Maggie Morawski - "Duncan" Shepherd Mix - German Shepherd, Pit Bull, Beagle, Hound...who really knows?
I adopted Duncan 3 years ago. He was a stray roaming the streets of Detroit, afraid of his own shadow. In his mind, everything or everyone he came across was a threat to his safety. He was only comfortable with me and my Mom (his Gramma). I couldn’t trust him to be petted by anyone other than us. I was afraid of what he might do out of fear. Anytime someone came to the door he would bark uncontrollably and lunge at the bay window as if he would bust right through it. The clink of the mailbox door would send him into a frenzy. I couldn’t even talk to my neighbors across the fence in our back yard. He would bark and snap at them every time we tried to have a conversation. Taking him for a walk was a major chore. My arm felt like it was going to be pulled from its socket any time I’d put a leash on him. I tried choke chains, pinch collars, the Gentle Leader, you name it; he continued to pull right through them all. Getting him to come when called was always a gamble. It rarely happened on the first try. Duncan loves to go for rides in the car but would be so excited when we’d get to our destination that he would push his way past me to get out of the car first. He always liked to go in the house first, too. He’d never wait for me. He’d just bully his way right through.
I love him with all my heart but I knew we couldn’t continue living like this! Either he was going to get hurt or he would hurt someone else and I couldn’t bear to have that happen. I tried training classes, books, video tapes and nothing seemed to work. I knew I needed something more. I found Canine Academy through their website after hearing an interview with Lisa Farlin on a morning radio show. After I started reading through the multiple testimonials, I was sold. One after the other dealt with the same problems or even worse and after they went through the off-leash training, they were cured. Having to leave him for over 6 weeks was difficult, but I was updated by email, including photos as well as being able to occasionally view him live on their webcam. It was also hard to part with so much money, but I looked at it as an investment and it truly paid off. This by no means was taking the easy way out! I am 100% committed and remain active in his training. There was a lot for me to learn and at first it can be overwhelming... but attending the Off-Leash Outings that are included for an entire year, you gain confidence and are assured of a successful outcome for both you and your dog. Lisa and all the other more than competent trainers put the power in the command, not in the person who is giving it, which made the transfer from academy to home an easy one. Duncan is still the same dog but he is much more confident and relaxed and knows there is safety when he responds properly to my commands.
I now enjoy taking my dog for walks and I constantly get complimented on how well trained he is. He comes to me the instant he is called. I can have him wait in the car until I get out first. I can also be the first to walk through any entry way. At home, I give him a 'down-stay command' when anyone comes to the front door and he waits patiently and quietly until I release him. My neighbors and I can actually have a peaceful conversation over the fence while Duncan is in a down-stay by my side. I can also have kids come up and pet him. The benefits are endless and I am no longer afraid of his behavior. It was an unbelievable transformation. My only wish is that we had done this sooner!