we’d worked with quite a few trainers, and had been unable to resolve our dog’s worst issues. Thankfully, we now have a training plan for our much-loved dog; we’d been afraid that we would not be able to keep him.
We got Benny, our Landseer ECT, at 8 weeks old, from a reputable breeder. He completed the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen classes. At 6 months old he began showing resource guarding behaviors. We worked with a behaviorist and with several other trainers to address this, and his reactivity to children and other dogs. Although he made some progress, he was never reliable with our grandchildren and some of his behaviors were worsening. We realized that positive only/ “force free” training was not working to let Benny know what was NOT an appropriate action or mindset.
We started looking for a balanced board and train program, and the first balanced trainer we worked with, although very helpful, turned us down for his board and train. (At age 2, Benny is 155 pounds and is a very strong, athletic, powerful dog.) That trainer recommended we call Amani K9.
We are so glad that we did!
From the no-fee phone consultation with Niquolette Rodriguez, during which a very thorough assessment was done and all of our initial questions were answered; through the initial training session in Lakewood, when we were able to meet the whole team, and they were able to observe us and Benny; we were so impressed by the dedication and knowledge of these trainers. We were especially appreciative of the team approach, with “back up” trainers, if our dog required that or if a team member was unable to be there on a given day.
It became clear that our dog required their four week behavioral program. The Amani team said they would need to special-order a crate big enough for Benny; another example of their commitment to helping an individual, and difficult, dog.
We’re not inexperienced dog owners or trainers; Benny is our 14th dog. But we realized the depth of our ignorance with reactive/aggressive dogs and were desperately looking for the skills and knowledge to make life with us work, for Benny and for our family.
Working with Amani K9 changed us as much as it did Benny. We realized that we were unintentionally reinforcing some of his behaviors, and we were taught how to remedy that. Throughout the board and train, Benny’s trainer Niquolette was patient and respectful of our many questions. She kept us apprised of Benny’s training journey, and when he had a minor medical issue in the first week, let us know about it immediately and updated us on its treatment throughout. During the “go-home” session, the whole team came to our house, and included our multigenerational family (ages 5 to 63) in Benny’s training plan. They evaluated the layout of the house and gave suggestions as to how to manage Benny safely as we continue to train and work with him.
Benny still needs a lot of structure, management, and consistent training to have his best life. But we know that Niquolette, Marianna, and Nick will be there for Benny and us, and we can see the path ahead of us much more clearly.