Oso’s Journey

After being bitten by my Rottweiler/Pit bull mix, Oso, multiple times and being told by everyone
to “get rid of the dog,” I contacted professional dog trainer, Matt White. Because of Oso’s biting
issues, I chose to enroll him in private lessons rather than the group class.

At this point, Oso wouldn’t listen to me inside or outside, and walking, which wasn’t frequent
because it was always a nightmare, was more like high-speed zigzagging around the block with
me in tow. He was biting me, and the last one left a large scar with 4 teeth marks on my leg. I
was frustrated, but I just couldn’t bear the thought of getting rid of him just because I lacked the
knowledge to train him properly.

Once I caught on to the positive training methods Matt teaches, I began to realize the “old
school” methods of training (rolled-up newspaper, water bottle or yelling at him) I had been
using before not only didn’t fix the behavior, but had only created more problems. Oso wasn’t
being stimulated mentally or physically, and he had some underlying fear issues, which were
worsened by my negative training methods. I wasn’t being a good leader before because I wasn’t
showing him what I wanted him to do, or rewarding him for good behavior. I was only punishing
him for bad behavior.

After a few lessons, and a few practice sessions in-between, Oso is a different dog, and we have
a real connection now. I had no idea Oso was so smart, and I definitely didn’t know it would be
so much fun to train him. Oso listens to me now and is much more confident and less fearful,
and doesn’t bite me anymore. I can walk Oso and my other dog together enjoyably. We have a
completely different relationship than we did a couple of months ago. Everything has improved
far beyond my expectations.

Before I signed up for training lessons, I figured it was worth a shot and I thought I might see
a slight improvement in behavior, or at least learn how to manage my dogs’ bad behaviors. I
honestly had no idea Oso would graduate a completely wonderful dog, or that I would have a
whole new way of seeing things. No more newspapers, water bottles or yelling for me. Oso & I
are both very happy! A Big Thank You to Matt! Wish I had done this long ago!

Emily – Tulare