Williams Nancy G

Nancy is an angel, and the reason I didn’t return my adopted dog after having so many issues with him for a year. I was so tired of cleaning up urine every day in my house during that year. I couldn’t understand why my dog was doing this, after coming from a rescue group where they told me he was house trained. After meeting with Nancy, we realized our dog had likely been abused at some point - which also explained his fear of my boyfriend. I had a hard time walking my dog on a regular leash and Nancy showed me how to have more control by using a harness and a snoot loop. Before Nancy showed me that set up, I learned to accept the fact my dog was strong and he would nearly pull my arm out of my socket upon seeing other dogs or furry rabbits and squirrels. Nancy has so much training and education that is so valuable to anyone experiencing issues with their dogs; I cannot recommend her enough. We went to see Nancy about a year ago and she made such a difference in us learning how to better interact with our dog. Thank you, Nancy! ❤️

It had to be April Fool’s – it was the first of April. So, of course, the nightmare we experienced had to be April Fool’s. But it wasn’t. Our mixed breed hound dog, Scout hated our new husky mix puppy, Artie. He lunged, he barked, he snarled. I feared for the dogs (we also had two other dogs who didn’t have a problem with the new puppy), and I feared for our family. Not one of our tricks worked. Scout named Artie his mortal enemy. In desperation I looked on the internet for a trainer. We’d engaged trainers before, especially for Scout’s tendency to bark at people entering our house. We had come to a détente that always made me nervous but we felt at least we handled that situation. Now, we faced the ultimate decision – give up my husband’s ‘heart dog – Artie’ or live in terror and anxiety. My search for a trainer landed me on the website Dogs with Issues. I read through the website and decided to call. Nancy Williams quickly responded to the message I left. Nancy Williams is an Associated Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist – not just your run of the mill dog trainer. She’s done the research; she understands dogs’ minds. She doesn’t feed into the popular mass media idea of packs and dominance. She answered my questions truthfully, she never held back. She asked one critical question, “If this doesn’t work out, are you willing to find a new home for your puppy?” It was hard to say yes. I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, but I confirmed I would – because I see having dogs as a sacred covenant. They are completely vulnerable and dependent on us. At our first meeting with Nancy – she started the training immediately and surprised us by showing us how to handle Scout meeting new people. Scout never met new people without incentives of treats, without jerking at his leash and jumping up. Nancy instructed us and we were able to have Scout meet her without any issues. No treats, no special sprays or shock collars. Over the next three hours, Nancy demonstrated her philosophy of patience, practice, and consistency. At NO TIME did Nancy advocate negative feedback to the dogs. She helped us recognize how fear turns to aggression. She told us – you’re going to train and then you’re going train until you’re sick of it, and then you’re going to train again. She set us up with a new harness and snoot loop for Scout. The harness he couldn’t pull, the new leashes wouldn’t yank out our arms. She showed us how to introduce the dogs, how to allow them to interact, and most importantly she practiced multiple ways to get Scout to understand that an unpredictable puppy isn’t scary. She uses agility type jumps and climbs to simulate the real day to day activities. When we went home that day in mid-April, I wasn’t sure what would happen, but I felt a new sense of calm. Nancy told us it would take months – we had to be patient, we had to work consistently, and practice, practice, practice. About halfway through our journey, we visited Nancy again for an hour session and she joyfully celebrated with us – Scout made strides and showed positive progress. And now, in early August – about 4 months down the line WITHOUT shock collars, spray bottles, or loud noises, Scout and Artie play and hang out together like old pals. Nancy showed us a way to have a happy dog without punishment, with just joy and happiness. Scout jumped happily anytime I said – time for training. So now they are pals and I rest easily at night. Thank you Nancy! Nancy truly is a miracle worker!

It was a year ago today that I lost my Shalamar. She was almost 18. If it weren't for Nancy, Shalamar would not have made it to a year old. Let me tell you why. At 6 months old she was so out of control that if you came into my home for even 5 minutes she would great you but get so aroused that she would lash at and grab you (thankfully she never broke skin!). She would then come across my apartment at me for up to 3 days afterwards! I couldn't sit at my desk without her trying to climb my back. Sometimes she'd seem fine, but if I got up she'd run in front of my and then freeze. Nothing I do would help and she'd end up coming at me aggressively. One of my vets originally told me to keep her in the bathroom! What kind of life would that be? I was seriously considering putting her to sleep and my heart was breaking. I'd waited SO long to be in my own place to have a kitty. Thankfully a friend of mine knew Nancy from working with her with one of her Corgi's and handed me her info and said "here, I think you need this!" Truth be told both our lives were saved that day. Nancy stood by us the whole of Shalamars life. With a combination of target and clicker training, and for a few years medication among other things. Shalamar did learn to tolerate people in the house and became a kitty that just wanted me to hold her. She even learned to let me trim her nails, willingly! ( I have video to prove it)! It wasn't easy by any means but it was O SO WORTH IT! Would I do it again, YES!!!! If Shalamar's story teaches you anything I hope it is that you really should listen to Nancy and do exactly what she tells you and even more important that they challenging cases are worth fighting for. Shalamar was never a "normal" kitty but she was and is much loved.