In June 2002, we became “proud new parents” of two beautiful chocolate Labrador Retrievers:

Smith

and

Wesson.

“Why two?” is the question we are asked most. Our primary reasoning was so that they could keep each other company when we were at work. It turned out, however, to be a struggle in getting either dog to listen to us rather than playing with each other.

“Conventional” puppy training was fine at first because, as typical labs, the boys responded well to the food lure and would gladly sit, stay, come or down for a piece of cheese, wiener, cookie or extra kibble.

Unfortunately, once we progressed to “Level I” obedience training where food was no longer used, we were slowly reduced to ruins. Sitting was no longer “pretty”, but a contest of wills. The message we received was “no food, no understand”. It was almost as though we had begun speaking another language or Smith and Wesson’s human/dog translators were malfunctioning. That was the end of “conventional” training for us.

We tried, in vain, to have a number of trainers assess our needs for training prior to enrolling in their programs. We were always encouraged to just join. Struggling with the need/desire to have trained dogs and not wanting to continue “wasting” money on our goal, we stopped looking. Walks became akin to wrestling matches (even with choke collars), sitting was done when they felt it necessary, or when a treat was involved, and we became miserable.

When I was out running one day, I spotted the Sit Happens van and, fortunately, there was also a class being held at the park. After few minutes of watching, I immediately went home and began trying to convince Greg that we should give this a try.

When I called Jeff, I was completely relieved that, prior to having us enroll in any sort of training he wanted to come and assess the needs of both Smith and Wesson, and Greg and I.

… and we are extremely happy that we did. Both Smith and Wesson are a joy to have around again. We have only been training since mid-February and within three or four session, we found that one of us was able to walk both dogs at once. As a bonus, these walks can be done without leashes and both dogs are completely in control.