Client Cases
Jonathan was a six-month-old, mixed-breed dog when he arrived in the shelter system. He was fostered and rehabilitated by an experienced dog walker and foster parent, who was one of our clients. Jonathan was eventually adopted. After several years, Jonathan…
Our clients Bill and Lesley were at a loss as to which fires they were supposed to put out first – Beazley’s separation anxiety, Nellie’s reactivity, or the fights that occurred regularly between the two. This couple had decades of…
Our clients had their share of unfulfilling experiences with dogs, including behavior issues and health issues. They reached out even before their puppy’s arrival, so we could organize indoor play and train space, a crate, indoor and outdoor exercise pens,…
Meet Mary, a mixed-breed beauty transferred to Toronto from a shelter in Texas. Mary recently celebrated her fourth birthday, and I am certain that she and her mom are also celebrating their healed relationship. Indeed, the last year was challenging,…
When I was seeking help with my native gardens, I called on Sustainable Roots Ecological Restoration Inc. and had the pleasure of meeting the co-owners, Andy and Reid. Andy came for a visit, and our conversation turned to dogs and…
Several years ago, I was introduced to Nimbus’s owner, an ambitious young man who was going to school and working full-time while still dedicating himself to raising his young pup, a German shepherd. We worked together for a while but…
Introducing Stella the Mastiff. Stella’s folks, a young couple with their heart in the right place but little experience with dogs, came to WOLDT alarmed at the growing challenges they were experiencing managing their big girl. At a little under…
Is it possible for puppies to exhibit behavioral issues? Sadly, it is. Our client Chelsea the German shepherd was less than three months old when her owners contacted us about her behavior. Yes, they were dealing with typical puppy issues…
My client didn’t have much experience with dogs but had dreamed of having one since childhood. Finally, she settled on a breed suited to apartment living, saved up enough for a puppy, and read and researched all she could. But…
I am lucky that former clients who resonate with my work often refer me to their friends. That is how I met this client, a fiery young lawyer now residing in the U.S. Soon after she rescued her new puppy…
Introducing client Tobey, a Siberian-Labrador mix a little under two years old, who’s recently come our way with concerns surrounding separation anxiety. Like many of us, his owner shifted to working from home during the lockdowns of 2020. Being a…
Many years ago when I still volunteered at my local humane society, I was asked by the K9 staff to coach a new volunteer, David, who apparently had pestered them with requests for additional training. For several months, I coached…
Boxer-Shepherd mixes Dixie and Pixie were found behind a restaurant in the city and taken to a shelter. These sisters were estimated to be about ten months old but weren’t considered bonded enough to be adopted out together. Thus, Dixie…
Molly’s owners came to Way of Life Dog Training concerned with a range of issues displayed by their four-year-old Cockapoo. These issues had become increasingly hard to deal with, as they attempted to balance managing Molly’s behavior with the needs…
Desiree, a puppy mill mom rescued from Newfoundland, was a pug that reacted to people, dogs, and children. My client realized she must have done things a little too fast with Desi, as she liked calling her, and proceeded to…
What does it take to cheer up a puppy mill mom? How can we help a depressed dog get past years of abuse and neglect? Katie is a doodle puppy mill mom who was finally able to catch a break…
My clients did everything right. Or they thought they did. They chose a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a breed that they identified with culturally but that they’d also researched thoroughly, finding these dogs described as “happy,” “intelligent,” and “fun.” I mean……
My client, an avid hiker and camper, recently took her dog Max, a one-year-old cockapoo, on his very first camping trip. We’d prepared for it for months and were thrilled that Max had mostly behaved, enjoyed himself, and come back…
Client Eddy the Australian Shepherd was a very well-trained dog, in the sense that he was obedient, knew a copious list of obedience commands, and was active in several sports including agility, frisbee, and Rally-O. Being a bright and driven…
As much as we enjoy helping dogs with behavior issues of all kinds, we’re thrilled when the opportunity to get a puppy started right presents itself.Neptune’s owner wanted an intelligent and athletic partner to join him in his outdoorsy life…