Real Experiences. Real Successes. Dog Training Elite.
Aja's Adoption
Location: Utah Trainer: Aiden Package: Gold Package Rating:
My dog Aja and I have been together for over 10 years. She was a stray and I adopted her from a shelter when she was about 1 year old. Things got off to a pretty good start and although Aja has always been very sweet and friendly with me, she was a different dog around strangers. I couldn't have friends over because she was so aggressive and the whole experience was too upsetting for everyone, including Aja. She showed the same aggression towards other dogs, which made walks stressful. And she loved to bark at the neighbor's dog. I tried everything I knew to improve the situation, but without success. This included private lessons with a trainer that was all about constant rewards and A LOT treats. That was fine, as long as there were treats around; but when the treats disappeared, well... About 6 months ago a friend introduced me to Aidan at Dog Training Elite. I was a little skeptical having already had a less than satisfying experience with a professional dog trainer, but decided that I had nothing to lose and should give it a try. I had reservations about using a shock collar, which is the method employed by Dog Training Elite; but once Aiden explained how to use the collar appropriately all my reservations were gone. It's not used as a punishment, as I had always thought, but rather as a way of getting your dogs attention and keeping them focused on what you want them to do. I learned from Aidan that Aja's "aggression" was a manifestation of her anxiety and lack of confidence. By following his example I also learned to be calm and patient while working with Aja. Well, after 6 months of working with Aidan I have a new dog. Our walks together have gone from 30 minutes of stress to 60 minutes of relaxing, satisfying fun! And I can have friends over without all the craziness. She is relaxed, confident and a much happier dog overall. She still likes to bark at the neighbor's dog occasionally, but now she stops as soon as I tell her to. I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to any dog owner in need of training advice and assistance!!