Success Stories
Lily
'Lily' the Aggressive Cattle Dog Mix
Wow Chris, thanks.
I don't think we really believed that we could go from an 8 month old dog who pulled on the leash, attacked any dog she came near when on leash, went berserk when anything went past the window at home ...
To a dog that met all of the goals that you set for us ...
"to have Lily feel calm and be comfortable in her world, less reactive to stimuli (other dogs, kids, joggers, squirrels, etc.), defer to you guys for reinforcement and leadership, walk nicely on leash and perhaps play in a self controlled, appropriate style with other dogs"
Your early assessment of what we were working with was very helpful. Recognizing what was her nature and what were poor skills, understanding leadership cues and expectations was immensely helpful.
It was a long haul and quite a commitment on our part and yours, to get Lily to the point where she is a lovely dog to have around and can be off lead most of the time. She still tends to be aggressive toward other dogs but will pass them on leash without notice and will respond to verbal cues when she is guarding the home.
It was a great day when she first barked out the window and then came on her own to find me and give me her focus. It was a turning point.
Lily is a dog that needs constant reminders and updates on who the leader is and what the rules are. I think she always will. But she has learned that she doesn't make the rules and she seems ultimately happier knowing that someone is in charge.
Lily now lives with my daughter who has 20 acres and horses because Lily loves to be outside and moving. Even though she learned to control her impulses to a great extent, her real love is the country and she is happier there. If we had not gone through all the leadership training with her, we were afraid we couldn't keep her and no one else would have been able to either. She would not have been able to have a happy home anywhere. Now she is doing great.
Kaiser
Hi Chris,
We just wanted to thank you for helping us with our German Shepherd, Kaiser. I am so pleased that I can actually take him on a leash for a walk without my arm being torn out. He is obedient and all of us are so much happier! So again, thanks!
From Jan and the Family!
Mad Max
A letter from a client with a leash aggressive, incessantly barking Pomeranian
Chris, I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done for Max and I. The other day watching him with Emmy reminded me of how far we both have come. All I could do was stand there and watch them play with a tear in my eye and a big smile on my face.
I was remembering back to when I first called you and how close I was to just giving up and putting him up for adoption, that fateful day I walked into Dog Daze and they handed me your card changed everything for both Max and I. I am not sure what would have happened to the both of us if you hadn't been there to help.
Just thinking back to the days I dreaded taking him anywhere for fear he would go "MAD MAX" at the sight of another dog or even some people for that matter and now I take him everywhere with the confidence in knowing he will do fine, and even if
"Mad Max" slips out I now have the knowledge and confidence to handle the situation. And oh the countless sleepless nights of him barking and me so frustrated I couldn't see straight. I am so glad those nights are over.
The best day ever was taking him to the Puyallup farmers market, which is a test for any dog with the crowds of people and numerous dogs, and have another Pom owner come up to me and say they wouldn't dare to bring their Pom because he would never behave as well as mine does. Needless to say my head was a little higher and Max got an extra special treat.
I came home after watching Max and Emmy and how well they played and the special bond they have with the belief that Max somehow knows Emmy changed his life. Before all this I was ready to give him away and now if anyone were to offer me a million dollars for him I would turn them down in a second without hesitation.
We are not the perfect dog and the perfect owner and we are both still a work in progress but we are a much HAPPIER work in progress thanks to you and Emmy! I know a simple thank you is not enough but it is hard to put into words how grateful I am. I look forward to many play-dates with Emmy and watching that big grin come across Max's face at the sight of his favorite trainer and playmate.
From the bottom of our hearts Max and I say a big Thank You! Claudia
Claudia
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