Jason is truly magical with dogs! He took on the challenge of training my 3 yr. old, 87 lb…read more strong-willed, hard to control, and highly dog aggressive Pitahoula (Pitbull - Catahoula mix) and turned him into a well-behaved, obedient best friend I now take anywhere.
Mookie joined us 4 1/2 years ago when our grown daughter rescued him from Animal Control and brought him home to me as a surprise. He had been a stray for some time and was in poor physical condition. He was critically emaciated, had an extreme case of mange, and had several serious infections. Mookie and I immediately bonded on his joining the family. We became inseparable, everywhere I went Mookie followed. He even slept snuggled with me and his head on my chest.
With his newfound health, Mookie became quite active, wanting to play, go on walks, run in open spaces, and explore the surrounding world.
Unfortunately, it was not long before my wife and I could not control him due to his increasing strength and strong independent alpha personality. Additionally, Mookie began jumping up on anyone entering the house. He also began barking unrelentingly and jumping at windows whenever he noticed anyone in our yard. Most concerning, Mookie went from a shy dog who cowered at the sight of other dogs to becoming increasingly aggressive toward other dogs. On a couple of occasions when dogs approached Mookie, he initiated fights. This brought walks and outings to an end. My wife and I became seriously concerned that we might have to give Mookie up or worse if we could not find a means of correcting his growing behavioral problems. The thought of losing Mookie devastated us both, as he was such a loving and affectionate dog who had won our hearts.
I brought the situation to our veterinarian's attention asking for advice. He suggested I take Mookie to a trainer and recommended one in our area. I contacted the trainer, and we began our training. Mookie and I went for four months of 2-hour private sessions 3 days a week. While Mookie showed some improvement, he could still be a handful and had made no progress with his dog aggression. Frustrated, I began to search for a new trainer.
After an extensive assessment of over 15 dog training services in Harris and Montgomery counties, we found Jason and Laura and knew immediately our search was over. Jason clearly stood above all other trainers we had spoken with. After Jason's meeting and assessment of Mookie, he agreed to place him in his three-week intensive board and train program.
On Mookie's return, my wife and I were both speechless. We couldn't believe this was the same dog. Mookie sat, laid down, and "Parked-It" on his raised bed repeatedly. More impressive, he remained in the commanded position and location until he was "Freed" regardless of duration. Further astonishment came when Laura rang the front doorbell. Mookie remained quiet and at my side in our living room. The same held true when Laura knocked on the door. Following this, Jason pointed out how Mookie no longer jumped on anyone entering the home. He now sat patiently, waiting to be approached and acknowledged.
Next, Jason took us all for a walk. Again, Mookie was a completely different dog. He no longer pulled or even led the walk. He remained immediately at Jason's side regardless of any change Jason made in speed or direction. On Jason handing me the reins, Mookie did just the same for me. Most impressive was when we encountered a dog. Mookie remained calm, not bark or even a growl, he just kept on walking at my side. We observed several additional behavioral rectifications and obedience compliances, all of which were just as impressive as those mentioned above.
One year has passed since Mookie returned home from his three-week training camp and I am in awe of Jason's achievements. He truly transformed our dog. Mookie remains a wonderful, well-behaved, and obedient dog. Mookie's metamorphosis is remarkable. It is allowing us to spend considerably more time together. We are now able to explore and share new experiences together, which is bringing us ever closer and enriching each of our lives. I cannot thank Jason and Laura enough!
Ken & Julie Goodhue
