Baker & Boo the Chihuahuas

Well first of all let me introduce ourselves, my partner and I have had dogs previously with no major issues so thought that we were doing everything OK. We have had Baker (a mini Pom / mini Chau cross) for one year, since he was a puppy. He was quite well behaved but we did have an issue with messing in the house. Our other Chihuahua, Boo, is a two-year-old rescue and had obviously not socialised with other dogs or people, as when we took him for a walk he would bark at other dogs, pull at the lead, try and nip peoples' ankles, bark at visitors and in the garden at every single noise. After five months of trying to rehabilitate Boo we hit a brick wall and needed help so after researching the internet gave Sally a call. Sally was great on the phone so we then arranged an appointment.

With a little trepidation, we were awaiting the first visit! Sally was great and had the patience of a saint, especially with Boo who took quite a while to settle down, but then Sally had him walking on his lead around the house to heel which was amazing. Sally explained to us about how the two dogs were feeling and what needed to be done, when we had visitors to the house, taking them in the garden and taking them for walks etc.

Basically the dogs didn’t see us as the pack leaders so we had let them down as they didn’t feel safe or trust us! We had to change the way we acted around them.

We created a list with Sally of things that needed to be implemented, and then when Sally left started to go through the list so we could start the training program for both dogs straight away.

In order for the dogs not to distract each other during their training we had to walk them separately, with five basic commands for on the lead and three for off the lead in order not to confuse them, they both took to walking properly like ducks to water after only a couple of walks. We even had them stopping and waiting when I stopped, and walking in circles and zig zags and other things as well. I have to say we had a few slip ups along the way but that was due to us not sticking to the rules and using wrong words etc so couldn’t wait for our second meeting with Sally.

After discussing with Sally how the previous week had gone, we went over a few things but whilst Sally was in the kitchen both dogs remained calm, which wouldn’t have happened previously.

We still had an issue with Boo barking at other dogs (although it wasn’t as bad as it was previously it was still an issue) so Sally said that we will take Boo out and address this issue. After walking the street and only bumping into one other dog to try and correct the bad behavior with, Sally said that we will take Boo out with one of her dogs. At this point I think I was going to be more nervous than Boo! Within three minutes Boo settled down and we walked the dogs to the park. On the way there Boo was walking alongside Sally’s dog with no issues and it was like they were best buddies, which was an absolutely amazing achievement. When we got to the park, Sally then said that we will let Boo off the lead (you can imagine what I was feeling at this point- I thought it was going to be way too early). Boo behaved impeccably, walking along by my side and then when too far away, I did as Sally instructed and then Boo came running back. During this time Boo took no notice of Sally’s dog and was observing me frequently. On a few occasions Boo did get distracted by other dogs but was not running towards them and barking like he used to, so what a result!

We then walked the dogs home with no issues as such, and even met a Jack Russell who wouldn’t stop barking at us from behind a gate but within minutes Sally had calmed him down and he was like putty in her hands.

So after two sessions what have we achieved?

• Both dogs and owners are now a lot happier and both dogs respect us
• We have our sofa and bed back
• There is now balance in our lives
• We don’t really have to speak to the dogs, body language says it all
• Recall greatly improved
• Massive (stress free) improvement when we have visitors
• No worries or hassle when taking the dogs for a walk, now an enjoyable experience
• A couple of people have stopped me in the street and have commented on how beautiful the dogs walk!

So we have our third session shortly, and can’t wait for the next stage in our training. It’s got to be seen to be believed and just like having Cesar Millan in your home! We will provide another update later.

Sally thank you so much, you are remarkable!