Choosing a year old Border Collie mix from the animal shelter was probably not the most sensible decision my husband and I ever made, but this dog captured our affection. We knew he would require work and training, but we were not prepared for the aggressive behavior he developed toward strangers, children, joggers and bikes. He seemed to have a dual personality; sweet, loving and trustworthy most of the time, but in certain situations, he became a growling, lunging crazy dog!
We tried a trainer, who gave us some ideas but did not really solve anything. We took him to basic obedience training classes (at which he excelled!) but again that didn’t change things. The veterinary behavioral specialists that we talked to on the phone were very skeptical that he could actually be helped and gave the impression that we just had to accept that he was an aggressive dog.
Then I spoke to Marc, and his manner was completely different. He was interested in Sherman and optimistic that he could be helped. When we took Sherman to meet Marc, he assessed his temperament and behavior problems, but importantly, he also assessed our relationship with our dog and what was wrong with the dynamics.
He told us that Sherman did not dislike people in general, but that he was overly protective and anxious. Marc felt that Sherman was not getting enough leadership or direction from his owners to help him overcome his anxiety in these particular situations. His focus was not so much on Sherman, but on what my husband and I needed to do to become the leaders that Sherman needed.
As well as explaining the situation and the problem to us in ways that made perfect sense, Marc then showed us how to turn the problem around. He gave us the ability to effectively communicate with Sherman and peacefully take back the position of leader of the pack!
Sherman is now a much calmer and less anxious dog. He is getting over his triggers one by one and is becoming a joy to walk. Marc’s humorous, intelligent and enthusiastic approach was just what we needed.
Even though I am a veterinarian, it’s not often that I meet somebody with Marc’s talent, experience and ability in training dogs. He has a gift of understanding dogs and knowing how to communicate with them in ways that best help them choose to behave beautifully. Thankfully for us, he is passionate about sharing that knowledge!
Thank you Marc!
Dr. Shalini Emmanuel, BVMS, MSC
Genoa Animal Hospital
Genoa, IL
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