Dog Name: Gunner
Dog Age: 2 Yrs.
Dog Breed: Pitt Bull
Behaviour issues:
Severe dog aggression, separation anxiety, will fight, barks off deck
Gunner is generally a quiet dog until something startles him like neighbourhood noises. Then he barks and gets agitated. Gunner dislikes other dogs and is very hard to handle when meeting one. The owners were getting worried about the growing concern over dog fights. He will attack other dogs because of his fear.
Outcome Descriptions:
The main focus of the lesson was the Separation Anxiety given that Gunner was too concerned over watching the other members of the family. He needed to protect them and this need transferred out into the street when meeting dogs. We needed Gunner to feel safe in his world.
Once this was resolved, we worked on a few basic leash skills and ended up going for a walk where we encountered several other dogs.
For the first time, Gunner was able to walk past the dogs without any concern. No lunging, growling or other upset.
A week later, the client reported that they had taken Gunner to Alberta and had a great trip. Partly because Gunner met several other dogs, some of them being old enemies without incident.
Client Comment / Review:
Lee-Ann and I were very impressed with the immediate turnaround of Gunner’s anxiety and aggression. It’s great to see that Gunner is more relaxed and at ease with himself and his surroundings.
We know the work is ongoing but Gunner is so loveable and deserving that we are going to be very attentive to his needs. He is now a joy to be with, even on the walks.