On a Sunday afternoon in November we were literally at the end of our leash, Pepper’s leash, that is. Several attempts to walk her that day ended in us struggling to move past cats and other dogs while she writhed about barking fiercely in an attempt to get to them. Since adopting Pepper a year and a half ago we’ve managed through the Jekyl and Hyde personality changes she had once we ventured through the front door. Our lovable pup transformed into a hunter once we left the house. This Sunday had been particularly awful! She became a jumping, barking maniac each time we went for a walk – 3 attempts and a nail trim that nearly did me in. Once home from Wag n Wash I sat down to submit our application for help. This cute pup needed a professional’s help not my frustration, to learn how to calmly navigate the world.
Our challenges:
Leash reactivity (constant pulling to the point of nearly choking herself)
Instant adoption of a hunting posture when on her leash
Becoming unhinged when she sees a cat or another dog
Zooming out the front door when it opens
Barking and jumping at windows whenever a dog walks past our house (she smashed 3 sets of wood blinds with this nonsense)
Running down the street if her leash is dropped or she zooms out front
Zenergy Dog Training gave us the tools and training to enable us communicate with Pepper while raising our expectations of her ability to follow directions and become a Zen Dog. They encouraged us to read, watch and practice their lessons in preparation for her homecoming. While we did our homework, we weren’t prepared for our “new” dog.
Pepper is back and she’s AWESOME!
No more unruly terrier mix (aka crazed wolverine). She is laid back, content and enjoys going on more walks and excursions than she used to. Our neighbors thought we got a new dog, except that Pepper has an exotic type of dog beauty that isn’t easily duplicated.
K spent 3 weeks breaking habits and teaching Pepper how to be calm on command. They succeeded where another trainer couldn’t and told me “that’s how terriers are”. While this is a moderate investment; the years of peace and fun more than outweigh the cost. She has been home for nearly 2 months and daily we are amazed and grateful for their expertise. We cannot imagine a kinder or more effective training environment, especially for our stubborn pup.
Our heartfelt thanks to Zenergy Dog Training for bringing tranquility to our home and to Pepper. Thank you!!!
-Denyce Doublday