After having taken Engagement Skills and HT1 Self Study, I enrolled in Heelers Toolbox Intermediate Interactive. It was again an immense pleasure to follow it. Each module was so clearly explained and illustrated, that even I who am actually a beginner and had chosen my most difficult dog, means least active one, were able to follow it without stress, just fun. My other dogs learned also the same exercises backstage and were everyday punctually on the spot, waiting impatiently for their turn to come. Of course I am still making a lot of mistakes, but as we have a year access to the material, I have the possibility to continue fighting against them.
A heap of thanks to Forrest, who always commented very detailed and gave clearly descriptive advises. I can always go back to them and keep myself aware where my stumbling blocks are. The dogs are crazy about the training sessions and this reaction, if Forrest could see it, would be the best testimonial he could ever get.
- Christina Stockinger on 05/03/2016
Hi, Forrest,
I would like to express my dear thanks to you about your online classes. They are so structured and so well thought out it is a joy to follow each segment and then re-visit.
Just "out of the blue" I enrolled in the Engagement class. because I desperately needed to get my sweet Border Collie male up and going and more focused on me. He is, in contrary to the 'typical' Border, very laid back and a "thinker." :) To get him up and going and fire up his willingness to engage and not just to lay there a watch is hard work. Over the years I trained my dogs myself and never had a real problem. But my Marty is something else. Your engagement class gave me more hope and ideas and ...... it WORKED!!!! Now, even with my other two Borders around, Marty is engaging and paying attention and we can take a few steps without him just thinking about something else.
Therefore, I enrolled in the Heelers Toolbox II because Marty had some obedience training before, which fell apart in the ring. :(. I enjoy the class immensely but would say that No. III is probably a bit early for Marty. I do not want to push him too hard, in case he will shut down on me and that would be a shame.
Question: Do you repeat Heelers III in the fall or late fall of this year?
Btw, your dogs are just incredible. I just love their working style. The video in the Engagement course, Module 2, Segment 7, "4Rest n the Krew", with the track by Vital Deshawn is a real inspiration. You'd think you could again enclose that in one of the courses so people can see what is possible with constant and reliable training?
Thanks again for all your work and your willingness to educate the 'rest of us.'
Margrit & Marty
- Margrit on 07/09/2015
I would like to leave feedback on Forrest Micke. I have taken the following three courses from Forrest; Engagement Skills, Heeler Toolbox Beginner, and Heelers Toolbox intermediate. I would, and often do, highly recommend his classes. He gets you by making the class energetic and fun to watch. My favorite thing about Forrest class is its all meat and no filler. I don't have a lot of time and he gets right to the skills in a very clear step by step method that makes both the handler and the dog feel successful. Forrest has a real eye for breaking down what he sees on the video assignments and giving clear suggestions on how to move forward. Even as a trainer with some experience I found his beginner Heelers Tool box Class very helpful in fixing some of the holes in my training. I look forward to taking the Advanced Heelers Toolbox course with Forrest. Thank you.
- Jane Eskuri on 06/25/2015
We had so much fun with this weeks homework! This really is where the rubber hits the road and all the work we have done in the previous course is the perfect prep for this.
The idea of two barrels is too good. This will let me take the heeling out on the field without a wall. The idea of starting little stretches of straight lines in between the barrels is also too good.
Thanks so much for these easy to perform and really effective exercises :)
The careful way that you build up to each new task is exceptional, it ensures that the people and the dog have success. You just don't let us fail:) Just too good!
P.S. all the bridge behaviours in the last class are also too good! Draga loves them and they really are becoming self reinforcing, the left spin is her fave. I use them now when I first go onto the field and she's a bit too high. It gives her some easy exercises to warm up and focus with.
- Tafline G. on 06/25/2015