Scott called me about his adorable big girl Penny. She had snapped at some kids recently, and he was nervous about that. Very understandable! I worked with him on creating a trust from Penny that he was going to keep kids away from her, and he was in charge, so she didn’t need to worry because no kids would be coming close to her. Some dogs just don’t like kids. Just like some humans. It’s not fair to ask dogs to accept kids fawning on them, reaching for them, walking up to them. But it is fair to ask dogs to NOT snap at kids when they may possibly pass by or be in the area. We worked with Penny on basic obedience and walking nicely on the leash and also coming when called. Then we took her out to Cosmic Coffee & Beer and also Garrison Park to practice being around kids. As well as to show her that Scott was not letting any of the kids come near her. Penny did great! Engaged with her dad, didn’t even look sideways at any kids.
I was so proud…
It was great meeting you yesterday. Truman and Wolfey were so tired after the session. When I took them out this morning, I took treats with me and rewarded them every time a person passed and they didn’t bark. I was so proud. I’m looking forward to the additional sessions with you.
– Elizabeth, Wolfey and Truman’s mom.
I actually feel like we have a closer bond with Buca
Thanks again for helping us out, and I’ll keep you updated as Buca improves! Overall, your work with us has eliminated our frustration and I actually feel like we have a closer bond with Buca as a result.
– Beth, Buca’s mom.
She began playing and relaxing for the first time
Arwen was adopted from a shelter as a puppy with the intentions of being trained to be a type of service dog to her mom, Peyton. However, Arwen turned out to be excessively shy and fearful, was still peeing inside, and mouthing (using teeth) when playing. Peyton called me in to help with this. Arwen seemed to be scared of the word “sit.” And we determined that when Arwen was young she was too shy and fearful and became scared of the word “sit” while being taught it as well as her parents’ reaction when she peed in the house. She was most likely the runt of the litter, and may have suffered abuse and poor nutrition in vitro.
After a couple lessons using hot dog, we decided to switch to using a toy as a reward. This really changed Arwen’s confidence level, and she began to be enthusiastic and responsive to training - which took her brain from shy to engaged and excited. She began playing and relaxing for the first time. Trusting her parents and not having accidents in the house. Which is all the beginning of the road to learning her service dog roles.