Ken’s Comments:
I really appreciate when new owners want to start things off immediately on the right track. There is a magnitude of research which shows that early, extensive and proper socialization is imperative for your new puppy. It helps minimize the risks of behavior problems developing.
Deanne and Chris were just this type of owners. They wanted to start off right but unfortunately, they had their new puppy home with them long before the minimum eight week recommended time frame. While this was not a deal breaker, it meant they had to put in a lot of work to attempt to make up for the Charlie’s missed time with his mom and siblings.
Charlie displayed many behaviors that set off early warning alarms. He was not fussy on being handled, he had touch sensitivity issues and while mouthing is normal, his bite inhabition was poor. Deanne and Chris threw themselves into early training. They followed through with the behavior shaping plan we set up, got Charlie out onto the walks and into daycare. They enrolled him into obedience training and Charlie flourished.
Charlie’s one year birthday is coming up. He is an amazing dog. While there is still work to do, Deanne and Chris are up to the task. They speak about Charlie with such affection in their voices. The love is evident.
Here is Charlie’s story from Deanne.
We had put a lot of thought into getting a dog.
We already had two beautiful pussy cats, and we had cared for my aunt’s dog while she was out of town. We walked frequently, and our hearts ached to have a canine companion join us.
Back on October 28, 2015, we made the drive to pick up the newest addition to our family. I was still uncertain on the way out, but Chris knew we would be bringing the little guy home. As soon as I saw that sweet little face, I knew he was our boy, our Charlie.
We wanted to do right by him right from the beginning, so once we got him home, I started doing a lot of research on what to do to best raise our pup. That’s when I happened on the webpage for Ken Reid: Newfoundland’s Dog Whisperer.
The more I read, the more I realized, this is so different than the typical training I’d heard about in the past. There was no mention of being the dog’s “master” or not allowing your dog to “dominate” you. It was all so positive. We wanted to know more. We set up a one on one session, and were given the building blocks for success with our pup.
One thing we learned during the one on one was that we had taken poor Charlie from his littermates much too early. He didn’t really have the time to learn the proper puppy manners. Ken and Heidi gave us some great information on how to deal with the bad behaviors. Along with the in-home training tips, doggie daycare and group walks were also recommended. As soon as the vet gave us the go-ahead, we began to partake in both, and these were two of the best decisions we could have made.
We also decided to start obedience training. We completed Level 1 earlier this summer, and are still working on the basics with our little boy. All of these things have opened a new world for us, and have brought so much happiness to not only our puppy, but to us as well.
Charlie has come so far, though there is still much work to do (there always will be when you want to do right by your dog). Prior to the classes, he had some touch issues. He would bite and growl every time you would touch his back end. Now I can go up to him, pat him on the tushy, and tell him he’s a good boy with no reaction other than a tail wag. We can now pat him on the head while he’s chewing one of his cherished “Chews”, and again, the only reaction is a tail wag.
When we walk him, we still have some issues with him biting and growling at the leash, but this has gotten so much better with Ken’s advice and help.
At the obedience classes, you get so much more than just obedience training; you get tips on grooming, tips on how to deal with specific issues (like Charlie’s touch issues), help on how to deal with loud distractions (he doesn’t notice fireworks and thunderstorms). Due to socializing him early (again, as per Ken’s advice), we can walk with him, and he doesn’t even notice other dogs or people.
For us, starting on the right path early on was so important, and we have Ken and his team to thank. It has made welcoming Charlie into our family such a wonderful experience. We’ve met this network of beautiful people, who love their dogs as much as we do, and Charlie has lots of doggie friends to boot. What we’ve learned has been a tremendous help, and will continue to be for the rest of our lives.
Again, we still have lots of work to do with Charlie – it’s a never ending learning experience. But we feel positive about it. We can do it, and we look forward to moving forward and learning more.
This group, whether through the walks or through Facebook posts helps us grow, helps us learn, and brings a smile to our faces on a daily basis.
We’re quickly coming upon Charlie’s first birthday (which he will celebrate by sharing cake with his daycare buddies), and can’t thank Ken, his training team, the fabulous girls at A Dog World’s, and the wonderful members of this group enough for your support, advice, and this great experience.
