Going out in public was some of the hardest parts of SD training we found out. People would react harshly to a SD in a restaurant even though she was quietly tucked under the table.People looking at us with doubt that I even needed a SD and the rude comments that followed. The amount of anxiety I felt was huge, Becki was there to calm me down and make sure I was keeping my focus on Leia. Becki has become family to us. Since having my leg amputated (on 9-20-17) my needs have changed for Leia. I rely heavily on her for retrieval, mobility and stability, and for my PTSD issues. We continue to train almost weekly in a private lesson, making sure we keep Leia active and up to date on her tasks.. It was a growing experience for all 3 of us and one of the best things that has ever happened to me. The bond I share with Leia can best be described as the best friend you have ever had. We joke and say Leia is my right leg! I cannot recommend Becki more. The proof is in Leia and what she does everyday for me. Please understand if you are reading this - SD training is a big commitment from not only the person needing the dog but also from the trainer. Becki is an all in kind of person, you have to commit yourself to the training and understand and follow what she is telling you. There is a large unscripted learning curve to SD training and each dog is unique in there own way. Becki takes her time to learn with you about your dog and what there telling you.There is alot to learn about SD training and developing fun ways to teach a dog to task. When I began training with Becki there was a woman in the class that told me Leia would never retrieve because her breed. The 3 of us were out to prove her wrong, and we did. You have to be patient and understand it is a process and you will not have a fully trained SD in a few months. It takes time to go from a SD in training to a SD. -Kim L. |
I have two Shih Tuzs that have been in Rebecca's classes since they were puppies. They have gone through the basic puppy classes to obedience classes and finished up with the CGC and CGCA titles. She has always been very helpful and willing to answer any questions I have and offer advice. She takes the time with you and your dogs. I wish there were more classes I could attend with her.
-Renee C. |
I came to Rebecca with a nervous, reactive dog. Because our three year old dog had never been properly socialized as a puppy, he suffered from some behavioral issues in public, including excessive barking. With her help, we've been able to start taking our dog more places, and meeting new people. We are still working with him, but with every class/training session, he gets better! Her guidance has been such a huge help
-Ashley D. |
I recently adopted a dog (Frankie) who came from a puppy mill and is about 4 years old. She was very nervous and scared of everyday things. And even though she was getting used to the house and us at home she had a hard time going out and meeting new people. I decided to start one on one training and knew Becki would be a great working with her. She came to the house a few times and we went out in public as well. She’s extremely patient and worked so well with her. I love how she uses positive training. By the second class Frankie loved her! I can’t believe the confidence she has gained. With all the training and tips Becki gave me I still use it everyday and it helped more then I expected! I would recommend her to anyone needing help with their dog!
-Nicole K. |
Becki is such a wonderful trainer that my family and I could never say enough great things about her and her skills. When we got our dog she did not know how to play with and interpret cues from other dogs. Thanks to Becki, her patience, and methods, our dog made great strides. We have never met a trainer like Becki. She is so caring and compassionate. This is so much more than a business for her but a true calling. My family and I are so honored to have had the opportunity to work with Becki and will never hesitate to utilize her in the future. She is amazing!!!
-Lynsey D. |
Becki is an excellent dog trainer who is extremely knowledgeable in the field as well as very friendly and makes training fun! I have attended many of her classes and she has greatly helped us build the bond with our dog. I started attending Becki's training classes shortly after we rescued our dog. My dog is reactive and fearful but Becki was able to help her build confidence and help us learn how to redirect her energy into positive behaviors. I can't say enough good things about Becki and I highly recommend her to everyone looking for a caring and knowledgeable animal trainer.
-Dana K. |
I have known Becki since we were kids. She is not only a great friend but very talented at what she does. I brought my dog Oakley to her as a very crazy, excited, energized puppy and she helped him turn into a loving, well mannered gentleman. She guided us every step of the way, answering any and all of my crazy dog Mom questions. She made classes very fun and easy to learn. I never did any formal training with my other two dogs, but she made me into a believer that it is an absolute necessity when getting a new friend. It has made my life so much easier and less worrisome. I can trust my dog around any and all that come near him, thanks to Becki. That alone is worth a 1000 words!
