Trixie’s bags were all but packed when I called Carolyn. This terrier puppy had been with us for five months and it really wasn’t working out with Millie, our 8 year-old border collie mix. As Trixie grew, she dominated and Millie withdrew. I was losing my faithful companion and walking buddy to this young upstart. Still I was trying to adjust and hope Millie would come around since I had accepted this puppy as a favor to a friend. When an all-out dogfight erupted on the beach on the second night of our vacation, I knew things had reached the point where I was justified in finding Trixie her new home. Consulting a certified trainer would seal the deal and ease my guilt.
It’s hard to believe I made that phone call just two months ago. From the beginning, Carolyn’s approach was comprehensive. She assessed the situation and made some immediate recommendations regarding our daily routine that relieved the tension between the dogs. We began working with Trixie’s basic obedience training and I became a convert to the electronic training collar. I had held the common misconception that it functioned as a “zapper” for bad behavior and would result in a fearful dog. But as I read the handouts and watched Trixie respond to Carolyn’s training sessions, my hope grew.
Today I enjoyed another relaxing off-leash walk with my dogs. I’m not going to claim that they’re best buddies. Trixie would like Millie to play more while Millie still prefers her one-on-one time with me. The truth is that Millie and I have personalities and souls that hear the same music. Trixie sings harmony and keeps things lively. But it’s a good and peaceful home for all.
That’s the thing about working with Carolyn. Her work with us went far beyond obedience training. She helped me work out healthy relationships with my dogs. She was generous with her lesson time and did crisis e-mail consults. She cared about my dogs and brought us to this happy ending.
– Jane Bucholtz, Columbus Georgia