This is a recent photo of Gabby at the cottage.
Briefly, the story is: A drunken "neighbor" joined us on our deck early one morning. My Eugene would not leave my side and Gabby ran upstairs. We found him to be harmless, but he insisted on trying to befriend the dogs, scared Gabby to death and he wouldn't leave. An hour or so later, Ernie noticed a weapon in the man's pocket, which as you can imagine, led us to worry. Guns and alcohol at 9 - 10 in the morning just aren't really a great sign of good things. I suspect on top of her fears, Gabby picked up on ours. By 11 a.m. Ernie convinced this person to leave. The story is actually much longer with even some humorous moments, but as far as Gabby is concerned, the damage was done. She does not like strange men, she fears new things and places, and more recently, she's begun acting like a lunatic on her leash walks when passing other dogs.
Gabriela came spring loaded. The girl-dog can leap unannounced about 5 feet straight up into the air. Unfortunately, on a leash, that means she crashes on pavement as she is writhing to get to another dog. She actually likes other dogs, but having no mama-dog training, this inappropriate behavior is an issue. We fear for her safety.
So, I called Jenn Kyzer of Dog Talk, who spent 2 hours + with us and Gabby. Gabby of course would have nothing to do with her. She wound up upstairs, far away. Jenn told us after some time talking that Gabby's behavior was actually pretty severe. SEVERE! ohmy. We only thought it difficult, but not severe. 
Jenn took the time to show us how to teach Gabby door and leash manners. She learned nearly instantly what Jenn showed us. She may be a goofball, but she is a smart goofball. Our little goofball did really well with me during our daily walks and then came the weekend and Ernie's turn. hoo boy. THAT was a traumatic walk. One of the things we were supposed to do was use a very long leash to give Gabby room to walk, but stay with us. Hard to explain, but it basically gives her a range of territory, yet teaches her to stay with us when she reaches the end. Ernie took her out on the long leash and unfortunately passed a neighbor, her two kids and their dog. Gabby went nuts - leaping, spinning, barking and Spring! up in the air. Ernie, trying to get her back in control, went dog whisperer on her and had to hold her down to the ground. The woman RAN with her kids and dog away from the craziness. Ernie tried to explain, but it all happened so quickly. Comedic, traumatic, frustrating.
For now, Gabby is doing just fine on a 6 foot lead and when we see other dogs, we do rein her in. Safety first, manners next. We're still working on better behavior when greeting dogs and people. She actually allowed the Fed Ex man to come near her recently. Not touch, but near was a miracle. ! She is passing most other dogs with less energy and outbursts. It may take a long while for us and Gabby to adjust, but we're working on it, one day at a time. Next goal: walking with other dogs. hoo boy. When that happens, I'll post an update.
In the meantime, I can't say enough good things about training dogs. I don't mean creating a perfectly behaved little machine, but training teaches us how to behave with them as much as anything. All of our dogs have attended puppy school and usually beyond. Gabby barely made it through puppy school. I let the ball drop on that and should have known better. Perhaps if we'd continued, some of her issues would not have developed into such extreme problems for us and for her. I don't know that. I DO know that a competent, caring trainer is a gift to us all. Thank you, Jenn.
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