Just wanted to let you know as well that Millie was unfortunately attacked two weeks ago by an off-leash dog while we were on a walk. She had a deep puncture wound that is healing up just fine. We just wanted to thank you for everything that you have taught us - we truly feel that if we weren’t in such a good spot with Millie and her training/anxiety, the attack could’ve been a lot worse. We have re-introduced playdates with other dogs and Millie is absolutely fine and non-reactive with them, which we were worried about. So, thank you and your amazing program and training!!!
From Katelyn:
"...Just wanted to share with you how proud we are of Oona. We saw some immediate changes after her Reactive Rover training last fall, but as we continued to reinforce her training and grow her confidence she's come even further than we could have imagined.
A year ago, if we ever had guests over (any kind of people, dogs) it was immediately growling, barking, snapping, lunging, you name it. We often had to crate her when kids were over due to this behaviour as you know. We knew that wasn't ideal or sustainable.
After her training she was able to have slow introductions to new people in the home and no longer needed crating etc. But "strange men" would still trigger her and if anyone came close. We usually have to "debrief" our visitors on ignoring her, not facing her directly (men in particular needed to stand sideways etc.) This was a huge success believe it or not.
Well, on the last weekend we had about 20 people here, lots of strange kids, lots of strange men. I had my plan had toys available (we used to give her a "new toy" as positive association when visitors came over - she's not food motivated) and figured I might have to put the gate up and keep her upstairs if it gets overwhelming.
WELL, not only did we not have to do that, she actually went up to people to say hi and smell (she didn't let them pet but small steps lol) and instead of hiding in her crate or following my daughter and "protecting her" she just...kind of...enjoyed herself? It was like a completely different dog. Even with the strange loud men, there was not a single bark, or growl heard all day. And she didn't just hide away she was just chilling and walking around like a "normal" dog.
I’m just so blown away by the progress. We always use your tips consistently and the long term benefits were such a nice surprise. It’s given me a lot of hope and increased confidence as a foster too to know that some dogs might stay stuck, but not all!
Just wanted to thank you again.."
"...Just wanted to share with you how proud we are of Oona. We saw some immediate changes after her Reactive Rover training last fall, but as we continued to reinforce her training and grow her confidence she's come even further than we could have imagined.
A year ago, if we ever had guests over (any kind of people, dogs) it was immediately growling, barking, snapping, lunging, you name it. We often had to crate her when kids were over due to this behaviour as you know. We knew that wasn't ideal or sustainable.
After her training she was able to have slow introductions to new people in the home and no longer needed crating etc. But "strange men" would still trigger her and if anyone came close. We usually have to "debrief" our visitors on ignoring her, not facing her directly (men in particular needed to stand sideways etc.) This was a huge success believe it or not.
Well, on the last weekend we had about 20 people here, lots of strange kids, lots of strange men. I had my plan had toys available (we used to give her a "new toy" as positive association when visitors came over - she's not food motivated) and figured I might have to put the gate up and keep her upstairs if it gets overwhelming.
WELL, not only did we not have to do that, she actually went up to people to say hi and smell (she didn't let them pet but small steps lol) and instead of hiding in her crate or following my daughter and "protecting her" she just...kind of...enjoyed herself? It was like a completely different dog. Even with the strange loud men, there was not a single bark, or growl heard all day. And she didn't just hide away she was just chilling and walking around like a "normal" dog.
I’m just so blown away by the progress. We always use your tips consistently and the long term benefits were such a nice surprise. It’s given me a lot of hope and increased confidence as a foster too to know that some dogs might stay stuck, but not all!
Just wanted to thank you again.."
