We love sharing success stories of families who come to Dog Training Now. Seeing dogs and their owners connect in a new way, thanks to a bit of training and education from our staff, remind all of us what a great job we have here in the studio. It is a pleasure working with all of our clients, and we are excited to share just one of our happy families with you.
This month, we are highlighting Peyton and Eli, pitbull and hound mixes, along with their owners Kevin and Jackie. This family reached out for help, put in the practice, and now have an even better relationship with their dogs.
Jackie and Kevin were smitten with Eli and Peyton as soon as they adopted them. Wanting to do the best for these littermates, Jackie and Kevin enrolled them in weekly puppy classes that were entirely based on treat training. Unfortunately, while Eli and Peyton were loving dogs, they also developed some pretty bad habits.
“We just couldn’t walk them peacefully,” says Jackie. “They would pull on their leashes, especially when they saw other dogs on the walk. It came to the point that Kevin and I didn’t want to walk them, and if we did walk them, we would become anxious ourselves when we saw another approaching dog.”
Eli and Peyton were also not exactly the best greeters when acquaintances came to visit the home. The dogs were scared of new faces and could even be aggressive, which would turn friendly guests into anxious visitors who were ready to leave early. Jackie and Kevin were at their wit’s end.
After a few sessions with a private trainer who only used treats, just like their previous puppy class, Jackie and Kevin decided to go a new route. That new direction led them right to Dog Training Now, to a consultation and subsequent private lessons with Judy.
Now, Jackie, Kevin and Judy work together in private sessions with Eli and Peyton. “Judy is so calm and confident,” says Jackie. “We are learning just as much as the dogs are. Now the dogs are a pleasure to walk and their Down Stay command is really helping when we have visitors. We know we still have a way to go, but we couldn’t be happier with our progress.” Beyond walking and greeting visitors, Jackie and Kevin notice that the dogs are paying close attention to commands and the whole family feels even more bonded after being a part of the Dog Training Now family.
“Eli and Peyton are fun to work with,” says Trainer Judy. “Even better, Kevin and Jackie are putting in the effort too by practicing at home. I can’t wait to see even more progress as the dogs start their 5-day training soon.”
We’re proud of you, Jackie, Kevin, Eli and Peyton! Keep up the great work!