We have an Aussie Bulldog, Peppa, who is just over a year old.
When Peppa was about six (6) months, we sought Katrina’s help. At the time, we had no control over Peppa, at home or out in public. At home, she chewed EVERYTHING, was frequently soiling inside the house, and very excited around the kids. She also cried ALOT in the morning, in her crate, to be let out/company. This would start anywhere from 5am.
To avoid waking the kids, I would take her down to the beach. Once she got there, she would take off and go nuts with the other dogs, which I thought was great, as she was getting her “exercise” and having an awesome time with her “friends”. Getting her to come back when it was time to go home would often take a while, as she would not listen.
She was also very boisterous in her play with other dogs, which often resulted in her getting told off by the dog itself, or the dog’s owner. It was all so chaotic! Even walking her on the lead was difficult, as she pulled a lot.
Katrina visited us at home and explained that Peppa’s behaviour was the result of lack of boundaries AT HOME. I was treating her like a human and not like a dog.
Peppa was also massively itchy during this period. She was red pretty much all over her body. When Katrina saw her, she immediately commented that the redness/rash was not due to any allergy, but stress. I
have to admit, at the time, and for a long time, I did not believe Katrina. How could Peppa be stressed?! She is so loved at home. We give her everything.
Now, 6 months later, Peppa’s rash has cleared COMPLETELY. It’s amazing.
I can now manage and control Peppa’s excitement.Initially, when she got very excited, she would get tied up or put in her pen/crate. Now, I just keep her on the deck, so she can’t run mad in the garden. She gets the message pretty quick.
When she is calm, I let her back out in the yard. Sometimes, just even ignoring her and going inside is all I need to do when she gets too excited/anxious.
She is also very respectful around the kids. Sometimes, she gets in their space, and all I have to say is her name, firmly, and she moves away.
Whilst I still take her to the beach, it is very structured. We have a toy that she fetches. Her focus is all on me. Only at the end of our time at the beach, if there are other dogs, who are interested in playing, I will let her play, but if she or the other dog gets dominant, I will remove her from the situation.
It has definitely been a journey of self-reflection, as it wasn’t Peppa that needed to change, it was ME.
Katrina has taught me that Peppa NEEDS to have discipline and structure in order to be well-balanced and calm. It is work that I have to do every day, with Peppa, but it is so worth it when I have a dog that is respectful and well-behaved.
Thank you, Katrina, for everything you have done for our family xx
