Success Story: From the owner's point of view
This week we got the privilege of working with a pup named Sonny and his owner Mary and her family. We were called in to help them introduce a new, younger dog to Sonny and their home since the family would be watching her while the pup's owners were on vacation. Starting the session by having the owners make a list of the things they would like fixed with their dog's behaviors, we worked with Sonny first by taking them for a Respect Walk and everyone did wonderfully. Sonny very willingly allowed his owners to become the leaders and enjoyed the walk without issue. Next, we addressed some of his poor habits such as stealing food from the table, crowding them while cooking in the kitchen and his "marking" all over the house.
Second, we worked with the new dog by using the same techniques of the Respect Walk and respecting the humans as leaders. Proper dog introduction was taught to the owners before accompanying both dogs on a walk to get them acquainted. Afterward, all of us gathered in the backyard to let the dogs play off leash and taking the opportunity to show the owners how the dogs should interact while playing. We made sure the new, younger dog would not disrespect Sonny by forcing him to play when he would rather not. Since it was a very disrespectful behavior, we had to teach Sonny not to jump the younger dog. This behavior could cause a fight and someone could have gotten hurt if not addressed.
Concluding the session, the "down, stay" command was taught in the house. Both dogs and owners did a fantastic job learning and practicing. We are so glad we were able to work with them to address some past poor behaviors and smooth the temporary addition to the family.
After the session, Mary emailed us saying both pups were doing fantastic and they enjoyed the change in lifestyle they have experienced since gaining the respect of their dog. Thank you Mary for sharing your story! You can read Mary's own story below:
Our success story:
We have had many dogs over the past 30 years and wish we would have known about the Indiana Dog Whisperers when we got our first dog. We have had two small dogs that had to be put down, 10 years apart, but heart breaking both times. They both had major anxiety and had bitten people. They weren't major bites, but both times the people who were bitten demanded we do something about it. We thought our only choice was euthanasia. Our current dog has never played well with other dogs and we would have to separate them if other friends or family dogs were over. It was always a tense time when new people came to our house because we never knew how Sonny would react. Some people he just sniffed and walked away, but others he growled and nipped at. Then there's the counter surfing, taking odd out of the yard, and "swarming" like a shark, around anyone or anywhere with food. We would have to crate him to eat dinner together. Many times we found him on top of the dining room table clearing our plates for us.
We had been to other "training" but their methods never seemed to really work for us. Sonny only really listened when food was being placed in his crate. We tried taking him on vacation once. It was a nightmare.
We spent 4 hours with Vernon and Marci and we can't tell you how peaceful our home is. Sonny seems to be really happy and listens well. We are also taking care of a friend's dog for two weeks. Normally we would just keep them separated and the family would have to split time and walk each dog and play separately. We are so glad to say that Marci and Vern worked a miracle. The back yard is now a fun place to be with both dogs together!! They run and play without any fighting. Toys are not a problem and the grand kids can wander and play without fear of our dog nipping at them or stealing their snacks.
And for the first time ever, walks with our dog are enjoyable. No pulling and stopping every 10 feet to mark his territory. And no more marking in the house!!
We can't thank the Indiana Dog Whisperers enough for teaching us so much about dogs and how they think, behave and need our leadership. Sonny thanks you because he doesn't have to guess at what we want. He now lies happily in his bed and waits for us to tell him what to do. Wish we would have called you sooner!!!
For the love of dogs,
Mary and family
