Transforming Austin with the Disabled Advantage Training Style

Problems We Started With

• Austin would launch himself into every walk with the enthusiasm of First Walk Ever, forcing my legs to push themselves to the limit of keep up or fall over and get dragged, while staying ready for his 80 lb sack of happy to jolt off the road into the ditch after a butterfly or a flower dancing in the wind at a moment’s notice.
• Someone taught him it was adorable to stand up and give bear hugs or box at your upper body. The first two weeks with Austin I withstood blow after blow of him standing up to box with me in what he thought was a fun game.
• It took 4 months to teach Austin that we did not appreciate him mouthing on our hands, arms, or faces. He would grab our left hand whenever possible, looking for treats which weren’t there, or rake his teeth down my arms during playtime, or spin around in play and grab my arm. He never bit down, and it wasn’t a hard mouth, but his teeth are very pointy.
• No one had ever taught him personal space boundaries or manners with people or other animals. We had to supervise his interactions with Robbie closely, ready to advocate for Robbie’s space often. When he saw Harley & Thumper, he used to stand on his hind legs, reaching up to the sky, and hopping with all his might towards them. Training him boundaries and manners was excruciatingly painful and exhausting for me due to his size and strength. He had no ill intent, but he was clearly used to getting his way.
• Happy Tantrums – when he got frustrated or didn’t want to do something, he would bark, bounce, play bow, dart away, or snuggle up against me harder, even if he was getting corrections for doing so, he’d do it harder and happier. 

Accomplishments in 1 Year

• 22 Commands Reliable, 19 in-progress
• 4 Tasks Known, 14 in-progress
• Gentle with me 90% of the time
• No more boxing or bear hugs at all
• Mouthing is infrequent, only when in high drive
• More respectful during playtime
• Heel or loose leash walks are much easier
• Off-leash reliable for playtime and recalls in the yard
• Responsive for 15ft walks in fields
• Does still have Happy Tantrums, but the threshold for them is much higher, and he listens to me for cues on how to work through his frustration
• Rarely barks in the house

Not Sure If It's Possible for You?

My wish for every client I work with, is for you to come out of training knowing what you're capable of with your dog. I want your dog to be calm and responsive to you. I want you to feel like You've Got This, whether you have CRPS/RSD and need a service dog, or you simply want a gentle, calm, and reliable companion by your side. 

Maybe you already have a dog who's a bit rough around the edges or you're looking for a new dog to bring into your life. You don't know what's possible with training until you try. Book a free, 30-minute consultation with me to learn what I can offer you!

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