Kelly
Kelly was at San Antonio Animal Control, then Gold Ribbon Rescue. There were several foster homes, but despite her sweet nature, no one could manage Kelly’s amazing energy level. She paced constantly and was never, ever still. After several months, we realized that she was not a typical “high drive” dog—Kelly’s behavioral issues were far more serious and complex.
We took Kelly to her first obedience class, and the instructor warned us, “Don’t expect too much from this dog.” Kelly disrupted our entire household with her hyperactive behavior, fear aggression, and pack order issues. Kelly guarded everything—toys, food, even poop and vomit. If another dog got sick, she attacked them to get the vomit. She was an incorrigible poop eater. If we tried to pick up behind her, she would rear up on her back legs, growl and glare at us menacingly so that she could get at it. Kelly’s favorite game was “keep-away”–especially with laundry. If we dropped a sock or some other small item, she would run away with it. And, if we tried to retrieve it, she would swallow it whole just to keep us or the other dogs from getting it. Kelly also fought with some of our other dogs and would go crazy in her crate during feeding time if other dogs were anywhere around.
It was clear to us that Kelly needed both medication and behavioral modification or she would not survive. We were desperate for help because we could not face the idea of having to euthanize this otherwise sweet, wonderful dog. Fortunately, we found Dr. Haug, who is uniquely qualified, to work with us. Initially, we were concerned about working with a behavioral specialist that was a 3-hour drive away, but the working relationship proved to be extremely successful. Dr. Haug followed our efforts and Kelly’s progress with genuine interest and concern. Every telephone call and e-mail was promptly answered, and we always felt that Kelly’s needs were met.
Dr. Haug helped us to understand Kelly’s lack of impulse control and her hyperkinetic behavior. She taught us calming techniques and how to work towards modifying Kelly’s erratic behavior. She also prescribed the proper medication to assist Kelly in becoming calmer and more focused so that she could learn. These efforts along with time, patience and love, have resulted in Kelly becoming the best behaved dog in our household.
The improvements in Kelly’s behavior have also allowed her to reach her potential as an outstanding canine athlete. She is a regular participant in dog agility competitions and has now earned AKC’s highest agility title, Master Agility Champion (MACh.). This accomplishment would not have been possible without Dr. Haug’s help. But most importantly, Kelly is a safe, loved and very happy dog.
~Kathy and Angie
Tulip
REMARKABLE is the one of the many words I use to describe how different Tulip is.
She has gone from barking 3 x Thursday night, 2 x Friday night and only once last night. And the barking periods are MUCH, MUCH shorter. I have had the best sleep in months! Actually I feel like I have a new lease (or should I say leash) on life!!!! I know it has only been 3 days, and I know it will take long term consistency, but the REWARD of well-behaved dogs has changed our entire household and my sense of well-being.
….Remarkable, remarkable, remarkable….I don’t ever want to go back to rude dogs!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!”
~Faith
Cole and Dex: BFF
When Coletrane and Dexter came to live with us in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston four years ago, they were two sweet puppies about ten weeks old. Along with their beloved older “sister” Sweet Pea the beagle, Cole and Dex played together, completed obedience classes, and weathered an energetic adolescence.
When they were about a year old, however, Dexter began exhibiting a frightening aggressive streak aimed at his brother Cole. If Cole bounced into his space too energetically, or seemed even mildly interested in his food or raw hide, Dex would lunge aggressively and threaten to attack. And while the exuberant Cole usually deferred to his brother, he would occasionally respond in kind, especially if his adrenaline was up. The result was some pretty frightening fights, with Cole usually getting the worst of it. Although they were good friends most of the time, the unpredictability and ferocity of the fights provoked high anxiety in both us and the dogs.
That anxiety has been greatly alleviated by our consultations with Dr. Haug. Under her guidance, we and Cole and Dex have built on our obedience training with rituals that teach the dogs to look first to us for instruction rather than act on impulse. Various kinds of relaxation protocols have helped them learn how to be calm even at moments of high excitement. Since we began consulting with Dr. Haug five months ago, they’ve not fought even once and are behaving much better on a daily basis. Thank you, Dr. Haug!
~J. and Lynn
Cooper
We have been working with Dr. Haug for about 6 weeks now to deal with Cooper’s aggression toward us and other dogs. We can’t get over the change that we have seen in our dog, Cooper. By following Dr. Haug’s patient, consistent approach to training and behavior modification, our dog’s personality has changed dramatically. He is much calmer and much more responsive to our direction. It’s amazing! We look forward to continuing our work with Dr. Haug. We can’t wait to see what else Cooper will do.
Cortney
