“Sophie, Annie, (my Golden Retriever) and I went into Manhattan to participate in “Responsible Pet Owner Day”. There were hundreds of people and dogs crowded into a park, yet not one growl or lunge. Yesterday, we were out walking and before I knew it four people walked directly toward us. “Oh, what cute dogs, can we pet them?” Without waiting for an answer they were upon us. Guess who was wagging her tail straining to be touched? That’s right, Sophie! They were just two dogs getting attention from the neighbors. Okay, maybe I was wrong – it is a MIRACLE. Thank you!”

Sophie’s Story

“If I were to write a book about my journey with a rescued American Staffordshire Terrier mix, the title would be something like, “Saving Sophie”. I would begin by introducing the reader to a little brindle puppy, huddled in the corner in the back of a cage in the shelter where she was born, adopted, and twice returned. I would describe how a timid, docile puppy, genetically predisposed to certain behaviors is influenced by harsh treatment and terrifying early experiences. I would also mention how such early exposure to a hostile environment resulted in the development of a hyper, vigilant, fearful and reactive five month old puppy. That is when I walked into the rescue and let my heart decide she would not spend another day in that cage. I would relate the experience I had with several “expert” trainers that were enlisted to intervene. This chapter would be titled: “The Worst Possible Training Techniques” or “Why I asked Sophie for Forgiveness”. I’d include the negative reinforcement / negative punishment techniques I was taught and encouraged to use. I could explain how these methods had increased the behaviors from growls to lunging and finally nipping. Sophie’s world began to shrink as I became increasingly concerned that she would hurt someone. These early chapters would be sad and depressing indeed.

But, the next half of the book would begin to take on a positive tone. I would call this “The Turning Point” or “Hope for Sophie”. Readers who love their own fearful, reactive companions would breathe a sigh of relief after reading this due to the fear of how most stories such as this end, (a trip to the vet and euthanasia), because it will not be Sophie’s ending. The reason is that this sad outcome is not inevitable. In five hours of instruction on the proper techniques any one can gain the tools needed to change directions from this downward behavior spiral to a new exciting future. This is not a miracle cure, it is a starting point, (a blueprint that you can use to not only change behavior but build a lifelong relationship with your four legged friend). Not one negative word, dominance stance, caustic tone or harsh correction is used. Every lesson consists of refocusing, reframing and gentle leadership. I would strongly suggest to my readers that if they love, and are committed to a canine that growls, barks, lunges, soils the carpets, jumps at every sound inside the house and out, bites and turns into “Cujo” as soon as the door bell rings – not to give up in despair. Instead, they should contact you at “Good As Gold K9”, to learn the correct techniques using effective, humane methods. Every second delayed is a missed opportunity to start their own, “Turning Point”, real life chapter.

Sheila, I have not come up with an ending for “Saving Sophie”. She’s only 1 ½ years old so our story has just begun, the ending maybe sad, say in about fifteen years or so when our time together on this earth ends, but I know at least it won’t be tragic.