Case Studies

History:

Harvey is a 14-month-old Australian Shepherd dog. He was adopted by his human soon after Carolina Hearts Aussie Rescue had taken him in. Harvey was found as a stray in South Carolina after he had been repeatedly abused physically, mentally, and emotionally by his initial owner.  He was eventually left to fend for himself.

Challenge: Fear Aggression

Harvey’s new owner, Catherine, was concerned over his extreme fear issues, insecurities, and strong reactivity to men. Harvey spent several days a week at a local veterinarian’s office that offered day camp. All staff, especially men, had to be cautious while handling him. Harvey was dog friendly, but very untrusting of people initial meetings in particular.

While being removed from his kennel to be escorted to his owner, Harvey accidentally got loose from the staff and ran after a male staff member. He caused injury to the man, leaving him with a puncture wound that needed medical treatment. Harvey’s challenges now included a bite history brought on by extreme fear aggression.

Treatment/solutions for Harvey:

• Implemented a confidence building program
• Implemented a behavior modification program with an emphasis on positive reinforcement and counter-conditioning
• Developed a consultation partnership with a local veterinarian who specializes in behavior therapies

Results:

After consistent programs were implemented over the course of 12 months, Harvey now enjoys the following:

• Social confidence
• Neutrality with men
• Calmer and more trustworthy temperament
• Increased quality of life

History:

Jakki is a 5-year-old pit mix. Jakki was adopted from the Franklin County kill shelter in NC at the guesstimate age of 9 months. There were siblings and a mother also being held at the shelter. The exact history of Jakki is unknown.

Challenge: Fear Aggression

Jakki is a fear aggressive dog. The owners reached out to P4P USA for help at the recommendation of their Animal Hospital. Owners adopted Jakki at 9 months, lacks bite inhibition. Jakki has a bite history and has bitten at least 4 different people. Two of the bites were puncture wounds. Animal control quarantined her at home after her last bite incident to a vet tech. She isn’t taken out for walks. Jakki is noise/thunderstorm phobic. Aggression has escalated at the kennel, most likely due to a traumatic event, ie. Noises or a dog attack.

Treatment/solutions for Jakki:

• Implemented a confidence building program
• Implemented a behavior modification program with an emphasis on positive reinforcement and counter-conditioning
• Developed a supplement and medicine protocol for anxiety with the animal hospital
• Developed a mental and physical exercise program
• Developed a detailed nervous system regulation program

Results:

After consistent programs were implemented over the course of 18 months, Jakki now enjoys the following:

• Social confidence
• Enjoys interacting with people
• Calmer and more trustworthy temperament
• Increased quality of life
• More relaxed and regulated nervous system

History:

Jake is a five-year-old terrier mix who presented with extreme leash reactivity on walks with his owner. Jake was adopted at 3 years old from a rescue organization, his history was unknown. Jake is a very sweet, loveable dog in his home environment.

Challenge: Extreme leash reactivity

Jake presented with extreme leash reactivity on walks with his owner. The owner lives in a townhouse community with a very small fenced yard. The owner resorted to walking Jake in the dark. Jake was walked early morning before sunrise and in the evening after sunset. The owner also walked him muzzled for fear of Jake potentially attacking another dog or person.

Treatment/solutions for Jake:

• Employed positive nervous system regulation exercises while out among other dogs and people
• Counter conditioned Jake’s protective/fearful response on walks 
• Educated and trained his owner
• Trained Jake on positive non-aversive equipment
• Enrolled in AKC CGC class and Jake passed the evaluation

Results:

Jake is now a happy, comfortable dog that enjoys his walks any time of day in different environments, and no longer needs to be isolated from the outdoors or wear a muzzle.

History:

Mooki is a 6 month old labrador retriever adolescent. He was purchased during covid. Mooki is a very friendly, sweet, exuberant labrador who has some basic manners. His owner George, worked from home, George’s wife worked outside the home. When the couple tried to leave the home to go grocery shopping etc., Mooki barked, cried and whined uncontrollably. The neighbors complained about the noise.

Challenge: Separation Anxiety

Mooki suffered any time George left the house, even if George went to work in the front yard. He was unable to soothe himself or be alone without an explosive reaction for any amount of time. Mooki had damaged their sofa and kitchen cabinets etc. due to his high anxiety.

Treatment/solutions for Jake:

• Developed a behavior modification program as well as implemented a basic puppy training program with the emphasis on teaching Mooki how to feel secure and safe without his owners being present.
• Created a “safe” room that included an open crate, toys, dog appropriate chewing materials, puzzles, and games. Mooki was incrementally trained to tolerate owner absence slowly over time allowing for owners to leave the house successfully in the future.
• Fostered the human bonding process, initially creating security and confidence. Tethering method used during this period. Mooki eventually became tolerant of the owner’s absence, increasing intervals to provide comfort.

Results:

After consistent programs were implemented over the course of 3 months, Mooki now enjoys spending time with himself. He is able to relax and take naps, play with his toys, work on food puzzles and bones on his own, allowing the owners the freedom to leave their home without fear of upsetting the neighbors.

History:

Siena is a 3 month old labradoodle who is consistently having elimination challenges especially urination accidents. She is a bouncy, happy and extremely intelligent puppy. Puppy parents had a crate and kennel set up with puppy pads. Both parents were extremely frustrated and clueless how to solve the problem.

Challenge: Housebreaking

Siena would urinate in the house even after being taken outside to urinate. She especially could not hold her urine when anybody petted or talked to her. Excitement contributed to the challenge.

Treatment/solutions for Jake:

• Susan, the trainer, recommended a urinalysis at her regular veterinarian clinic as soon as possible.
• Developed a behavior modification program as well as implemented a basic puppy training program. The plan was developed to include more structured crate time as well as positive reinforcement.
• Siena was diagnosed with a Urinary Tract Infection making it nearly impossible to properly house train her. She was put on antibiotics as well as anti-inflammatory medication to resolve the medical condition.

Results:

Siena at 4 months old is 80% housebroken. At 6 months old, Siena is 100% housebroken. After consistent training was implemented over the course of 3 months, Siena now enjoys more freedom in the home, working walks and training time which has supported her intelligence and need for stimulation. Puppy parents were thrilled and happy with the end results.