Dudley, the Black Lab

The Problem

Dudley, a 9 month old black lab mix, arrived in CT via a dog rescue group’s truck. While loving to his two owners, he would bare his teeth at any other humans who came near him in the house. When outside, he would show signs of fear--compressing his body, tucking his tail, and lunging on the leash. While fearful of humans, he was happy with other dogs.

How we helped

Homework began: letting Dudley play daily with a pack of dogs in a fenced in backyard where he learned how the other dogs greeted humans; rewarding his calm and not his anxiety; separating him from his pack leaders (the owners) when he showed negative behaviors toward visitors. The owners began to increase their leadership with teaching him skills and having Dudley learn to walk without pulling on his leash, keeping him at their side during the walk.

After two months, Dudley could let other people put a leash on him and take him for a walk. Three years later, Dudley is a friendly dog who can sit and greet strangers either in his home or while out in public. His owners continue to work on his socialization followed by his favorite thing--running in the woods.