Dog Name: Luther and Reicha
Dog Age: Luther 12 years old, Reicha 13 years old
Dog Breed: German Shepherds
Behaviour issues:
Both run and bark at the door, Reicha is aggressive when seeing other dogs on walks and because of their advanced ages, need to learn how to use a ramp so then can get in and out of the car to go to the vet etc.
The main reason I was called is that Sandy wanted the dogs to learn how to use a ramp she had recently bought. Both are of advanced age so their mobility is becoming more and more limited and since they are both rather large, they needed to learn how to use a ramp to get in and out of the car, and up and down the stairs from the rear yard. When I got there, I saw that Reicha charges the door and barks at guests, and gets aggressive looking when he sees a dog when walking.
Outcome Descriptions:
To deal with the door and the dog aggression, we had to teach Reicha and Luther that Sandy is a strong leader and capable of leading the pack and keeping them safe when people arrive. On walks Sandy has taught Reicha that her need to be aggressive is wrong and when Reicha decides that she does show aggression, she is right. Reicha uses the ramp now, Luther unfortunately because of the health issues with his hips may not be long for this world. We are hoping for the best.
Client Comment / Review:
I was out on the patio last night and opened the patio door and Luther just stood there and I wondered what was wrong with him when my friend said that he was waiting for me to enter first. I was amazed since he is 12 years old and he remembered his recent training even though I had forgotten. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Reicha is using the ramp very well. I used it when I took her to the vet yesterday and it was so easy...