Terri Mahoney &
Oz and Taylor
I initially consulted Lisa Mawson at Canine Culture regarding my one year old Pekinese-Chihuahua mix with no prior history of aggression. He had snapped at me three times when I had tried to move him in the weeks prior to my contacting Lisa. At around the same time, while walking on public trails, Oz would become dog aggressive. He primarily targeted larger dogs. It was so embarrassing! I contacted some people familiar with dog training who dismissed his behavior as “Small dog Syndrome.” His behavior was escalating and I did not want my dog to be like this. If he had been a large breed dog, we would not be allowed to walk on the trails!
Lisa first met with me and Oz. We discussed what was happening in different situations. She provided me with easy, positive techniques which made an immediate impact on our lives. Oz has not snapped at me since our first meeting with Lisa! A significant revelation at that first session was that Oz’s behavior was being negatively impacted by my relationship with my second dog, Taylor, a seven month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Bichon mix. I explained to Lisa that Taylor had chronic ear infections, gastric issues, was a bully towards Oz, had obsessive behaviors, did not like to be petted, and was a “Drama Queen.” I was resigned to the fact that, that this was Taylor’s permanent personality. Lisa assured me I would see improvement in all areas of Taylor’s behavior—I was skeptical.
Our follow up sessions were conducted with me and Taylor (Oz stayed home.) Again, through simple techniques for both Taylor and Oz we worked on addressing her behavior, and building our relationship. During the week following Taylor’s first session she had a treatment scheduled at her veterinarian’s office. The vet tech. working with Taylor, without knowing of her training at Canine Culture mentioned the improvement in Taylor’s behavior and confidence! Since then, Taylor has also tolerated her first grooming without drama! Most importantly, Taylor now comes to me looking for affection and attention, her obsessive behaviors have significantly decreased, and she has successfully been introduced to weightpulling to increase her focus and help decrease her anxiety.
The change in my dogs’ behavior has been noticeable by me and others after each training session.
Both dogs now consistently respond to basic commands, and walk on a leash without pulling. We can now walk along a roadway, where it was unsafe and impossible before. Oz continues to do well collaterally! He is no longer aggressive towards other dogs during our walks, and is overall much more relaxed. My dogs have a life expectancy 12-15 years. I look forward to an enjoyable life with well behaved, affectionate pups! I feel this has been an investment in the quality of our lives.