Dog Trainer to the Rescue! Part 2

So, here’s an update on Roxie’s training.

It turns out, she’s very afraid of people wearing big bulky coats, jerky movements by children, and she’s rude in her greeting to other dogs. All this time I thought she was being barky to protect her people, instead she’s trying to protect herself from scary-looking humans on the street.

With our lady trainer’s guidance, we’re using a clicker to train Roxie and it’s helping the situation greatly. Thanks to the clicker and the cheese treats, I am happy to say that Roxie is improving by leaps and bounds. We give her a “click and treat” everytime she sees a human walking near her and anytime a kid crosses her path. We’ve been doing it for several days and I think by spring she’ll be much more at ease and a happier pooch.

My husband and I still have to do our homework and we’re totally committed to the program. Stay tuned!

Woof! Woof!

Dog Trainer to the Rescue!

I'm so excited! I booked an appointment with an affordable and very nice dog trainer. She gave me so much hope about Roxie’s behavioral issues. Sadly, my pup doesn’t know how to properly greet other dogs without scaring ‘em off and then there’s the random barking at strangers while on leash. Geez!!

My New Year’s resolution was to work on getting more training for myself and my husband so we can better understand why our pup does the things she does and how we can make her life happier. Yay!

So I met with the lady trainer and I’m very optimistic that she can help us. She came to our home and evaluated Roxie and worked with us for an hour or so. (I’m keeping the trainer’s name anonymous until I know how things are working out.)

A few interesting tidbits the trainer mentioned was to consider a Gentle Leader harness. It’s a harness that goes around the muzzle and gives the dog owner better control over the pulling dog. We’re also going to work on my dog’s rudeness and fearfulness too.

During our session, the trainer gave her some good smelly treats she doesn’t normally get to have, such as cheese, chicken, deli meat or Fancy Feast cat food. Yes, I thought the cat food suggestion was strange too, but it must be formulated for dogs or something. I’m willing to give almost anything a try!

Well, I gotta run... I am playing fetch with Roxie indoors for exercise – I bet my neighbors downstairs love that!!

I’ll keep ya posted on the training.

Woof Woof!