Ollie’s Success Story —

When we started the program, we were feeling very defeated and lost. Ollie is a sweet dog, but was petrified of other dogs, humans, going on walks, going to new places, and being alone. We worked with a local trainer when we first got him as he was an older puppy and had not been socialized or been outside much. The trainer taught us some skills, but we were not making any progress. Ollie was still shaking like a leaf when major triggers like dogs or humans came close, and we were unable to leave him alone for more than 3 minutes. We could tell that Ollie wasn’t fully happy and enriched, and we were not able to do things outside the home, have people over, or do things that we loved. 

We are in a much better and brighter place now. Ollie has a clear enrichment plan that allows him to have different opportunities to play, learn, grow and rest. As a team, we have been able to leave Ollie home alone for over 30 minutes and work in the front yard while Ollie sleeps and lays on the couch. Ollie is able to play in the park and run around. He is happy! We have less anxiety as well because we feel comfortable leaving Ollie at home for short periods or leaving Ollie with family because we know he is okay. Ollie still has some goals, but we feel equipped to take on challenges and bumps in the future. We are empowered! 

• Ollie wiggles his back in the grass when at the park. 

• Ollie jump/gallops like a reindeer when running around outside. 

• Ollie is able to lay down outside in the yard in the sun and sun bathe. 

• Ollie can go for walks and let us know independently when he needs to “get out of here” or is done with being outside. 

• Ollie sleeps in “his bedroom” or in another room while I am in the office for over an hour.

• Ollie is able to “be a dog” at home, at grandparents home, in the backyard, and in the front yard. 

• Ollie plays with Nick and doesn’t get scary zoomies or big biting. 

I feel empowered to have conversations with Ollie about what we can work on, what his triggers are, what his coping skills are and how to move forward. Before I felt like I was guessing. Now I know that I have the skills and can lean on the Rover community if I have a big question. Jenna’s greatest strength is giving owners the confidence and skills to learn in a safe and non-judgmental place. 

I know can recognize stress or bravery signals quickly without second guessing myself or creating a break in communication with Ollie. Ollie and I have a stronger more full bond, because I am no longer placing blame on either of us for behaviors. Instead, it is trying to understand how to make the situation work for everyone within our threshold. 

People have noticed, outside our immediate family, how much calmer and braver Ollie is when interacting with them. He is able to do BAD in novel settings with people, initiate small interactions, and go to the bathroom in new places which was a struggle before. 

I have loved the program! It is flexible, accessible, and allows for sustainable change. We have had trainers before that fixate on all the things wrong with us or our dog. The RRP is about finding the wins, embracing questions and change, and putting in the effort with the encouragement of a team. The online format was wonderful and allowed us to attend and catch up when we missed. The live trainings supplemented by the online work, was perfect and so helpful. 

We have done training before, but it was always not individualized to our home, our lifestyle, and Ollie’s needs. RRP gives the power back to the pawrents and dog. We are able to understand Ollie better and in turn feel more confident in what we are doing as his owners. I know that I am being given tools that I can implement that will work 1 year, 2 years, 5 years down the line. This is not a quick fix, and it is hard work, but SO worth it. 

The amount of support from Jenna, the quality of videos/live instruction, and tools I have learned are priceless.

Jenna has exceeded our expectations as a trainer. I know she puts all of herself into this program and into her teams and it is apparent in how she treats everyone. Her directness has been SO needed because it is done in a kind and helpful way. She isn’t someone who just says something so you get it quickly, she wants us to learn and grow along with our dog. She makes herself available for communication – celebrations and areas of need. She is like a dog fairy godmother by granting wishes and helping those who feel down in the dumps. 

I appreciate that the coaching calls are at different times and the amount of participation that is allowed (ie. not all lecture, but time to discuss as a group). It is helpful to have visual examples, like the videos, as well as time to vent/celebrate. I like that Jenna is direct in her responses, but allows us to do some problem solving on our own. She guides us towards the correct answer, giving us the power to understand that we are capable and do not always have to rely on her for every answer. 

I think the Facebook group is extremely helpful. I am not as active as others, but is nice to see other dogs and families succeeding and how to change things up if issues arise. I like that our group is very supportive in the comments during calls and allows everyone to have a voice in the coaching calls. 

RRP focuses on training the dog owners in a positive way. We are tasked with figuring out what is important to us and our dog, rather than being forced to complete a pre-determined thing. We practice in our own settings, rather than a separate training facility increasing the generalization of skills across settings. We have access to videos and examples of high quality training as well as opportunities to ask questions about our individual needs. It is individualized to each team, while being accessible for all. 

The RRP is a commitment, but a commitment to improving your life, your dog’s life, and your future. You will be in a safe community where you have individualized training in a group. Change is possible, and you can do this. Take the leap and you will NOT regret it.