10/19/2025
We had a few graduates this and last weekend. Brooklyn, the beagle, completed our 3 week Advanced Level Obedience program. Luna, the pit mix, completed our 4 week Senior Level Obedience program. Xena, the shepherd mix, completed our 6 week Master Level Obedience program.
When you hear a professional in the pet industry say “each dog is different” it’s not just another cliche. This is why we require consultations prior to scheduling training. The consultation gives us more insight as to your concerns, goals, the dog’s lifestyle, temperament and habits. It also gives insight to your relationship dynamics with the dog (arguably the most important factor). All of this information paints a picture and tells us which avenue of approach would best suit you, your dogs, and your needs.
Brooklyn, a very sweet, playful and joyous girl couldn’t care less about training, initially. So her start was very slow. We had to take our time and teach her that while playing is fun, let’s direct our attention to X behavior. She eventually calmed and learned to focus, listen and perform, all while maintaining her happy, silly, and loving personality.
Luna began as extremely reactive. Lunging and barking at our trainers during drop off. Giving whale-eyes and warning to leave her alone. She didn’t trust new people. When we experience this we have to determine the reason for the behavior, rather than just trying to “fix” it. Is it aggression, fear, learned response because it’s worked in the past…? We read body language, create scenarios and determine the source of this behavior. In Luna’s case, it was based on fear. I call it the “I HAVE A GUN IN HERE” 🔫 response, but actually, there’s no gun. 😏
She’s just hoping that you stay away. 🛑
After a few days of building trust 🤝 we were able to begin training and teaching obedience, which lead to increased confidence. 📈 We then used that obedience to recreate scenarios that were previously triggering and she excelled and has greeted several strangers with confidence; not barking, or lunging. This doesn’t mean “problem solved”. It means that we now have the ability to communicate with her and she’s learning a new history-humans aren’t bad. Bonus: turns out Luna is actually a love-bug, which we typically find to be the case in these reactive instances.
Finally, Xena. Xena had lots of nervous energy. Still does. However, it’s way more controlled now. Xena would constantly jump on people and other dogs. She’s just a happy girl that doesn’t know a stranger. But her greetings were all highly inappropriate. We had to address the constant jumping by consistently disallowing it. We focused on her learning the basics like sit, place and down, which are all very specific behaviors that require her to be calm and relaxed while performing. Xena did extremely well and was able to complete all of her training requirements; and again, personality and quirkiness remained intact.
Training should be fun, rewarding and exciting. The more consistent you are, the more consistent your dog will be. The same is true for inconsistency. Pick one. 🫣
Anywho, congratulations is in order for these babies and their families. If you need help building a relationship with your dog or just want to know how to be the best pet parent possible, contact us at 254-265-7400 or send us a message.
