Hostile For Four Years, Now My Dog Is A Breeze

Breeze had severe problems from the very beginning. We bought her as an 8-month-old from her breeder. She proved difficult to potty train, so we hoped she could stay in the fenced yard when we were gone. She jumped the fence and attacked the neighbor's dog several times, despite punishment. We put her on a chain. She broke the chain, jumped the fence, and attacked the neighbor's dog. She ended up on a 3-foot chain in the garage. I couldn't walk her as she was too strong and out of control. Breeze was always afraid of humans. She wouldn't let anyone touch her. She snapped out of fear and bit me twice. Breeze was 4 years old when I sought help from Judy. Breeze and I worked hard on Dialogue, the training Judy teaches, a half-hour a day for four months. Then we began to do the hiking with her my husband and I had always wanted to. We attend the weekly group practice sessions at Wapiti Run, and Breeze has learned to trust people and dogs there and elsewhere. This year, at age 5, I saw her smile for the first time.

She is now the dog I've always wanted to have. She has confidence because she has learned to always look to me for direction. I can take her out anywhere without worrying about what she will do. Who would ever have believed it a year ago?

Jeri, Colorado