Robert's Story told in his words and an interview with his Mom
Hi, I’m Robert and I went from Fearful to Fabulous! Here’s My Story…
Hey there, friends! My name is Robert, and I’ve got a tail-wagging story to share with you. Not too long ago, I didn’t feel so great when I saw other dogs while I was out walking with my mom. Honestly? I got really scared. And when I get scared, I bark and growl to keep the scary things away.
Mom tried to help me, but the advice she got made things worse. She used this thing called a prong collar that poked my neck every time I reacted. I didn’t know why it hurt, but I started thinking other dogs were the reason I felt that pain. So, I tried even harder to keep them away.
Mom was sad, I was stressed, and things weren’t getting any better—until we found Buddy’s Dream.
They told Mom something amazing: instead of trying to "correct" me with pain, we could work together in a way that made me feel safe and happy. They said to switch to a comfy flat collar or harness (goodbye, prong collar!) and showed us how to help me feel okay around other dogs, one small step at a time.
Mom learned to reward me when I noticed other dogs without freaking out. At first, we stayed far away, and that felt so much better. Over time, as I started feeling braver, we got closer. You know what? It worked!
Now, I can walk by other dogs and just... exist. No barking, no growling—just sniffing and strolling with my mom. Life is SO much better now, and I can tell Mom is happier too.
Thanks to Buddy’s Dream, I’m no longer afraid. And because of kind people like you who support their mission, dogs like me can live happier, more peaceful lives.
Want to help more dogs like me? Check out their store! Every purchase helps dogs like me overcome our fears and live our best lives.
(Please note, to respect Roberts owners request for privacy, a stock photo was used instead of a photo of Robert.)
We interviewed Robert's Mom about her experience:
Buddy's Dream: How did you hear about us?
Robert's Mom: I first spoke to you at the farmers market. At first I didn't believe you when you said the prong collar was causing a problem, so many trainers use them and they are being used all over social media, so I thought using the prong collar was what I was supposed to do. I had to think about it for a while, and after I did and imagined it being used on me and how I would react to being poked with it I started to understand.
Buddy's Dream: Was it difficult to make the transition from the prong collar to a flat collar?
Roberts Mom: No, it was actually very easy. In fact, it felt good because the very first time I saw the prong collar I thought it looked like a "medieval torture device", but I let others talk me into thinking it wasn't really hurting Robert. So getting rid of the prong collar felt like the right thing to do for Robert.
Buddy's Dream: How difficult was it to apply the techniques we taught you to help Robert stop reacting to other dogs?
Robert's Mom: It was actually very easy. All I had to do was sit with Robert being sure to stay far enough away from other dogs at a distance Robert wasn't reacting and give him a treat when he saw other dogs. Once we mastered that distance, we moved a bit closer and kept doing that until we could be very close. Robert now associates other dogs with good things! It also helped me because after you explained to me why Robert was reacting and helped me to know what to do to help him get over his fear, I felt confident so I wasn't getting anxious when other dogs were around. I think the anxiety I had before working with you was making Robert more nervous and making the situation worse.
Buddy's Dream: Is there anything that stands out that you learned during this process?
Robert's Mom: Yes, I had a major "lightbulb moment" when you told me to make it all about Robert when he was displaying unwanted behavior, such as reacting to other dogs. I hadn't realized it, but when Robert would react to other dogs I was more focused on my embarrassment than on Robert's needs. But now that I make it all about Robert when he reacts, I can focus on figuring out what Robert is trying to communicate to me and then think about what Robert needs from me to feel safe. When I focus on that, I don't even think about being embarrassed. Anyone who is going to judge me or criticize me because Robert is trying to communicate to me that he is not comfortable with a situation both does not understand dogs and is not compassionate, so they are not worth me caring what they think.
Buddy's Dream: What advice do you have for others who have dogs that are reactive?
Robert's Mom: First, trust your gut. When a trainer or someone else tells you to use a device or method on your dog that you initially think is cruel, trust your instinct and don't let them talk you into it. Don't trust alot of what you see on social media either. Second, learn to understand how dogs communicate, both their actions and body language. This was huge for me! I learned so much from reading the books and the blog on the Buddy's Dream website. And third, I would recommend to anyone who is having any training or behavior issue to go to Buddy's Dream for help. It is the best thing I ever did for Robert!
Buddy's Dream: How is life with Robert now?
Robert's Mom: Life is so much better. Robert and I can go for walks and be out in public and he rarely reacts anymore. We still work on it because I want to make sure he gets exposure to lots of different dogs to keep him comfortable with them. If he does react, I now know that means there is something that is making him uncomfortable, so I look around, figure out what it is, and we increase our distance from it and do a mini session right there. Robert has had enough practice at this now that it usually doesn't take long to help him understand that that dog, or whatever was making him uncomfortable, is not going to hurt him. Then we simply go on with enjoying our outing!
Life with Robert is Good! I feel like our relationship is so much stronger now. The exercises we learned from you really seem to have strengthened our bond. I can tell Robert really trusts me now. It feels wonderful!
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Note and disclaimer: All information in the blog posts on this site is my opinion based on my own experience rehabilitating an aggressive dog. I am not a professional behaviorist or otherwise involved in the Veterinary profession. If you are dealing with an aggressive dog, I recommend you seek the advice of a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist.
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