Einstein was a 9 year old Golden Retriever who was quite the enthusiastic boy! He lived with his owner, Rebecca, and her 80-year-old mother. Einstein (affectionately nicknamed Einey), like most Goldens, got quite excited at times and had knocked Rebecca’s mother over on occasion, resulting in both a broken arm and a broken leg.
Due to the hazard he posed to her mother, Einstein was on the verge of losing his home when Rebecca contacted us for help. Like many dogs, Einstein had done well in group classes but struggled to generalize the behaviors needed to home. He was in need of guidance and self-control to be able to remain with Rebecca and her mother. We developed a training plan that would suit their needs – keep Einstein close enough that he was happy and a part of the family, but out from underfoot when he was excited.
To meet those goals, we taught Einstein two distinct “go to place” behaviors, so that he could be directed to the most appropriate location at the time. His default behavior when the doorbell rang was now to go to the area rug in the living room and wait. He also was taught another “go to place” behavior (with a different cue) to go lie down on a dog bed typically located in the kitchen and stay there for up to 30 minutes at a time. We made sure that Einstein could correctly discriminate between the two cues, and responded reliably both to Rebecca and her mother.
Einstein also struggled with self-control in the presence of distractions (people, dogs, and wildlife) especially on walks. Rebecca had tried anything she could to try to keep Einstein from dragging her when he saw something he wanted to investigate. We used a combination of techniques including Look At That, Leave It, and Behavior Adjustment Training (affectionately referred to as BAT) to curb his overwhelming enthusiasm for rushing at everything. We used these techniques to teach Einstein preferred incompatible behaviors, and make sure that these less intuitive (to him) behaviors were reliable. While not an overnight transformation, this approach sets everyone up for success and ensures reliable results long-term.
Happily, Einstein was able to stay in his forever home, and the family is so pleased to be able to keep their beloved goober Golden! We couldn’t be happier for everyone involved!
I have a nine year old, minimally trained, Golden Retriever who has no social skills. I also have an 80 year old mother who lives with me. My mother tripped over my Golden, broke her arm and leg, a while back, and I have been contemplating giving my dog away to a rescue group. My last hope was Jenn. She came to my home and evaluated Einey. It is amazing. After only six sessions, he is a different dog. He is following commands, going to his “spot” whenever he is in my mom’s path, and I am able to take calm walks with him.
My son, who lives out of town, could not believe Einey’s great behavior, when he was visiting. Jenn deserves her own show!! I am so thankful that I am able to keep my beloved doggie and feel assured that my mom is safe from another fall. Thanks again, Jenn. You’re the best!
– Becky H., Indiana