It took me a year to decide what kind of dog I wanted and when I decided I wanted a black standard schnauzer, that was just the beginning of getting a dog. It took me almost  a year to find and interview breeders. I wanted a breeder that kept much of the breed's original characteristics like guarding, while keeping a good temperament. Some breeders didn't have dogs, some weren't helpful or nice, and some raised the puppies outside. I'm so glad I found Top Shelf Enterprises and Tami Phillips because not only did I get a great girl, but Tami has been the best mentor.

I got on the waiting list for a litter from Cabo and Luna, after seeing them and some dogs from their earlier litters at a dog show. Tami was very nice at the show, explaining what was going on, and what kind of dogs she has. Her dogs were so sweet and playful but very alert. Even after I changed my mind about the color of pup I wanted, Tami made sure that I got my black standard puppy, Sydney.
I live about 2 hours from Tami and drove to pick Sydney up. Sydney was so calm and sweet and even calmly sat in the back seat in her crate while Tami's husband helped jump start my car. ( I was so excited, I left my lights on!!) All of the puppies live in the family room, where there's tv, and different people and lots of activity, so perhaps that's why nothing seemed to phase her.

I decided to crop her ears, and having NO experience with a cropped dog, Tami went out of her way to keep Sydney for a night every week so she could get her crop aftercare with all the other puppies. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated that, because I don't know what I would have done without her.

Sydney fell into rhythm in my house in no time. She was potty trained in less than a week, I can proudly say that she has NEVER EVER pooped on my carpet. EVER! She's such a smart smart girl. When Sydney started to get rambunctious, I knew it was time for puppy classes. She excelled at those, although she was very strong willed in the beginning. I kept in touch with Tami and she helped me be a better dog mommy in those early stages. Once Sydney started taking obedience classes and I realized I wanted to compete in Rally, Obedience, etc, Tami has been the best coach. She knows what it takes to make these dogs succeed and respond to you, and it really was I who needed the training! Tami teaches me so much about communicating with Sydney that we are becoming such a great team. Even the folks at her doggy daycare say she's a different dog once I started obedience classes.

I get stopped on the street all the time by people saying what a beautiful dog she is, what kind of dog is she, and Sydney loves the attention. Tami definitely picked the right kind of puppy for me. Tami knew that I wanted to do agility and Sydney loves to jump and from a full run she can stop and turn on a dime. Tami sent me to a great groomer who is teaching me how to groom her myself. Tami is there for whatever questions I have and I know she has our best interests at heart.

Sydney is such a snugglemuffin. I like that she guards my home and even my neighbors feel safe with her there. She doesn't bark excessively, only when she needs to. When she gets something in her mouth and brings it over to me ("Look what I'm not supposed to have ma!"), she drops it on command. She heels beautifully. She can do 2 minute stays on a sit and down command. She's the best!

Robyn Nance
Oakland, California