"Bella had two strikes against her, she is a pit-bull and she got into a fight with our other pitbull and caused serious injury to my father's hand when he tried to break them up. Bella nearly died after that fight and we were worried we would have to put her down. She was really aggressive afterward, even snapping at our family, so we had a serious decision to make.
Curtis came into our home and was very professional. He told us that we had a "Paris Hilton" pitbull and told us that we had to stop babying her. After following his instructions, we started to see a whole new dog. Bella stopped going after family members and she listens to us now. She will always be aggressive after that last fight with our dog; however she is no longer a danger to our family and friends. I whole-heartily believe that Curtis is a savior of dogs. He taught me a lesson that any dog, no matter the age or breed can be saved. Bella is a happy member of our family now."
-Rob Pierucci and Bella
"We can't say enough good things about Curtis, who we jokingly refer to as our "Pitbull Whisperer". After recently adopting our second Bully, we were having some concerns about his walking/leash aggression behavior, as well as his continual barking when crated. Before meeting with Curtis we would discuss all the things we might have to do...walk our dogs in the wee hours to eliminate meeting other dogs, remain hostage in our own home so he wouldn't bark and annoy the neighbors, even looking into buying a new condo...
However, after meeting with Curtis, he was able to quickly evaluate the situations and help us change Bruno's behavior. We met with Curtis one time for the leash aggression, and one time for the isolation/separation anxiety. After each of our sessions, we practiced the skills he taught us, and just like on the television show we had new behavior. And besides being knowledgeble, we feel Curtis has the best intentions...he isn't just out there to make money off of people, but he really wants to help people and their dogs. Again, we can't say enough good things about him."
-Amy and Ed
"Curtis is a dependable, affordable and generous dog trainer. His training technique started by becoming friends with my dog, followed by commands that they practiced repetitively and then rewards that Spazz really liked. Curtis knows a lot about how dogs think and why they behave the way that they do."
-Kerry & Spazz
"When I adopted my three pit/mastiff mix puppies, they were a joy to be with. They had taken training classes and were given the seal of approval by the instructors. But when they reached the age of two, they began to fight with each other. Being the only person in the house, I became afraid of them. I thought I would have to give them up.
Then Curtis came into our life. With some very detailed coaching for me, I realized my dogs were in control of me and not the other way around. Curtis helped us all and now my boys and I are very happy. It's a joy to take them places and show off how well behaved they are."
-Deanna & Andy, Charcoal and Joe
"I adopted an abused pit bull who had been used for dog fighting. After two sessions, Curtis worked his magic and I felt comfortable living with my first dog, Edison and my new pitbull, Chuckles."
-Kyle and Chuckles
"PAWS Chicago is a no-kill organization that requires us to find alternatives to euthanasia for pets with behavioral issues. We need trainers and behaviorists who can work with new adopters as well as assist in the difficult shelter setting. Curtis Scott of Canis Familiaris can do it all. He has evaluated and set up protocols for us and helps families with their new dog at home. He sets himself apart with his individual approach, dedication and versatile experience. I highly recommend Curtis whether you have a Poodle with separation anxiety, or a Pit Bull that just needs some basic training!"
-Kira Robson, Intake and Admissions Manager, PAWS Chicago
"My husband and I can't say enough positive things about Curtis! He has helped with every issue, no matter how big or how small, that I have had with my dogs. His positive training methods have helped us become a loving, stable, functional pack! Curtis is a calm, gentle, caring dog trainer who truly understand how dogs work and what they need to live happy and healthy lives.
Izzy and Dudley are always at their best in his presence, and we are so glad that we have found someone that we can so wholeheartedly trust to always steer us in the right direction with our dogs!"
-Ruth, Jason, Izzy and Dudley
"I met Curtis while working at the shelter and I later called on him to help me with my own dogs. I requested help as my recently rescued pitbull and my resident aussie weren't getting along very well. He let me know that three months of spoiling my aussie as a baby had turned him into the often-devilish dog he is now (almost 6 years later) and that I had to better learn to manage his behavior. My new dog needed to be "top dog" around here and I quickly started that routine. Behaviors still flare up every now and again, but I work with them every single day and things are much better.
Curtis was great; the way he was able to understand the dogs and communicate with them was incredible. He was also able to tell me how to work on the issues in a straight-forward way which I really appreciated.
In fact, I was so impressed with Curtis that I asked him to be involved in my soon-to-be opened daycare/boarding facility! Curtis is a valuable asset and I'm grateful for his help."
-Bridgid Nolan
"I can't say enough great things about Curtis Scott. He helped me to train my puppy in 2 sessions and provided me with a wealth of useful information in regards to dogs in general. I have had people stop me to comment on how well-trained she is and ask what techniques I use. She is now better behaved than the older dogs at the park.
Having him come to my home was far superior than taking my easily distracted puppy to a class setting where she would have been more interested in socializing with the other dogs than learning. Curtis' training methods and knowledge about dogs is amazing. I most highly recommend him to any dog owner."
-Lydia Morrissey
"A heartfelt thank you from Midwest Rescue of Illinois, Inc! Your expertise and guidance lifts our spirits and helps us better serve the dogs we rescue. The personalized one-on-one training you provide has kept many dogs in their forever homes through sometimes difficult transition periods. You help us understand our pups' behaviors, so we better help them overcome their individual challenges.
Your training methods are easy to follow and clearly defined. We personally enjoy listening to you explain the rationale behind the dogs' behaviors. It not only helps us to better understand the lesson, it gives us greater insight into those amazing little canine minds.
Thank you for sharing your vast knowledge and training techniques. In teaching us, our adopters and volunteers, you are helping to create more knowledgeable pit bull advocates and owners. This benefits not just the dogs we rescue, but the entire misunderstood breed. To that we thank you!
Keep up the Great Work!"
-Midwest Rescue of Illinois, Inc.
"My name is Maddux and I am a 2 yr old American Bulldog mix. I had been without a home for 10 months, living in a kennel of my foster mom's. When I was adopted, it was obvious I needed to learn some manners - I would take HER for walks (I'm a big boy at 70 lbs) and go after anything with four legs. Enter my buddy, Curtis Scott. He taught me how to be a good boy. I learned how to sit, stay, walk nicely on a leash and to be nice to other animals. Though I'm no angel, I get along well with my neighbor dogs and my ten pound cousin. I am complimented all the time by people I meet on how well-behaved I am. My new mom and I are very grateful to Curtis for helping us adjust to my new life."
-Carol Koziol and Maddux
"It was clear when we first brought Beckett (black lab/basset hound mix) home from the shelter that he had no idea how to interact with people or live in a home. He mouthed and gnawed on everything--including us--and was generally unruly and demanding. When he bit the vet's assistant a few days after we got him, the vet told us we should consider giving him up because he was aggressive. Not wanting to give up on him, we called the shelter and they put us in contact with Curtis. He came to the rescue two days later.
He evaluated Beckett and assured us that our dog was not aggressive, just stressed, confused, and in need of boundaries. Curtis taught us how to deal with Beckett's issues in a positive way that would minimize his stress. Most importantly, Curtis gave us the confidence to be leaders. Beckett is now a very calm and affectionate member of the family who understands and obeys many commands. He even knows that the word "Curtis" means he gets to see his best friend!"
-Liz and Gary McManus
