Leanna is amazing! She earned Kermit's trust over time with her patient and positive approach (and lots of treats!), and we are working our way to helping him feel more comfortable around people he's wary of and with situations that make him uncomfortable. He's a highly reactive and anxious dog, especially around strangers, and has often been mistakenly labeled and treated as aggressive by previous trainers. Leanna quickly recognized that his behavior wasn't aggression and understood why our earlier training hadn't been as effective.
We've worked with a few trainers in the past who told us they couldn't help due to Kermit's "weird triggers." The ones who did take us on were kind and helpful, and we made some general progress. However, they didn't address Kermit's specific triggers in depth. I was told to just continue desensitizing him, which felt like we had hit a plateau, especially because my physical limitations prevent me from doing some of the more demanding tasks they recommended (like pack walks or visiting crowded areas regularly).
Working with Leanna has been completely different. She took the time to truly understand Kermit's personality and needs. She learned his very subtle warning signs, asked about my goals, and built a plan that works not only for Kermit, but also for me. She's mindful of my physical limitations and adapts the training to keep it effective and manageable.
If there's anything I need to know before a session, Leanna tells me and shares resources to help me better support Kermit. She's super patient and doesn't treat my questions as silly, even if the answers might seem obvious. She's happy to take the time to clarify anything that I'm confused about or have forgotten. Most importantly, she makes me feel heard, respected, and empowered.
With positive reinforcement and a clear structure, we've already overcome hurdles that once felt impossible. Leanna is clear about her goals for each session and explains everything in a way that's easy to understand and follow. Even my boyfriend, who has very little experience with dogs, is able to follow along and understand the reasoning behind what we're doing. She breaks things down step by step, explains what each action is meant to accomplish, and always ties it back to the bigger picture. She's realistic and flexible--if anyone is struggling, she adjusts so it stays manageable for everyone.
I highly recommend Leanna to anyone who is struggling with complex behavior challenges, especially if you feel discouraged or unsure where to turn next. Her patience, insight, and support have made such a big difference to us! I'm so grateful for the ways she's helped Kermit grow into a more secure and confident dog. I'm really thankful to have her by our side, and can't wait to keep making progress together! read more