'Lily' the Aggressive Cattle Dog Mix

Wow Chris, thanks.

I don't think we really believed that we could go from an 8 month old dog who pulled on the leash, attacked any dog she came near when on leash, went berserk when anything went past the window at home ...

To a dog that met all of the goals that you set for us ...

"to have Lily feel calm and be comfortable in her world, less reactive to stimuli (other dogs, kids,  joggers, squirrels, etc.), defer to you guys for reinforcement and leadership, walk nicely on leash and perhaps play in a self controlled, appropriate style with other dogs"

Your early assessment of what we were working with was very helpful.  Recognizing what was her nature and what were poor skills, understanding leadership cues and expectations was immensely helpful.

It was a long haul and quite a commitment on our part and yours, to get Lily to the point where she is a lovely dog to have around and can be off lead most of the time.  She still tends to be aggressive toward other dogs but will pass them on leash without notice and will respond to verbal cues when she is guarding the home.

It was a great day when she first barked out the window and then came on her own to find me and give me her focus. It was a turning point.

Lily is a dog that needs constant reminders and updates on who the leader is and what the rules are.  I think she always will.  But she has learned that she doesn't make the rules and she seems ultimately happier knowing that someone is in charge.

Lily now lives with my daughter who has 20 acres and horses because Lily loves to be outside and moving.  Even though she learned to control her impulses to a great extent, her real love is the country and she is happier there. If we had not gone through all the leadership training with her, we were afraid we couldn't keep her and no one else would have been able to either.  She would not have been able to have a happy home anywhere. Now she is doing great.

rtable in her world, less reactive to stimuli (other dogs, kids,