DOG: Patchy
Breed: Dingo Cross
Age: 4 years
3 main struggles:
**Problem 1: **Fearful around people
**Problem 2: **Displaying aggressive behaviour
**Problem 3: **Owner didn’t have help and support she needed from previous trainer
Program: Behaviour Modification and Group Class Training to help build socialisation after fear and aggressive behaviours were under control.
What was going on with your dog before working with Pet Professor? What were some of the problems you were facing?
We have been seeing Marianne since March 2020, first as private consults and later as group sessions. Patchy was very fearful around people and was showing aggressive behaviours such as growling. I had tried to see two dog trainers before, one stopped responding to my messages and the other said he couldn’t do anything for her.
What inspired you to sign up to this program and what was it that helped you make the decision to commit to this training?
I just wanted to try out another dog trainer. Marianne has worked with aggressive dogs before.
Walk us through (no pun intended!) what your experience has been working with me and/or my team?
Marianne focuses on both the owner and the dog, not just the dog. She understands that the owner needs plenty of reassurance when they’re doing the right thing, same as dogs. She applies positive reinforcement to both owners and dogs.
What has been the biggest help to overcoming your initial problems?
The idea that my dog may need medication to help with her fears, then the training may get more productive as well as improve Patchy’s quality of life.
Where are you now? How does that make you feel?
Patchy is a very calm dog, as noted by lots of people. She has been going up to strangers and letting them pet her, which she would never do before. When visitors come to the house, she would initially be scared but would settle down on the couch within five minutes. She is still fearful of some things, but her reaction to things is not as bad as before. Her obedience training in another class is progressing well. It makes me feel relieved that I’m doing right by her.
What would be 1-2 pieces of advice that you’d have loved to give yourself or others that are where you were?
It’s so hard to find the right trainer and the right vet behaviourist. I was lucky to have found my current team, after several false starts. You have to do some research about all positive rewards-based training and make sure the trainer has the qualifications to support it.
What would you say to someone considering training with us?
If you need support, not just someone to tell you what you do, Marianne is the right person for you.
And finally, What’s the best thing about your dog?
Patchy is super chill.
