02/07/2025
This information may greatly help someone struggling with their dog's training at home and in class. Food allergies are severe and can cause a good dog to act out or be abnormal. The story below is not my story or opinion; it is a great client's story.
Rescue dogs require patience and persistence when training. It takes rescue dogs three days to realize they will not be removed from a household, three weeks to understand the household routine, and three months to feel comfortable in their new environment.
We rescued Bunji, whose name is an Australian Aboriginal word that means “best mate,” on 22 June 24, waited three months, and enrolled him in Larry Benoit’s Group Dog Obedience Class. Bunji came to us with severe food and water insecurity, did not know how to play, and wouldn’t interact with us or anyone coming into our household. We thought that after three months, he would be ready for obedience class. He really wanted to please us but did not know how.
When we arrived at the first class, he plastered himself to the bench and us. He refused to do any work, and his ears were pinned back and his tail tightly tucked. We followed Larry’s instructions at home that first week, and the results were disastrous. We were frustrated,,,, and Bunji was practically traumatized. No amount of coaxing, prodding, or treating would entice Bunji to follow directions. Through Larry’s generous spirit, Bunji graduated the class and was invited back at any point to repeat it.
Little did we know then, but Bunji had a significant food allergy. Everything he ate caused him pain and discomfort, which thwarted our training efforts. Once we had his food allergy under control, we began working earnestly with Bunjit at home, following the methodology Larry had taught us. We started to see daily successes, which spurred us to keep working with Bunji. Bunji was healthy, happy, and ready to please—within the tolerance of a stubborn boxer.
We re-enrolled Bunji for group training with Larry. That training commenced in January 2025, and Bunji was like a new dog. He follows commands quickly, is treat-motivated since his food allergy has cleared up, and is a happy, well-behaved dog. He still has his mischievous moments,treat-motivated, where he steals our socks from the laundry basket but follows instructions and walks well on a leash.
Larry has done a phenomenal job training us to help our pup become a good canine citizen. If you follow his methodology, your dog will succeed in following instructions. I highly recommend Larry’s firm but gentle approach to training, which encourages positive reinforcement. We now have a canine good citizen!
Cheers!
Mary Lynch
