I've had Henry now for about a year and a half. I got him from a rescue group, he was approximately 5 and had never had any training prior to living with his foster family. The foster family did a fantastic job with him, and when I got him he was completely housetrained and well on his way to becoming a well-mannered, good dog. My biggest challenge with him has been leash aggression with other dogs. He's great at the dog park without a leash, but put that leash on him, and he loses his mind when strange dogs approach.

Anyway, I have been working with him on the leash since I adopted him. I never leave the house without treats in my pocket, and every time we're out on a walk it's a training opportunity. I've been taking him to this new park for the last few months, and he's gotten good enough that I can skate with him on the paved path there. He was to the point where he was OK if the other dog was calm, but would still lunge if the other dog barked or was out of control. Well, the other day we had to pass a lady with 2 dogs. One of the dogs absolutely freaked out about me being on skates, and he was a big dog, too. I was a little concerned, so I actually stopped and walked off the paved path and onto the grass to put lots of space between us and them. Well, Henry looked at me the entire time this dog was losing his mind. (I've been using the method where you have the dog focus on you instead of the other dog.) It was a breakthrough! This dog was barking at us the entire time we passed, and Henry totally ignored him. Isn't that awesome!

Not too long after this, another big dog barked at us (I'm finding out that there are a lot of dogs that hate people on skates; it really freaks them out), and again Henry looked right at me and focused just on me and ignored the dog barking at us. I was so proud of him and felt like he finally got it. It took him a while (probably because my timing wasn't perfect), but this is BIG!

Anyway, if you've made it this far, thanks for reading! I just had to share our breakthrough! Happy, happy, happy!

Yay for both of you!!!!!!!

Sara Jo -- you know I for one am ALWAYS thrilled to read success stories... especially when I know there has been an issue previously and one which is specifically being worked on. GOOD for you for making the commitment that you have with this little dog. Commitment, patience, consistency DOES pay off... and I'm thrilled to learn it has paid off for you and Henry!

CongRATS to you both!