Four Legged Scholars LLC

Alyssa was amazing with our pup! We contacted FLS after our dog started showing signs of leash reactivity in the last few months. That, combined with his size and tendency to fixate and posture meant that he was often difficult for me to control easily and almost lead to altercations on leash. Walks were turning into speed walks where we hoped that there were no other dogs out. It was frustrating because when he was off leash, he could ignore a dog barking in his face with no issues. As soon as that leash was on, he was a massive jerk that was born out of frustration of not being able to say hi. We ended up doing private training due to leash reactivity. He (a 2.5 year old, large herder mutt) took to Alyssa immediately and she was able to figure out his needs and keep his personality in mind throughout the training sessions. She also helped me build confidence as a new dog owner and tailoring our sessions specific to our issues, since he already knew most of the basic and intermediate level commands (too smart for his own good and very eager to please made for a great combo for training). Her methods were all reinforcement based (clicker and treats), which worked well with his sensitive nature, and she never pushed him further than what he was capable of achieving. It was incredibly easy to replicate on our own walks between training sessions and the constant reinforcement meant large strides in improvement that is sustainable. The fact that he was able to trust and behave with her within our sessions made me feel like I made the best decision possible, and it shows in our walks now. Two months ago, we would have to cross the street to avoid him lunging (to say hi) at other dogs. Now I can keep his attention on me while other dogs pass by us less than 10 feet away and the most he will do is look at them curiously. He has better self control when saying hi to his favorite neighbors and even has better manners with us now. Most importantly, I have my sweet, goofy boy back on our happy walks now where I don't feel like I have to be on the defensive with him.