-Allison K. |
From rescue dog to Therapy Dog, Becki Klinger has been Archie’s guiding light. Becki was Archie’s trainer from basic obedience training right through to his earning his AKC Good Citizenship Certificate. She is knowledgeable, kind, thoughtful, and has an uncanny knack for communicating with animals. Her training enabled Archie to reach his true potential as a Therapy Dog for the SPCA’s Paws for Love Program. Becki is an extremely talented trainer & we wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend her to train your dog.
-Cindy B. |
I met Becki when I started puppy class with my puppy. “Tucker” loved class too! This was my first experience with training a dog through classes. Becki made the class fun and informative. The dogs experienced a variety of play. I also took the Community Canine and Urban class with Becki that I would take again and again. Becki has taught me how to teach my dog. She is extremely knowledgeable and makes every class fun, interesting and enjoyable for both the handler and dog. I highly recommend Becki and her technique and theory in Dog training.
-Barb C. |
I happened to find Becki as she had an “open” playgroup for young dogs which I took my 8 month old Olde English Bulldogge, named Bentley, to. I then enrolled Bentley in obedience classes offered in the Flex Program and attended classes two to three times a week. Bentley and I totally enjoyed the fun obedience training we were both learning under the direction of Becki. He earned his Canine Good Citizen title and passed his Community class and Urban class. Bentley and I were always excited to be with Becki and all the other dogs. Since Becki is a certified dog behavior consultant, she has the professional “eye” to tell you what your dog is really doing behaviorally which is so enlightening and totally fascinating!! What you think your dog may be doing is sometimes different than what he/she is actually doing and thinking. This was my main reason I chose Becki as a trainer. Bentley fell in love with her right away and dogs sense someone they trust and respect. Becki develops such a good rapport with the dogs with her positive training/reward system that easily teaches the moms and dads and dogs to bring out the best in both.
-Sally B. |
So happy for Becki that she has been able to fulfill her dream of starting her own company! This is something she has truly earned!
We started with Becki when she was new to Sit n’ Stay. Cooper, our first dog was a student of hers. Cooper had a negative experience as a puppy at a daycare facility and it was life changing for him. Fast forward to many hours spent with Becki at home and in her reactive dog class,and he has become calm and so much more trusting of people. He is social and now comfortable with strangers. Becki was soooo patient with him and worked slowly to develop his trust. And she did earn his trust! Her patience with him was immeasurable and we are so thankful for her compassion. Cooper now goes to an amazing daycare and loves every second he spends there! Sophie, our younger dog has been working with Becki since she was 12 weeks old. She has been taking classes towards work as a therapy dog. Sophie is a sweetheart and loves everyone, but she did have some leash reactive behaviors at one point. I was worried this would be a roadblock to therapy work, but once again Becki patiently worked with her and taught ME how to handle this behavior and Sophie has come such a long way and now feels comfortable, but cautious meeting other dogs on leash. It took me time to understand how such a social and sweet dog could be like this, but Becki guided me through it and had me get inside her mind to understand her. Sophie has been in Becki’s Canine Good Citizen, Community Canine Good Citizen and Urban Canine Good Citizen classes. We’ve had so much fun in these classes and she has come such a long way. She is now doing therapy work at ECMC and we love every second of it! Thank you Becki for all you have done for Cooper and Sophie! Your understanding of dogs’ feelings is a gift! You definitely have friends for life! -Sue C. |
The Best⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Becki has worked with us twice. Both experiences, and the dogs Becki has worked with, have been inspiring, remarkable successes; experiences and outcomes: stellar. Becki’s knowledge, experience, expertise, enthusiasm, communication skill, energy, dedication, and genuine personal interest and investment with each person working to be an effective handier, and canine working toward set goals, are qualities that guide handlers and dogs to learn, understand, and achieve success with each and all objectives. The outcome of working with Becki is WOW!: pride, happiness, confidence, perfectly in sync handler and canine deportment anywhere, and everywhere. It’s a privilege to have this remarkably gifted canine expert, Becki Klinger, work with anyone fortunate enough to call Canine Kismet 716-391-2557. -Marilyn W. |
We found Becki two years ago when we were looking into obedience and therapy dog training for our toy poodle, Gucci. She was a rambunctious puppy, only eight months old, when we started bringing her to Becki's Flex classes. My husband wasn't keen on the idea of obedience training because he thought it was going to change her personality. He was thrilled at the outcome saying it not only helped us learn why she reacted in certain ways, but it actually enhanced her personality and our relationship with her!
