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Have you ever felt like you're at your wit's end with your dog's behavior? I've been there, and it's what led me on an incredible journey to become a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. Let me share my story with you.
I used to lie awake at night, worrying about my own reactive dog Dexter. He wasn't just a handful; he was a whirlwind of chaos on four paws. Walking him was an exercise in embarrassment and frustration.
Picture this: a dog pulling like a steam engine on speed, doing drive-by manic grass eating of the neighbors' yards, and once even dragging me into a tree because he just HAD to investigate something.
And don't get me started on his reaction to other dogs. Every single canine he saw—even ones down the street—became the target of his frenzied machismo.
I was so mortified that I considered wearing a paper bag over my head with a sign reading, "I'm so sorry my dog is crazy."
Desperate for help, I enrolled us in dog training obedience classes at a big box retail store. He did well in the class. He could sit, stay, come when called (drop it was a bit of a challenge - that's a whole other story), and even be around the few other dogs in the class. However, the short walk from class to the front door became a war zone of snarling and lunging. My dad half-jokingly referred to him as a "lawsuit waiting to happen."
The situation reached a critical point when a "disagreement" with my mom's dog left me needing a tetanus shot and my furry friend uninvited from family gatherings. I was devastated.
But, despite all his challenges, I loved Dexter fiercely. He was the most cuddly, sweet, eager to please mama's boy you could ever meet. His affectionate nature made his behavioral issues all the more heartbreaking. Where had I gone wrong?
That's when curiosity took over. I began diving deep into the world of dog behavior, and what I discovered changed everything.
I realized that simply teaching commands like "Sit," "Leave It," or "Stay" wasn't enough when Dexter's big feelings took over his brain. I needed to understand the root causes of his behavior. What was driving these seemingly insane actions? What purpose did they serve for him?
This epiphany led me to a crucial understanding: Dex needed more than just "commands". He needed skills to deal with his emotions in a more productive way. He needed to learn how to walk away from triggers, to decompress.
Together, we embarked on a journey of learning new skills—both of us. We took baby steps, experienced a few setbacks, and celebrated small victories, and rejoiced over big victories. I'll never forget the light bulb moments and the "aha!" realizations along the way. Seeing our progress made me giddy and filled me with pride. Look at my good boy!
As we worked through our challenges, I became obsessed with learning everything I could about dog behavior. The more I learned, the more I realized how many other dog parents were out there, lying awake at night worrying about their beloved fur babies, just as I had done.
That's when I knew: I had to spread the word. I had to help more people understand that there is hope, that change is possible.
This is the passion led me to become a professional certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. This is what leads me to continue to grow and learn more about the science of behavior
Now, I'm here to help you on your journey with your own dog. Whether you're dealing with reactivity, aggression, anxiety, or any other behavioral challenge, I want you to know that you're not alone. With patience, understanding, and the right approach, we can work together to transform your relationship with your dog.
Don't spend another night worrying about your furry friend's behavior. Let's team up and unlock your dog's true potential for calm, confident, and joy-filled living. CHANGE IS POSSIBLE! Are you ready to take the first step? Click the orange button to schedule a FREE Discovery Call.
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