The owner needs some training

We recently started training Lulu. She is going to be one year on the 25th of this month and the bolting out the front door and the lack of heeling and pulling during our walks was too much. She also was worrying us when she's go after dogs on walks - at the Dog Park she is great, but put a leash on her and she's a very different dog.  She is a strong boxer and hyper at times.  We are finding out so many things that we wish we had known before getting our furry friend.  Sure, she is a beautiful boxer, but there is so much more.  We learned from our trainers that a lot of research should go into the parents of your furry friend.  Lulu's mom is a hyper boxer and her dad is a scared, shy guy who cowers from everything...the result when you put those two things together - a wild, insecure dog that is afraid of everything.  When I got her at 11 weeks I took her every where with me.  I am finding out now that if I hadn't done that, Lulu would be worse off.  She is afraid of everything when we are out and she is on a leash. She is not friendly with other dogs and she is insecure and afraid.  When we are home, she is a completely different dog - she is safe and secure here.

Apparently, I need a "mean pill" because I am not firm enough with her....I am learning though.  I am learning that I need to watch my dog at all times when she is on a leash, I need to go left if she wants to go right, I need to stand tall and be firm.  I need to learn when to correct her and when to just distract her.  I need to read the signs of her body language to know when she is building up her anxiety and ready to defend herself.  I've got a long way to go and so does Lulu.  I am so thankful for the amazing trainers we are working with...they are doing so much to teach me and help train Lulu.  If there is one thing I've learned through this process the past few weeks...DO NOT BUY a dog from a family that is just selling pups to make money!  Buy a puppy from a BREEDER that puts in the time to research mates, looks into the dogs personalities and breeds dogs that will not only come out beautiful, but also with great personalities!  We love our pup and we are praying that we can train her because our fear is that as she gets older, if she becomes more and more insecure, she could be a liability and we would need to get rid of her.  So, in the meantime, Mom needs training and Lulu needs some Prozac!  Wish us luck!



P.S.  Looking for some amazing trainers - Contact Tackett Service Dogs.  They hold group classes on Saturday mornings in Orange and also do private training and boarding.  Tom or Nikki are my dog whisperers!