09/01/2025
**Student Shout-Out!**
We want to give a special shout-out to Kayla and her one-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog, Ella, who just completed their Beginning Obedience class this past week!
Ella was adopted from a hoarding situation, where she lived with nine of her siblings. This challenging start in life impacted her early socialization, leaving her with a few quirks for Kayla to work through.
During our first class, Ella appeared nervous and unsure of how to protect herself and Kayla. However, it was clear that they shared a deep bond, which became the foundation for Ella's remarkable progress.
We worked slowly with Ella to help her understand that she could rely on Kayla for guidance and leadership. Kayla excelled in this role, becoming a confident leader for Ella, which allowed her to relax and listen.
Thanks to Kayla's hard work, Ella now walks beautifully on a leash, comes when called, and feels much more at ease knowing that Kayla has her back. Ella is a shining example of the freedom a dog can gain when their confidence is boosted, and they learn to trust their handler completely.
The Riverside crew is incredibly proud of both Kayla and Ella and we are honored to have been a part of their journey!
