The Annual Beach Vacation...There ARE Miracles!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Each year we rent a beach house on the CT shore with our entire extended family (no we're not all in the same house).  Of course, the Doodles come with us along with the other "family dogs".  In 2011 we experienced what I call "the vacation from hell" because of the behavior of Murphy.  I did a discussion about it, and here's the link http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/the-vacation-from-hell.  Murphy's behavior was really frightening, and we spent the entire vacation trying to keep him from attacking other dogs or the grandkids.  He barked and paced most of the time....it was just awful.  Each year has been a little better as his training progressed, but I really had to share that this year was truly awesome.  He has come so far and we now know how to manage him so that he remains calm.  He is and will always be a reactive dog, but this year there were people coming and going from the cottage, with no response from him.  He was gentle and loving with the kids.  There was absolutely NO barking.  He has learned how to remove himself from stressful situations.  When there were too many people in the cottage he would go upstairs, lay under the ceiling fan and take a nap.

Many of you DK friends have been on this journey with us.  I hope that knowing that it is possible to turn a nervous, highly reactive dog around helps others who find themselves on this same journey.  Murphy will always be in training...for the rest of his life...it can work and they can be trained to be happy and adjusted.  It takes work, consistency and commitment....but it can happen!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Wow, that is so wonderful!

[Shari Becker]

Thanks so much for sharing this amazing story with us! I'm so happy for you, and optimistic for me. ;-) Lexi is the most amazing dog with people and kids, but she can be pretty awful around other dogs when she is on a leash. I'm inspired by your story.  Way to go!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Hooray for you and Murphy!  I am so proud of Murphy!  I am so in awe of you!  Pictures?

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Jane, I remember that discussion and the journey since.  You must have such a sense of peace and joy seeing your boy relax and enjoy his life.  Not only are you an awesome dog trainer, you are the poster child for "love."  I think your knowledge and your heart has made all the difference.  Hugs! to you, your DH, and Murphy of course :)  

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a wonderful outcome to all the hard work you have done with Murphy. Few could have persevered like you did. Kudos to you and Murphy

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Truly wonderful, I so remember what you went through in 2011. It is fantastic that you share your experiences here for those who may be encountering some of the challenges that are your  'life with Murphy, training for life' story. You are my total training hero so for me this story makes me very very happy indeed. You could so easily have thrown in the towel but you never gave in. One of my daughters when she was four years old said, when I told her we couldn't do something   'Mummy, It's not that we can't, we just haven't found the way yet'. I'm reminded of a four year olds words right now as I share your pride and joy at an ongoing job well done.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Thanks again everyone for your supportive comments....I love being able to share happy training news!