Pippin’s Success Story —

Working with Jenna through the RRP has been a really positive experience.

Before beginning the program, we were feeling pretty frustrated on a regular basis, and like we weren't able to help Pippin how he needed. We had some tools to help him, but not the structure to use them in a meaningful and progressive way. The RRP provided a great framework and roadmap of how to really start our reactivity journey, and how to continue it. Even though we've got a ton of work left, Pippin is no doubt in a much more content place than he was months ago. He is settling more in the house, engaging with us more by his own choice, and we've got the tools to plan outings with him and keep his training going. It was a big time and financial commitment that we were initially on the fence about, but I'm so glad we chose to do it. If I had to go back, I would choose to join the RRP again!

Thank you so much! I know we still have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are proud of all the progress Pippin has made, and look forward to all his future growth using our RRP tools.

Pippin had been struggling with worsening reactivity for a few months. We got him envisioning him being a "go everywhere" with us kind of dog, but even small outings were a big fuss. It is hard to find good positive reinforcement trainers in our area, especially with COVID, and paying over $100/hour for R+ trainers 45-60min away for work than I anticipated being a slow process wasn't super feasible. Over the past few months I've been following more R+ trainers on Instagram, and fortunately Dog Liaison was mentioned on someone's story if I'm remembering correctly.

Our relationship with Pippin has definitely grown, again, we have a lot of work to continue to do, and Pippin being smack dab in the middle of adolescence doesn't help, but we've seen him learn how to take chill moments of relaxing outside of his crate in the house. He is more affectionate than he was 3 months ago, and more frequently asks for petting/interaction. He checks in more frequently during outside time and play. He feels more like a more natural member of the family now.  

What was your biggest takeaway or lesson learned from the RRP?

Working with the dog in front of you, not the dog we hoped to have had. Also, how to communicate with Pippin and listen to when he was uncomfortable and needs help or needs out of a situation.  

Would you recommend the RRP to your friends or family? If you would recommend it, what would you say to them?

I already have! :) I explained that it's an ongoing process, but that we are taught tools to help our dogs where they're at, and for different scenarios (a trigger that we can do LAT with vs. a too tough trigger that might be an automatic LGOH for example). I also touched on how the program looks at the dog's whole life, not just moments over threshold, and lays a foundation for improvement right at home with things like enrichment and BAD.