Dear Kate;

I volunteer as a foster home for rescued dachshunds.  In the past three years, we estimate that I have saved about 150 dachshunds from shelters, animal control facilities, and owners who could not care for them any more.  Many of our dogs come to us with behavioral issues as a result of abuse and neglect.  Ordinarily I am able to handle their rehabilitation myself, but this summer I had a particularly troubling case.

Smokey Joe was a loving boy, but he was WILD.  His owner had raised him from a puppy, but had given him no training.  Even with me, he refused to learn any basics:  sit, stay, anything.  He was out of control with his affection and would jump up on anyone and lick their faces, no matter what they did to stop him.  He also had some aggression toward the other dogs in the house if they wanted the same toy or treat as he had.  I broke up many fights between Smokey and the other dogs.

You suggested we put Smokey through your Training Camp where he stayed for about 10 days.  I could not believe the difference!  When he returned, he sat politely before getting his dinner.  He no longer jumped up without being invited.  He was a delight and I was better able to receive all the love he had to give since it was not hidden behind the other behaviors.  There were no more issues with the other dogs.  The only issue was with me is that sometimes Smokey would look at me with an expression on his face that said "What are you doing?  Kate doesn want do it that way."  (I think I needed some training too, according to him!)

Smokey was adopted the next week and is now in a wonderful family with two young children and another dog.  I had been very honest with them about his personality issues before your Training Camp, but they had fallen in love with him already and wanted to give him a chance.  They have reported that he is everything they dreamed of all the classic dachshund personality, but without his previous issues. 

Thank you!  I am so impressed by your skill and knowledge, and your focus on positive reinforcement.  I know Smokey enjoyed his time with you.   He is such a smart boy, and he wants to do what is right - he just needed someone to show him in a way he could understand.

Thank you again,
Kristin Leydig Bryant
www.daretorescue.com