Dear Heather and Ivo,
Hi. I just wanted to let you know how great Daisy is doing. I would have never thought that spending 10 days with you guys and having the e-collar would have made such a change in her.
Right away we noticed how she wasn't so afraid of large dogs on our walks. Before she would hear a large dog barking and totally flip out. Now, she just trots past them. She has even played with our neighbor's dog (although not as much as she would like). One play growl from him used to send her cowering and now it doesn't phase her.
She also loves to ride in the car now. We try to take her to the park almost every night. After seeing Ivo on the tape with her with the Subaru, we decided to take her in our Subaru and I was amazed that she just hopped in the back. She used to be so afraid.
The e-collar has also been really handy. It really has helped with the jumping up and taking off with stuff. She used to get something she wasn't supposed to have and take off with it. Now, when I tell her to drop it, she just drops it. Sometimes I ask her without even tapping and she drops it without even me having to tap. She hasn't guarded anything from the kids since she has gotten home either, but I do still supervise them with her.
Probably the best thing for her has been her alone time. Putting her in the crate during the day for more naps has been really helpful. When she is rested, she listens a lot better.
I walk her for her long walk in the morning (as I always have) about 2 miles, and then at night we take her to the park for a walk. I find the halti works best for the park where she can get a little out of control.
For the most part everything has been really positive. She is really starting to listen. Mike and I are really happy with her progress. She was always a good dog with some bad habits, and she is on her way to being a great dog.
Thanks for all your help. I feel like I have gained control of her now. Attached is a photo.
Karen H.
Sandy, UT