Freda & Xena
Freda rescued Xena who was nervous and insecure. While out walking Xena a jogger ran past, was obviously too close, and Xena being a rescue nipped at the jogger, with no damage done.
Freda phoned Anita, who was doing level 1 Instructor course with us, and Anita called me over asking me to speak to Freda. I found out that Freda had been to training at different clubs, and 2 behaviourists, (I have the names of all, but will not print them.) She was advised that Xena was useless and never going to improve, after the behaviourists asked the vet to put Xena on Prozac, they told Freda that it wasn’t working, Freda was told to euthanize Xena.
I did not speak to Freda, but just told Anita to bring Freda to us.
We met this highly energetic dog, and within minutes I knew this dog was not aggressive. She just needed some work and within 10 minutes I told Freda that there was nothing wrong with her dog, we could improve the situation dramatically. With this news Freda burst into tears, because she was expecting the worst.
I am extremely proud of Freda for making the effort with Xena, and we have such an improvement after only a few sessions already!
Feedback on Xena
Xena is very relaxed at home and far more relaxed on the road. She had been recovering well from her triggers. Yesterday I walked her after the vet session and she was bombarded by motorbikes, runners, baby in pram, dog in pram and all the times she bounced back after I did the relaxation massages with her and she was in a pack of 4 -walk. Even the neighbours are noticing that she is calmer. Thank you so much.
I cannot begin to thank you enough for ‘rescuing’ Xena a 2nd time. She is very laid back today and I even allowed her to join the others in the front of my garage as that area is not fenced and the dogs are allowed to sniff my yard but not venture out of the boundary. She did not. She played with a tennis ball and entertained herself while the others sniffed and then lay down as they always do when I am sweeping. It really feels good to have a ‘normal’ dog again. (It is a 10 min ritual that we have when it is quiet in the neighbourhood and it builds trust between the dogs and self).
I left the garage door open and initially she kept on checking herself into garage – little insecure I would think but we will build on that. A week ago I never thought this would be possible. I remained alert for possible triggers as I wanted the experience to be a good one and it was – for all of us. The best was when she joined the others and lay down with them. I regretted the fact that I did not have my phone with me to record this.
Have an awesome weekend
Best regards Freda
MORE ON XENA:
Xena’s story
Xena was adopted from Husky Heaven Rescue in Dec 22 as a young stray pup. She fitted into pack quite easily and was comfortable at home. I noticed that she had problems coping with outside world on walks/outings.
She was labelled a difficult, untrainable dog by 2 puppy schools and 2 behaviourists. It escalated and she was put on medication. No improvement in 9 months and her frantic behaviour got worse. I was recommended to put her down after an alleged ‘biting’ incident.
I was introduced to SADTC who showed me that there are many idiots and wannabe trainers. With the introduction of the behaviour shaping, I could not believe the difference. My ‘useless and untrainable’ dog was learning and enjoying her sessions.
Once you get to the voice of real experience, you notice a change in your dog. She is still a nervy, edgy dog but equipped with skills acquired from Christine, I am coping better with my wild child. I am so, so, so grateful to the kindness and generosity from Christine and all the students from the SADTC instructor course, for the time and effort. She is off the drugs, she is learning and we are both coping better on our walks!!
Most importantly she is still alive and no words can express my gratitude ! !!
We ventured out of my complex today – Xena, Lexi and I – boy did we have fun. She still has her triggers but it is not so intense and she is listening to me.
Training type: Dog Instructor Course Level 1