Gloria, years ago when I adopted a very shy rescue girl who was literally afraid of everyone and most other dogs, rather than push her into going into a class with so much new and scary to take in, I called our local high school and asked if there were any students who loved dogs, possibly looking to go on and study to be vet's or some other work with animals, and would be interested in being hired to help my little dog get past her fears. 4 students were interested...I hired them for 2 afternoons a week, each session lasting 1 hr...I paid them each $15 a time. They were wonderful, initially just sitting in a circle on our LR floor with special treats (tiny pieces of baked chicken)...each one in turn would call my doggie to them, treat her, and gently praise. Soon she was greeting them at the door, all excited to see her "friends". Slowly we graduated to them bringing their own friendly dogs to the sessions and we all worked together on basic ob commands as well as some added playtime...first here inside the house and outside...then graduated to going to safe public parks (not dog parks where you can encounter some uncontrolled aggressive dogs) to do the training. After 6 months there was no need for them to continue coming...which was bitter sweet...I was delighted with how much confidence my gal had gained but we missed seeing the kids. Sometimes a formal class is too much, too soon, for a dog who lacks confidence especially a class that is lead by a really bad trainer! Negative experiences in such a class could potentially set Liam back and leave damage that might never be fully undone.
Liam is such a handsome boy, I love his big soft gentle eyes.
Trini
