Flo
Our little Flo came into our lives at roughly 4-5months having been rescued from fairly dire upbringings in Romania.
We were super excited to bring Flo into our lives and believed it would enhance our lives; going for big long walks and having additional company and love around the home. Unfortunately we terribly underestimated just how much 'baggage' can come with having a rescue dog who we didn't truly know much about, and having had no dogs together previously, the task felt even bigger.
Flo proved very difficult in the first month. Continually putting it down to her being in new surroundings we tried to persevere. Flo seemed unpredictable and her behaviour somewhat chaotic and unexplainable to myself and partner.
I spent many testing days with Flo, crying inconsolably at her behaviour and what seemed nothing but aggressive; biting at me, barking, completely defiant and intense constantly.
At times I wanted to shut away from her and frankly felt that we had made a terrible mistake and that Flo just didn't 'like' us.
We sought the help of walk and train after the stress was really becoming too much for our relationship to handle. Gregor arrived for a 1-1 consultation and within the first half hour I felt this lightbulb switch turn on and suddenly everything made sense. No judgement on us at how badly behaved Flo seemed, no lecturing on everything that we were or weren't doing. A straightforward, simply to follow, positive approach that has totally altered how we view Flo and dog behaviour in general. After 2 sessions ( and ALOT of work, patience and perseverance!) we commenced walking groups with Flo.
I was incredibly apprehensive about this and worried how other dog owners would view us and Flo; fearing I'd be seen as an incompetent owner! But the complete opposite is found. Everyone is super supportive and understanding and respectful of each others dogs who all, to greater or lesser degrees require work and carry issues.
Flo has been attending walking groups for months now and has managed to move up to a more advanced group!
I never thought it possible way back at the start that Flo would ever be able to be around another dog and behave appropriately given her constant intense lunging and barking at every dog in sight when we first got her to now being in a walking group where a long line is an option and she can even socialise and play with family dogs!
I'm blown away by the dedication that Linnea and Gregor have for the work they do. Their passion and love for dogs shines in everything they do and offer, and the support they have given and continue to give us to provide the most positive life for Flo is second to none.
I absolutely love our dog, we both do...and I love walking her and being around her and I hands down believe that is absolutely thanks to walk and train, their support, simple approach, positivity, encouragement and knowledge.
To say that walk and train has transformed our lives and Flo's may sound strange to those without animals or who were blessed with 'perfect' dogs....but it's true!
- Cally
