Dear Shelly and Martin,
Well, we truly have not been able to lift our chins off of the ground from our mouths hanging open all day today in amazement at Aero's transformation! He is a CHANGED DOG!! His expression is so relaxed and calm and HAPPY!! He is obedient and responds to his commands willingly...(okay, he is not always bringing the ball back to us when it was tossed out to him, but you did say to just do that a couple of times a week!) He has passed so many ""challenges"" today already! On the way home, we stopped to get Shane a burger at Whataburger. The smell filled the car and Aero never begged, even one bit. (He was a relentless beggar before!) When we got home, we put leashes on the two dogs and walked them around the front and side of the house, and then into the house. We took off the leashes, and...NOTHING!!! Total peace and calm! Then we opened the door to the patio (made both sit before going out of the door) and out they went, peaceful as could be imagined. Aero really showed some play stances, trying to get Gracie to play with him. She ran around with him some, but is acting a bit leary of him. He keeps trying!!! She has growled at him a couple of times when she seemed to feel crowded (the guys say she is being a territorial ""brat""!) and we did correct her. Aero cut a circle around her the next time he passed by her!!! We are stunned!!! He moved his little bed mat over closer to her bed, laid down and just gazed at her a bit, then went to sleep. When we went on a walk, he was not totally perfect, but took correction quickly and then settled down after passing other dogs. And the ""Big Girls"" (the big lab/golden mixes) came to the fence, and barked. Aero did start to wind into it, not nearly at the past volume/energy, but was quieted quickly and then just sat/laid down. (We did slip the training lead on him, but it seemed that his tail was also wagging!) Someone passed our yard with a dog and a boy bouncing a basketball..Aero did not bark until they were almost at the end of the yard, and then quieted down instantly when I corrected him, verbally!!!
We are so amazed and appreciative of your hard work, dedication and knowledge in helping to bring out the best in Aero! He is happy, and of course, we are so happy with his new behavior!!!
A couple of questions, but, I will send those on tomorrow. It has been an exciting day, and, I am ready to call it a day...a very PEACEFUL day!!!
With gratitude,
Kay
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