Vladae Roytapel, also known as The Dog Wizard, helps pet owners learn to speak "Dogglish" so they can keep their pets well behaved. Photo courtesy of Vladae Roytapel.
The Associated Press
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You may not be able to wave a magic wand to transform your dog into a well behaved canine, but you can pick up the phone and call the Dog Wizard, otherwise known as Vladae Roytapel of Troy.
Speaking to problem pets in "dogglish" instead of English and using training methods he has perfected over the years, Roytapel has become well known for transforming wayward canines into model dogs. He made a believer out of Susan Tepman of Oak Park. She was struggling to deal with 10-year-old Honey, her German shepherd, akita, chow mix who suddenly developed a case of separation anxiety, chewing a variety of items in the home when left alone.
"She had never done anything like that before. We were a little shocked and confused," said Tepman.
Honey's chewing targets included 2 to 3 feet of molding in the hallway and the family couch.
"She totally took it apart," Tepman said of the couch. "She chewed at the padding and exposed it to the springs."
Tepman's veterinarian recommended Roytapel last fall. The transformation was dramatic, she said. She said Roytapel taught her and husband how to shift the balance of control in the household, showed them obedience training exercises and outlined steps the Tepmans should take when the leave the home, like giving Honey a special toy to chew on that she only gets when they go out the door. By doing this, they are training Honey to see their departure as a positive experience and keeping her occupied.
The key to his success, said Roytapel, is teaching owners to see the world from their dog's perspective in an entertaining way.
He communicates with dogs using "dogglish," a language similar to what a canine mother would use, he said. He teaches clients how to use body language, behavior and tone of voice to mimic the dog mom's techniques.
A dog mom has three crucial rules, says Roytapel: She never gives any commands she can't enforce; she always reinforces what she says and she never repeats what she says.
Roytapel said his private lessons are pretty affordable - about $130 per session, but it also depends what specific problems the family is dealing with and where they live. Sometimes, it takes only one lesson to solve a problem.
His company, Alternative Canine Training in Royal Oak, also offers puppy consultation for the new puppy and owner.
Roytapel has demonstrated his techniques on Fox 2 News and has been a guest on "The Late Show with David Letterman." He created a pair of training DVDs called "Obedience for Life," which he sells on his Web site, www.controlyourpet.com
After four sessions with Roytapel, Honey leaves Tepman's couch - and other household possessions - alone.
"It's been miraculous," said Tepman. "I feel like we've been lucky to have Vladae in our life."
