I picked up my dog, Merlin, at the end of June from Canine Academy, when he became a successful graduate of the Off Leash Program. Woo Hoo! Merlin is a mix between an Australian Shepard and a Poodle. Another heartfelt Thank you to Lisa who gave me a much appreciated lead on him as I rescued / adopted him, from the K9 Stray Rescue League in Oxford, when he was 5 months old. It was love at first sight but admittedly, I didn’t know what I was in for with him, as his personality and energy level is so much different than my previous dog, who was a Bouvier.
Merlin is the second dog that I have had that has gone through the Off Leash Program and I would not hesitate to do it again. My first dog, Sosie, was a Bouvier, and she went through the program later, when she was a bit older. She was the greatest dog ever, as Merlin is and is becoming, more and more each day.
Even though I had been through the program before (many years ago), I still wondered about the 6 week time frame, but was assured that the time would pass quickly. And it really did, even though at times it was a bit agonizing. I read some of the other Testimonials on the website and I can relate to so much of what was written by other great dog owners. Merlin is super high-energy and was a terrific puller on his leash and harness. It was super high-excitement (really over the top), whenever we would encounter anyone (people and dogs) on our walks. We stopped walking him for a time and just played fetch in the back yard as walks were becoming so difficult and stressful. He was a digger and a stick and acorn eater. Now, that has changed. I can also attest that his personality has not changed after going through the Off Leash Program. He is the most loving dog and is still very excited, high energy, and he runs like the wind. His energy is just channeled differently, if that makes sense.
It was very helpful and reassuring to watch the instructional tapes and to see pictures of Merlin on the Blog and videos (of him and other great dogs) on Facebook. They were so much fun to watch. I checked the Blog countless times while he was in the Program. That was wonderful, although I did shed a tear now and then. That wasn’t available with my first dog when she went through the Program. It was such a pleasure to see him as he was making progress.
One of the other great things that I love about the Off Leash Program and Canine Academy, in general, is that when I bring Merlin in for Day-training or Boarding (even though I don’t go away too often), I know he is safe and is with other great dogs. It is such a comfortable feeling. I also cannot say enough good and positive things about the Staff. Everyone has been so helpful and reassuring and the information shared with me has been invaluable.
I hope this information may help some of you who may be deciding if this is a good option for you and your dog. Again, I would not hesitate to do this again, and take part in the Off Leash Program again in the future. We do have work and practicing to do together, Merlin and me, but what a joy and a difference I see ahead of us.
We look forward to the outings we would like to take advantage of and participate in, in the near future and all of the other great things I know is in store for us.
Thank you to Canine Academy and Staff from Merlin and me. You are the greatest!!
Sincerely,
Teresa and Merlin