Summer's story: How behaviour training gave her new opportunity

Nothing makes me happier than a success story; especially one that involves an animal from The Winnipeg Humane Society. Such is the case for Summer. She and Catherine, one of The WHS’s talented behaviour trainers, stopped by for a visit last week to demonstrate what Summer has been up to since arriving under our care.

Summer had a big goofy grin on her face, and it was for good reason. After all, she had come a long way – literally and figuratively.

The one-year-and-four-month-old Labrador Retriever was seeking a forever home from an out-of-province humane society, but there was an issue with her behaviour. She was seemingly aggressive towards the other dogs she came across. Since she was in a place with many dogs, she didn’t show well to the public who visited her. People saw an aggressive and loud dog, rather than the sweet and playful girl she really is.

The WHS was asked to take on Summer because our shelter is equipped with a behaviour department that knows how to work with dogs like her and manage how they react to other dogs. Summer arrived in a kennel with a sign on her door: ‘Do not open around other dogs.’

We quickly learned why. The first time Catherine tried walking Summer around the adoption floor was a challenge. Summer was over-stimulated from everything going on around her: Dogs to the left, dogs to the right, dogs barking at her, her barking at other dogs, etc. Summer was lunging up at the glass that separated her from other dogs in their pods and barking fiercely at them.

So how does The WHS work with a dog like this? How does the behaviour staff help Summer showcase all of the positive attributes she has within herself? After all, she’s a cute dog with a lot of affection and would make a great addition to a forever home. Training Summer with positive reinforcement was the key.

Summer learned the ‘look at that’ technique. The goal was to reward Summer with a treat every time she would look at another dog – even if she reacted. Each time she looked at another dog, she started to anticipate the treat more, and reacted less. While she still reacts a little bit, she’s improving each day with this technique. Summer was making eye contact with other barking dogs, but she calmly sat there and proudly accepted her treat.

“How long has Summer been learning this?” I asked Catherine, incredibly impressed at how far the dog had come along. She didn’t look like a reactive dog to me.

“Only about five days,” Catherine said. She explained that some people think Summer was an aggressive dog based on how she reacted to others. But she only reacts that way while on leash or when there’s barriers between her and the other dog. Summer was just frustrated and needed to learn how to avoid reacting at other dogs in these situations (speaking of which, have you heard about The WHS’s Reactive Rover classes?)

Summer’s frustration has decreased and she’s had the opportunity to make some new friends at The WHS. Her best friend? Quasi, a four-month-old Shepherd/Husky, who is quite big for his size. They have a similar play style and have a ton of fun together.

Now, Summer is in a forever home with another canine friend and living the fulfilled life she deserves.

Because of the Behaviour Department, Summer received a second chance. She looked like an aggressive dog to many people, but The WHS saw the potential in her.

The WHS is proud of its behaviour staff and volunteers. They play a critical role in assisting dogs like Summer with reactivity issues. Because of the behaviour team, Summer is learning how to change an impulse that would have otherwise deterred people from adopting her.

Have you ever experienced behaviour issues with your dog similar to Summer’s? The WHS can help you with a wide variety of classes that will assist you with teaching your dog obedience, better leash walking, and curb their reactive natures. The WHS Yelp Line also contains a wealth of knowledge when it comes to issues you might experience with your pet.

Don’t own a dog but considering welcoming one into your home? Think it through, and come down to 45 Hurst Way to meet our adoptable animals.