Some Dogs Just Need More Training!
I regularly come across dog owners who are tired, frustrated, and just plain angry. They’ve read the books. They’ve taken their dog (or dogs) to obedience classes. They’ve put in the time and the effort, but their dog still just is not making progress.
I often liken this situation to a child in school. A child goes to school. They read the books. They take the same class as everyone else. They put in the time and the effort, and sometimes it pays off. They get an A+! They make honor roll!
Sometimes, however, they struggle. What’s working for everyone else just isn’t working for them. Are they bad kids? Are they unintelligent kids? Absolutely not. They just need some individualized attention—someone to figure out what will make the lesson click for them so they can be successful in school and, eventually, out in the world.
A struggling kid gets a tutor. A struggling dog gets a trainer.
That, of course, is where I come in. When I enter a home, I have the opportunity to study every factor that affects the dog’s behavior and, ultimately, his success. Who does he see? Are there other pets? Loud noises? Where and how can we create a calm space? If he’s acting aggressively towards someone or something, what’s the trigger?
Most importantly, I ask: How can we communicate the owner’s needs to their dog, and how can we help their dog successfully meet these goals?
Parents want what’s best for their children, and it’s obvious that any owner who is actively seeking behavioral help for their dog loves and cares for their pet as if they’re part of the family.
If you’ve been feeling frustrated, if you’ve tried the classes, read the books, spent late nights researching your dog’s behavior on the internet—to no avail—it’s time to call an experienced and knowledgeable trainer.