Gary from Tempe, AZ called us because his dog Hector, a Terrier/Schnauzer Mix was having issues with fence fighting his next door neighbor and some small scuffles with his housemate. Gary adopted Hector from the county and didn’t know how much worse Hector’s behaviors might get. There was no history on Hector and he was even beginning to show signs of reactivity on his humans.
After a good visit and discussions Gary decided signing Hector up for our Boarding School program was the best option. Hector had a more difficult time than most dogs when he arrived for training because he was stressed about the change in environment and change in human engagement. We took training slow for Hector, so he would not reach his stress threshold and have any reactivity while here. First we began training with new collars and leashes. We taught Hector that pulling, lunging and barking while on leash were not good and how to calm down during and after stressful situations. We then taught Hector how to understand commands to better live with his humans and know what to expect while living with them. We wanted to teach Hector that humans were not bad, but helpful and nurturing when he clearly knew what he needed to do with them.
After Hector went home we did several follow up lessons to make sure Gary felt comfortable with the new training. We made sure Gary was aware of how to use the leash and collar and how and when it was best to say commands to help Hector clearly live comfortably inside the home. Hector was better at coming when called, learned that going to a safe place and lying down to rest was a calming and relaxing behavior to help with stress. Each lesson and week that went past Hector was getting better and calmer. Now Hector no longer fence fights with his neighbor and is able to better cope with his housemate and scuffles are no longer a weekly concern for Gary.