Let me first start by saying that I was not a ‘dog person’ – in fact most of my life I have avoided them probably because most of the dogs I knew would jump on me, bark uncontrollably and beg for food …all habits that kept me from ever considering getting a dog. However after years of asking I was out voted by my two boys and my husband and I finally agreed on a dog….
When Lucy was about 5 months I started in the Canine Academy beginner class after recommendations from our neighbors whose dogs were trained in the off leash program there. It was a great class, Lucy caught on quickly with the basic commands, but we were still struggling at home adjusting to a puppy who required so much attention. I have to admit I actually thought of finding her a new home numerous times as I did not think a dog would ever be a good fit for our family. She was jumping up on everyone and everything, she didn’t listen when called, she was obnoxious on walks and there was no way I was bringing her in public. Due to these factors Lucy was spending a lot of time in her crate because we wouldn’t bring her anywhere, or we felt guilty for her being in her crate so we started canceling plans.
Still trying to be optimistic I then signed up for the intermediate class as Lucy still had learning to do. This class was a challenge for me though – having to constantly train her at home was proving difficult. About half way through the class I realized that Lucy would need the off leash program if I was going to have the dog I had envisioned, but I was concerned that our sweet little Lucy would lose her funny quirks and become a ‘robot’ dog. I can’t tell you how many times I called the office before I signed her up and then talked to other graduates and was assured this would not happen. Reluctantly, but hopeful, I signed her up for the off leash – I really wanted a good dog.
The six week separation was long and we missed her, but I’m not going to lie – I didn’t miss her bad habits. When the six weeks ended we finally got to take Lucy home. She ran into the house, grabbed her blanket and all of her toys one by one and started running around the house with them like she used to do – Lucy’s spirit was not lost! Of course the next morning at home Lucy tested me on almost every command and tried out most of her old bad habits….after one correction, most of the habits were eliminated and have not returned!
She has now been home for about 8 weeks – 8 glorious weeks!
Lucy is my new sidekick - I have been converted to a dog person! We can’t imagine our family without Lucy and we try to take her everywhere we can. She goes to soccer games and is the model dog laying nicely on her mat. She visits my dad at the nursing home and sits quietly next to him while he pets her. She goes to family birthday parties with tons of little boys running around and doesn’t jump up on anyone. We go for long walks and they are actually enjoyable, she doesn’t tug on the leash or chase other dogs. I could go on and on about what an amazing dog she is now, yet she still has all of the sweetness and quirks that she had prior to training!
The best part is how many compliments I get wherever we are about how well behaved my dog is – especially considering she is just over a year and still has a lot of puppy in her.
We can’t thank Lisa and her staff enough! Lisa is truly gifted when it comes to dog training! Lisa is extremely knowledgeable and is always available to answer any questions! Lucy’s training has exceeded my expectations by far!
Now we look forward to enjoying many years of our sweet, quirky WELL-MANNERED dog!
