More Confidence for Kachina

Kachina was a canine in danger. Her mother was described by the breeder as “shy and a little snappy,” and the thought was that Kachina would be similar. We realized the puppy was scared—of us, of the cat, of everything. By adulthood, Kachina would strike like a rattlesnake. But the underlying problem was lack of confidence. Affection and attention didn't help. She attacked a neighbor child with no provocation. She dove at our own kids. She lunged at visitors who reached toward her in greeting.

My wife spotted a newspaper advertisement that said something about saving dogs through training. Within a week we were in Judy Moore's barn with Judy showing Kachina Dialogue® her unique training method. At the end of a half-hour, they were fast friends. After I learned how to work with Kachina, I dutifully fulfilled my practice obligation. We take advantage of Judy's Tuesday night open group practice sessions as often as we can. Kachina knows when Tuesday arrives. I ask if she wants to go ”to class,” and she runs to her leash and collar, sits, and waits for me to put them on. She ignores distractions in the house and front yard and goes with me—off leash—to the car, where she politely waits for permission to enter.

After two years, Kachina is a different dog. Judy and I hardly remember the charging, snarling, vicious animal that entered her barn in 1996. As Kachina has gained confidence that the world isn't out to get her, she has become a more playful, loving, trustworthy dog.

Dick, Colorado