We adopted Rudy, our 4-year-old rescue pup from ICARE back in June. We started him in a group training class at a local pet store right after; although he was one of only 2 dogs in the class, the trainer advised us that private lessons would be the better environment for him. We spent the next few weeks building trust and establishing the basics, but we knew we needed to reinforce Rudy's socialization skills once those initial lessons ended.
Fast-forward to October and Rudy was calmly and happily enjoying a one-hour group training class under Jenn and her head trainer Larry! This was after just a month of going on pack walks with Ugly Dog Adventures. The training session was very insightful and so validating of all of the benefits that UDA has to offer.
Even more magical than seeing Rudy be able to participate fully in a group class was hearing all of the other owners' experiences with UDA. It was a spontaneous, heartfelt moment, and we all collectively agreed: our dogs could never have co-existed so peacefully and attentively without Jenn and her extraordinary team's help.
Rudy is currently in his 3rd month of doing pack walks 2-3 times a week, and it has been the BEST possible decision we could have made for his happiness and well-being. Our vet commended us for how strong and healthy Rudy's joints and muscles are and credits it to his pack walks. She plans to recommend patients to UDA in the future based on Rudy's experiences. :)
If you are considering joining the UDA pack, here are a few things you should know:
1. Consultation - all of the dogs in the pack have been personally vetted by Jenn for temperament and socialization, which gave me such peace of mind. I met Jenn at the pack walk pickup time to see their operation in action and for Jenn to assess how Rudy would react to all of the dogs around him.
To my amazement, Rudy did not bark once. Jenn took the time to get to know him, advised me on using a figure-8 lead to curb unwanted behaviors, and then brought over one of the board-and-train dogs for a socialization test. Rudy was much better than I would have expected, though he was not yet ready for an up-close introduction. I left feeling so encouraged and excited for Rudy to join the pack.
2. Pack Walks - Jenn pairs the dogs into smaller groups based on their personality. Her approach to training and these walks is based on dog psychology and fostering a natural pack mentality.
I love that Rudy gets to walk with dogs of all breeds and sizes in a safe, structured environment where the dog walkers (pack leads) know him by name and take such great care of him. In the beginning, he was very anxious about being separated from me... now, I can hand over his leash, and he goes off enthusiastically, tail wagging, and raring to go off on his adventures.
Rudy has become FAR less reactive to other dogs, people, and other stimuli. The exposure and enrichment he gets on these walks are incredible, and it translates to a much calmer, happier dog overall and a calmer, happier experience when we take him on walks, too.
I can take him to the park and not worry about him bolting after squirrels, and we've even started taking him out in public! The world is truly opening up for him, and my husband and I are so excited to find new ways to engage and include Rudy outside the house.
3. Community Walks - every so often, Jenn hosts a no-contact Community Pack Walk that allows the owners to get involved. Rudy and I did our first one at Halloween. It was a great chance to reinforce his socialization skills and continue building that trust between us. The community walk also included free professional pet photography opportunities and a goodie bag to cap off a wonderful day.
4. Photography - speaking of photography, I just learned that Jenn has a separate website dedicated to the photos from the pack walks. I love seeing the UDA Instagram posts, so getting to see the full collection of images (including some really lovely ones of Rudy bonding with the pack leads) has been a great way to keep up with his adventures.
Jenn has sent me photos and videos on her own to showcase Rudy's progress, which is a wonderful personal touch. On one of his very first pack walks, Jenn sent me a photo of Rudy posing with another dog with only a couple of inches of space between them! Seeing as Rudy found it difficult to tolerate the training pup being a few *feet* from him at the consultation, this was an incredible improvement in a very short amount of time.
5. Slumber Party - Rudy is going to be spending his first night away from us at the end of the month. Seeing how much Rudy has bonded with Jenn, we feel very comfortable boarding him at her home and know that she will look after him as if he were her own.
I am so grateful to have found Ugly Dog Adventures and for the transformation I am seeing in my boy. Rudy's personality is emerging more and more every day, and we are closer than ever before. Thank you, Jenn! read more