Ricky early in his training
“A year ago, I got an 8-week old golden retriever puppy I named Ricky. The breeder strongly recommended that I begin basic puppy training immediately. Ricky was too young for group classes and his vaccinations were not mature, so I opted for a personal trainer. Armed with little information about dog trainers, I ran a web search for someone nearby. I chose Sarah Lowell because I liked her background and because she lived nearby.
Ricky was a typical puppy which means 50 percent boundless, unharnessed energy, 50 percent teeth, and an irresponsible bladder. With his needle teeth, just petting him was a blood sport. Our possessions were nothing but chew toys. Almost immediately after Sarah stepped in, she was able to direct his energy into approved behavior. During our in-home classes Ricky solidly learned the basics of sit, down, off, wait, come, leave it and drop it. Each training session was well structured and had a goal. Ricky learned to walk on leash. He learned not to door dash.
Soon I noted that the scabs on my arms were healed. My shoes were intact. There were no puddles in the house.”
Jeff and Ricky, Arlington, TX
Adult Ricky calmly hanging out
This is Ricky today at about a year old. He has learned to relax with his owner so that he is a joy to spend time with. He no longer runs through the house looking for things to chew, or jumps up on people. His training, which was started at an early age, has carried through to adulthood.
Ricky became quite the typical “teenager” puppy, testing Jeff’s patience,and causing friction in Jeff’s family. As Jeff noted, “There are a lot of changes in dog behavior between puppyhood and adulthood. Overnight, a well-behaved puppy can turn into a rotten teenage dog. This happened with Ricky. In time we got through it and I’m convinced that the basic behaviors from Sarah’s training are the only things that allowed us to get control of Ricky. He is now the dog I always wanted and the dog I always thought he could be.”