Sandy Walley & Nala

 

  I always thought of myself as fairly knowledgeable about dogs. That was before Nala came into my life, when she was only 6 weeks old. We brought Nala home to 2 doggy sisters. We were counting on the older girls to show her the ropes and help her along the way. Nala had her own ideas. 

   

  At around 6 months of age we started to notice Nala changing. On one of our many puppy trips to the vets she was anxious and frightened of everything that was going on around her. She hid under a chair and shook. Nothing unusual had happened, that we noticed, so we passed it off as a fluke. Maybe a bee buzzed her ear on the way in and we didn't see it. But this unusual behavior started to happen more frequently and got steadily worse. It got to the point where we could no longer take her to the park for a walk for fear she'd break the leash and attack another dog. The vets became a nightmare and she was quickly "labeled" as a problem child. We felt fortunate that Nala hadn't resorted to biting anyone or another dog but knew it could just be a matter of time. We knew if she felt cornered she would. We didn't want to take any chances so I asked my cousin. She had rescued a dog that had had some social issues and I knew she brought her to a trainer. I asked her if she had any trainers that she would recommend. She recommended Lisa and felt she'd be the best trainer for Nala.  

 

  So on a chilly day in February of this year I called Lisa. We spoke for quite some time about all of Nala's issues and Lisa gave me a lot of feedback. I learned that some of Nala's anxiety and aggression was because I wasn't letting Nala know I would take care of her in the times when she needed it most. I wasn't showing her I wouldn't let anything happen to her and because of this she felt she had to take care of herself. I was failing her and it was a hard pill to swallow but I was determined to make it right. I wanted Nala to be ok. I didn't want her to feel scared or anxious anymore. 

  

  So a month later, once it warmed up, we traveled out to see Lisa. Nala and I walked in there both feeling unsure, lacking confidence, me on the verge of tears and Nala terrified but I knew we were headed in the right direction.  

 

  Over the last several months I have watched an amazing change take place in her. Of course there were times when she'd take a few steps back but we'd work through them. And she still has them but Lisa has given me the tools to help Nala. All of us have worked so hard to get her where she is today.  

 

  I am excited to say that Nala no longer pulls on her leash while she's being walked. She stays right next to me. She doesn't feel the need to be the leader any longer. She also has her own weight pulling harness and sled. This has really helped her to focus more and be less anxious. 

 

  I never would have thought it would have been possible for her to be in close proximity to any other animals but her sisters. Then she surprised me. We took a walk with a sheep and then a goat and she didn't bat an eye. She made eye contact and didn't feel threatened. I was so proud of her.  

 

  Relief is starting to settle in. I finally see a happier, more confident and secure Nala. She has made amazing progress in the last 6 months and we owe it all to Lisa. I never, in my wildest dreams, thought when we walked through those doors the 1st time that Nala would be ok and have a chance. And I will forever be grateful to Lisa for giving her that chance.