12/30/2024
Ralphie was a recent Home School case, and his journey was one of the more unique ones I’ve worked on. Ralphie struggled with nervousness around strangers, and when he felt uncomfortable or unsure, he had a habit of standing on his hind legs and trying to take control of the leash. His behavior escalated significantly during vet visits, where he would become so reactive that multiple assistants were required to restrain him, and he’d attempt to bite anyone who got too close.
This case was different because the focus wasn’t just on Ralphie’s obedience or how sharp his sit and downs were. Instead, I had to dedicate much of our time to helping Ralphie feel better about the situations that triggered his discomfort. For example, I went with Ralphie and his owners to the vet several times to coach them on how to approach these moments. Behind the scenes, we worked on desensitizing Ralphie to the various sensations and experiences he might face at the vet, helping him become more comfortable without resorting to reactive behaviors.
As you’ll see in this post, I tackled Ralphie’s reactivity week by week, gradually helping him get used to being handled by both his owners and strangers. At one point, I brought in a newer trainer to assist with counter-conditioning Ralphie’s experiences at the vet, which was an essential part of his progress.
By the end of his program, Ralphie made remarkable strides. He became much calmer and more manageable, and his owners gained the confidence to handle him effectively in challenging situations. Seeing Ralphie transform and watching his owners grow alongside him was incredibly rewarding, and I couldn’t be happier with how far he’s come.