Couldn't believe my eyes!

[tropicalsun]

We've got a beautiful nearly two year old rescue named "Markus." He's been a wonderful addition to our home. However, he did come with a couple of issues. The worst of his issues has been his reaction to seeing other dogs. He goes nuts. He instantly transforms from a compliant, regal, well mannered walking partner to an 80lbs kite flying on the end of a leash. And the noise...oh my gosh...you can hear his high pitch pathetic whine for 1/2 a mile! This is not aggression.

We were very fortunate to be able to hire a wonderful trainer. He assured us at our initial evaluation that he would be able to help with Markus' issues. We started the training four weeks ago. The trainer comes to our home each week.

I'm just going to be honest here. For three weeks it had appeared to me that my wife had found an expensive way to increase our GSD's love of hot dog slices. Sure, I was seeing improvement with his obedience, but that was in OUR HOME. Every day, my wife plays this "attention" game with Markus that usually involves at least one hotdog. I needed to be convinced that this had a purpose in the real world.

Last week, week three of training, the trainer and my wife went to the local park. Hah..I knew that just as soon as another dog appeared on the distant horizon the trainer would be in the same kite flying state I find myself in most every morning. Well, wouldn't you know it, they couldn't find another dog. They trained for nearly an hour in the middle of our local park that is usually teeming with K-9s walking their humans, and not a single dog!

Today was week 4. We had a plan. My wife and the trainer would walk from our home to the park. She would call me. I'd call a friend with a very nice Boxer and he and I would take his dog to the park. Now, the trainer seemed unreasonably confident about this. The plan wasn't to "introduce" the dogs. The plan was just for us to be walking with the Boxer in the vicinity. I am quite confident, based on my daily experience with Markus, that as soon as Markus spotted the Boxer the trainer would be dragged across the park, or at the very least, have a very, very, reactive GSD on his hands. Hotdogs...hmmph!

We parked directly ahead of the trio...my wife, the trainer and Markus...who were merrily heeling their way down the trail. The trainer was in his red training vest, my wife in her "I just got a GSD and am now training him" outfit, and Markus...beautiful. I knew, just absolutely knew, that the second we led the Boxer out of the truck on his leash the postcard picture was going to change. It wouldn't matter that we were on the other side of the road, or that the Boxer could care less, or that the trainer had hotdogs.

Stunned. Flabbergasted. Is Markus OK? Our heretofore crazy Shepherd barely acknowledged the Boxers presence. One very quick correction on the leash, one wave of the hand with a darn hotdog in it, and the three of them paraded right past us like we weren't even there. And it didn't stop there. It just a few short moments my wife and the trainer were sitting at one end of a shaded pavilion on a bench and my friend and his Boxer, and speechless me, were at the other...a mere 50ft away. Markus barely moved and I think he made one little squeak, but I am not even sure about that. AMAZING!

My wife's dream has been to be able to walk with Markus and not have to constantly worry about his reaction towards other dogs. Today, thanks to a very fine young man who has chosen to train Shepherds for a living, she was shown that her dream is not very far away.

I apologized to the trainer for my skepticism, and even for my secret hope of seeing him struggle as we have been when Markus encounters another dog. He smiled and said, "You should have seen your face." Oh - I also apologized for my attitude about hotdogs

We sure hope this encourages some of you who are struggling with a reactive dog.

[Daisy&Lucky's Mom]

Love a surprise. Lots of hot dog treats to Markus and maybe dinner for your wife. Great story.

[Magnolia]

I love a happy ending.