Michael Schaier has saved our lives. Our family thoughtfully decided to get a dog and went to the Westminster Dog Show, “Meet the Breeds” to find the right dog and we fell for the Japanese, Kishu Ken. After proper vetting by the Texas breeder, we picked up Belle from Laguardia airport at 5 months of age. This beautiful, yet dominant breed needed socialization and training, and fortunately Michael was already engaged by us after he previously helped us with the rescue of an elderly Husky we boarded for a short time (Michael donated his efforts based on his love for animals). Belle the Kishu Ken was overwhelmed by her new congested-suburban environment, incessantly barking at anyone outside of or entering the house; afraid to go outside for a walk; afraid to meet other dogs during her walks; and displaying instinct-based behavior of herding. Well, Michael trained US how to train our dog! Michael taught us patience, yet firmness, using rewards/positive reinforcement methods (as opposed to negative based use-of-force methods to establish dominance over our dog, as suggested by others). Well, thank God for Michael because in a few weeks Belle had responded to Michael’s methods and responds to commands of “come” and “sit.” After another month, Belle learned to “stay,” “down,” “walk” on leash without pulling or tugging, no longer has fears of meeting other dogs or of environmental noises (cars, doors opening, fears of walking past garbage cans or piles of trash bags during our walks). At this point, Belle was ready for the “Big Time”: Belle was allowed to enter Michael’s Pack Play-Time arena where she could run free with other dogs of her size in an enclosed room supervised by a trainer, and really learn to socialize with other dogs. This two tiered approach has truly transformed Belle from a scared, instinct-driven canine to a loyal pet which responds to commands, tolerates guests in the house, befriends return-guests with tail-wags, and greets other dogs with playful behavior. Without Michael, I am unsure how we would have been able to keep our Belle. We feel blessed to have come in contact with Michael and his organization. Currently, Michael is teaching Belle and my daughter how to work the canine obstacle course as practiced in the dog shows. There seems to be no limits to Michael’s abilities and professional prowess!