One Paw in Front of the Other: June’s Growing Confidence
Have you ever met a shy and overwhelmed dog, and your heart just aches for them? That's how Sandy and Jim felt when they brought June, their beautiful standard poodle puppy, home. We recently reached out to Sandy to hear all about June's incredible transformation, from a fearful pup hiding under the couch to a confident adventure dog.
If you're ready to start your own transformation story, don't hesitate to reach out to the Summit Dog Training team at admin@summitdogtraining.com. We're here to empower you and your dog every step of the way!
Starting Small: Finding Confidence in Puppy Play School
"When we adopted June when she was four months old, we immediately enrolled her in Puppy PlaySchool classes at Summit," Sandy told us. "She was extremely timid and shy. Loud noises, crowds, and new environments completely overwhelmed her - she would often retreat and hide when scared (usually under the couch, even though she barely fits!). It was really sad, and quite stressful, to watch her live in such a constant state of fear. The world is an unpredictable place, so it was hard to take her anywhere without worrying about how she would react."
It's a common story for many dog parents. Wanting the best for your fur-baby, but feeling helpless when they're nervous about the world. Sandy and Jim's biggest goals were simple: "We simply wanted her to enjoy the world without constant fear."
Sandy remembers the early days: "After just a few classes at Puppy PlaySchool, June started coming out of her shell, learning how to interact, build trust, and connect with other dogs and humans. I remember telling [Summit Trainer] Shay that Puppy PlaySchool changed June’s life. While she still had a long way to go with her confidence and anxiety, she was a different dog by the time we were done with Puppy PlaySchool. This laid a helpful foundation for when we started Level One and Two group classes, where we learned all the basic skills (sit, stay, come, down, loose leash walking, etc.). She’s now much more responsive and focused, especially at home."
Unlocking June’s Adventurous Spirit
As June grew, so did her confidence, especially once she found her stride in Adventure Camp. "Adventure Camp was where she really matured," Sandy shared. "While she was apprehensive at first, it quickly became her favorite part of the week. She would literally vibrate (and yip) with excitement when I dropped her off, and we could count on a good, long nap afterward. She worked on confidence, learned to cope with new environments and unfamiliar sounds, got plenty of playtime, and continued developing her social skills. One thing we learned early on is that she LOVES other dogs; however, she’s HIGH energy and relentless with play, so she can be a bit much for some dogs! Camp helped her learn how to play politely and take cues from the other pups."
Then came Nose Work, another pivotal moment for June. "Nose Work was another turning point for June. It’s helped her build confidence, regulate stress, and stay mentally engaged through distractions. Watching her learn to stay focused on the game, even in busy areas with traffic noise (rather than run and hide), has been amazing. Plus, it’s one of her favorite indoor activities when we can’t get outside to burn energy."
And for a bit of fun, they dove into Rally. "Rally has been such a joy," Sandy said, "We’ve learned how to work together as a team, and it’s been incredible to watch June attempt and succeed at things we didn’t think she’d feel brave enough to try. While we don't plan to compete, Rally gives us a shared language and structure that’s both fun and functional."
The Confident Canine June Is Today
So, what's June like now? "June is now a confident, curious, and playful dog," Sandy shared. "She’s still not a fan of loud noises, but she has coping skills, and it’s amazing to watch her recovery time speed up every day. Trash day is no longer Armageddon at our house, and she happily goes for walks in the neighborhood. She is also so smart and adventurous. She loves learning new things and playing with other dogs. She has become a great running partner and enjoys hiking and being outdoors. She is a pro at ramping up AND winding down. She is an adventure dog and family pet all wrapped up into one perfect creature."
Sandy and Jim still have some goals for their adventure-loving pup. "Now, she loves nature, exploring, and running wild and free, but her recall is still a work in progress - especially once her prey drive kicks in. One of our big goals is figuring out how to help her resist the urge to chase every squirrel, bunny, or deer that dares to move. She will also bolt if she startles, so because of her sensitivity to sound, recall is a constant challenge, but safe off-leash adventures are a top priority for us."
And a few new adventures are on the horizon: "June is also obsessed with water! She’ll happily dunk her whole head under and splash around, though she hasn’t quite worked up to a full swim yet - it’s mostly legs, belly, and face at this point. We’re hopeful that her first real swim is coming soon. We recently got a paddle board and are excited to try it out with her, but per June’s way, she will probably be freaked out by it for four months before she hops on. We also think June would be amazing at agility, she’s athletic, (can be) focused, and loves to jump, so that’s something we’d like to explore next."
A Human-Dog Bond for a Lifetime
Sandy's final thoughts truly highlight the Summit Dog Training difference: "Working with Summit has been a game changer for June (and for us!). Having a highly sensitive pup can be pretty stressful for us humans. For the first year, we were always nervous to try new things with her for fear she would clam up or become overwhelmed. But the Summit team has always believed in her and let her move at her own pace. They’re patient, supportive, and truly understand dogs, as well as the emotional connection we humans have with them. They care for both the canines and the people who love them. We’re so grateful for all the guidance, encouragement, and care we’ve received from the entire team!”
June's story is a beautiful reminder that with patience, understanding, and the right tools, even the most timid dogs can blossom into confident, adventurous companions. If you're a dog parent facing similar challenges or simply dreaming of new adventures with your furry friend, remember June's success story!
What kind of adventures are you hoping to have with your dog? If you're ready to start your own transformation story, don't hesitate to reach out to the Summit Dog Training team at admin@summitdogtraining.com. We're here to empower you and your dog every step of the way!