Meet Lumi
A Romanian rescue with years of fearful reactivity, and a family who had almost given up.
- Reactivity
- Confidence
- Family home
- 6-week programme
Placeholder photo- The challenge
Lumi was an outgoing, sociable puppy in foster, but arrived with her family a nervous wreck after a four-day journey. Years of fearful reactivity to people, dogs and much else followed. Some progress had been made, but after Lumi bit the family's child, they came close to returning her to the rescue charity.
- The training
Lumi and her family began an initial six-week intensive programme, working with both the owners and Lumi, and focusing on calm, clear handling and practical tools the family could use every day.
- The progress
The family saw positive progress each day and week, and now feel far more confident handling Lumi, with tools to keep building on.
Our Romanian rescue was a tricky case from the day she arrived with us - apparently an outgoing, sociable puppy in foster, turned complete nervous wreck after a 4 day drop off journey to Yorkshire. After years of fearful reactivity to people / dogs / all sorts, and a move down south a few years ago, we'd made some basic progress but had all but given up on her changing. Last year we almost surrendered her back to the charity after she bit our child, but couldn't go through with it for fear someone else would put her down.
We've just completed an initial 6 week intensive course with Menucha and each day and week the positive progress has blown us away. Menucha's calm yet commanding style, - with us and our dog - and her army career experience, gave us such confidence we decided to sign up within about 15 minutes of meeting her. For the first time in a really long time we're genuinely looking forward to spending time as a family with Lumi and feel so much more confident with the practical tools we've got to build on!
Life with our 'neurotic' six year old GSx rescue after having our son 2.5 years ago (and before) has been challenging to say the least. We weren't experienced dog owners when we got her in lockdown, and quickly realised we were out of our depth; and we never found a trainer that could either get close to or confidently handle her to help upskill us in handling her.
From the day we met Menucha, we've been living with a different dog! And 7 weeks in, the change is incredible. We know we're still in the early days of our new reality, but every day since we've seen meaningful positive progress. We are hugely grateful!
Struggling with a reactive or fearful dog?
Every dog is different, but you don't have to work it out alone. Book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to discuss your dog, your goals and how Paw-sitive may be able to help.