Happy owner … Happy dog!
We brought Wilson, a Yellow Labrador, into our home on July 25, 2016 at eight weeks old. We watched him grow from the moment he was born. We loved him … unconditionally. Wilson has always been a charmer. Good looks, great personality, ready to please, curious, tons of energy.
The challenges we were having with Wilson involved him barking for attention, putting his mouth on us (not nipping at us), pulling on the leash during walks, jumping on our senior golden Lab, jumping on us when we entered the house, chasing squirrels and birds, jumping on counters. So here we are with a wonderful puppy with so much potential! We tried and tried, but we couldn’t get through. We weren’t sure what to do, and he wasn’t sure what he should be doing. We wanted a well-behaved dog and most importantly, we wanted him to be safe.
We reached out to Canine Academy on a weekend. That same day we received a returned email letting us know when the next available opening was.
Wilson has gone through the Canine Academy Beginner through Advanced training session, achieving his Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine Certificates. We weren’t sure he would pass. During one test during a “heel” command he picked up an orange cone mid-stride! I thought I was going to die (I had to admit this was funny, but not when your testing!) I though Lisa would tell us he had work to do. Instead, she said, “Wilson gets extra points for that!” At this point Wilson has overcome most of our concerns and he acts appropriately in public settings, but distractions such passing another dog, birds and squirrels were still a struggle. Here’s me: “Oh no there is a bird”, and Wilson: “Watch me, I’m going to run as fast as I can to get that bird!” Wilson’s really a great dog, it’s just the distractions! But you take a dog for a walk and you’re going to get distractions!
We decided to enroll Wilson in the Off-Leash training program to overcome these distractions. Six weeks of solid, hands-on training with experienced trainers and staff. Lisa and her awesome trainers worked each day with Wilson to teach him the skills he needed to be overcome those distractions. They taught him to listen to his 15 commands, the first time. What I am most impressed with is they made the learning fun. Wilson worked hard for six weeks to learn everything he needed to be successful at the training. We were not going to let him down. We faithfully watched the videos. We anxiously awaited for Wilson’s return.
Through Wilson’s training at Canine Academy, Wilson is now confident; he knows what is expected of him; he listens to what we say, when we say it, the first time! Canine Academy guided us through every step of the way. They continue to guide and support us through day visits and weekly outings. Canine Academy wants Wilson to be just as successful as we want him to be. Wilson knows the commands better than we do! He knows when we mess up, but he forgives us! Good thing Canine Academy has several outings a month that we can attend to practice our skills! Canine Academy is there every step of the way if we have questions or notice we are struggling with something.
Food falls on the floor, distractions come upon us, everyday situations. We know the commands to help Wilson overcome all of these things. We now know what to do to help him be successful.
The kids came home to visit and said, “Wilson’s different”. I said yes, he is. He now knows what not to do. He knows not to jump on you when you come in the door. He knows not to jump on the counter. But he is still the same, loveable, quirky dog he was when we first invited him into our home! He still loves to play, he still loves to cuddle, he still loves to be with us wherever we are.
Remember the birds? This is me now, “Hmm, there’s a bird.” Wilson: “Stupid bird!” Remember the orange cone? Yep, he still wants it, but will he try to get it? Nope! That dog on our walk he wants to meet. Will he pull to go meet it? Nope!
Through Lisa’s good humor, love and passion for dogs, hard work, and team (this is not possible without her awesome team), we are pleased to say that Wilson is an obedient, well-mannered and awesome canine companion!
In closing, we thank Lisa and all of the trainers and behind the scene staff at Canine Academy for your encouragement, support and guidance and most of all, love you have shown to not only Wilson, but all of the dogs that go through your wonderful program! The training you have provided our family is invaluable. We could not have achieved these results without you!
Canine Academy is, well … Priceless!
Love Wilson and his Parents!