Gucci was very hesitant at first, cowering when people approached her. Becki took the time to explain to us her behavior and reactions and taught us how to properly interact with her in any given situation. Gucci quickly begun to enjoy classes and quickly moved through her tests. Becki makes her classes fun and educational for each individual participant. She takes the time to answer questions thoroughly and encourages you every step of the way.
Gucci was always the smallest dog in her classes and we were worried that it would have an impact on her performance but Becki always made all of us feel comfortable and safe. Gucci now prefers bigger dogs over her smaller counterparts! Gucci now a AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, and a AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen! She accompanies me to work in a local school district as a therapy dog and has helped both students and staff in a myriad of ways. She is a welcome addition to our staff and we couldn't have done it without Becki!
Even though we have taken a break from classes, Becki still stays in contact with us, checking in to see how Gucci is doing. She is a true professional and we are lucky to have worked with her! We highly recommend that anyone thinking about canine obedience, therapy, or service dog training contact Becki without hesitation, You will not regret it!
-Mike & Tana Y.
Gucci was very hesitant at first, cowering when people approached her. Becki took the time to explain to us her behavior and reactions and taught us how to properly interact with her in any given situation. Gucci quickly begun to enjoy classes and quickly moved through her tests. Becki makes her classes fun and educational for each individual participant. She takes the time to answer questions thoroughly and encourages you every step of the way.
Gucci was always the smallest dog in her classes and we were worried that it would have an impact on her performance but Becki always made all of us feel comfortable and safe. Gucci now prefers bigger dogs over her smaller counterparts! Gucci now a AKC Canine Good Citizen, AKC Community Canine, and a AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen! She accompanies me to work in a local school district as a therapy dog and has helped both students and staff in a myriad of ways. She is a welcome addition to our staff and we couldn't have done it without Becki!
Even though we have taken a break from classes, Becki still stays in contact with us, checking in to see how Gucci is doing. She is a true professional and we are lucky to have worked with her! We highly recommend that anyone thinking about canine obedience, therapy, or service dog training contact Becki without hesitation, You will not regret it!
-Mike & Tana Y.
I’ve taken my pit mix Beasley to Becki for a variety of training opportunities. CGC, group classes, outside walking class, as well as individual training. It’s clear Becki is passionate about what she does and it shows through the time and effort she spends looking at each dog and handler as a unique pair and being able to tailor the exercise to what they need to specifically work on. What I think I found most helpful was her direction on what I could adjust in my own behavior to set Beasley up to be successful. Which is something one may not always consider. I would recommend Becki for anyone looking to build or strengthen a bond between themselves and their dog while you both learn how to help your dog become the family companion you’re looking for.
-Sarah V. |
Where to start? Becki has helped me with various dogs. She worked with me and my Saint Bernard to obtain pet therapy status. She helped me with a shy German Shepard to be comfortable around people. No job seems too big or small for her. I’ve watched her work for years, from an intern to owning her own business. I’ve stuck by her the whole way and always choose her for any of my training, behavior or animal questions. She responds to any of my questions or concerns quickly, never judges, and always is honest. You can tell she loves what she does, is on the cutting edge of what’s new and stays on top of keeping herself educated. If you’re struggling and are reading this, reach out to Becki. If you want to build a relationship with your dog, reach out to Becki. Just looking for fun, reach out to Becki. It’ll be the best decision you’ve made.
-Danielle T |
I’ve taken Becki’s therapy dog prep classes with 2 of my dogs and they were excellent! Nothing better prepares you and your dog for therapy work than the real world training and exposure this class offers. Each week we met at different public locations. We worked our dogs indoors and outdoors at a variety of stores, a nursing home and an assisted living facility. These classes were so fun and enjoyable that I wouldn't mind repeating them. Zazu went on to become a registered Therapy Dog and Mimic will be joining her soon. I highly recommend this class for anyone interested in preparing their dog for therapy work.
-Vanessa L. |