YOUR DOG’S AGGRESSION CAN BE FIXED: max’s story

On January 23, 2024, we had to put our dear Max to rest as he approached 15 years old. His age had gotten the best of him, and he let us know that he was ready to retire and live happily over the rainbow bridge. Max was an incredible dog for kindness, service and loyalty. He always needed a few minutes to get to know strangers, but once comfortable, he loved head pets, long walks, sitting in the sun and relaxing on the couch with snacks.

We are sharing Max’s story because it is one that many of our clients come to us with. If your dog is showing aggressive behaviors, please take a moment to read about Max and learn that there is hope.

Many people were surprised to learn that Max wasn’t expected to make it to three years old. By the time he was two, Max had lived with several different people and had developed aggressive behaviors towards people. Max had a great deal of fearfulness from his living situation, and his aggression was his way of protecting himself. But Max wasn’t aggressive to everyone, and thankfully a very special person saw that. Max’s saving grace, Carolyn, decided that his current living situation wasn’t helping Max thrive, and she stepped in and removed him from that home. She hoped to rehabilitate him, but as the days passed, Max continued to act aggressively towards some people, but still never her. She was in a very difficult situation - she knew Max was a good dog but would his aggression be able to be fixed?

At this point, Max’s rescuer was worried she may have to put him down. But she was committed to trying to help Max, so she arranged for him to stay at a no kill shelter to buy some time.

It was then that Mike was contacted to work with Max. It was not easy! It took one whole year to rehabilitate Max. Mike met Max once a week for 52 weeks to work on his aggressive behaviors. Max was a tough one - and everyone was worried if Max would ever change, and sadly face being euthanized. But Mike didn’t give up. He worked with Max week by week, some weeks better than others. At some point the shelter told him that Max knew Mike was outside because he’d perk up and wag his tail when he heard his truck. Things were getting better, and slowly Max became less fearful and learned how to trust again. Mike believed in Max so much that on his 366th day in the shelter, Mike took Max home forever.

Max became a SUPER DOG. Max’s peaceful and secure attitude worked wonders on teaching our client’s reactive dogs to remain calm. He loved teaching younger dogs how to play properly and safely. We called him Papa a lot because that’s what he was - he was every dog’s Papa.

Max worked hard with dogs but truly loved his time with humans. He enjoyed meeting new people, but it was important that Mike was clear with people about how to proceed with Max. For any dog owner, this is important whether or not the dog has a history of aggression. The owner needs to set the terms for people’s interactions with their dogs. With Max, we knew that he needed to warm up to people, and he should not be pet by people he did not know. Max was able to sniff people and if he wanted to be pet, he would come next to you and let you know he was ready. THIS IS HOW WE KEPT HIM FROM BEING EUTHANIZED! Dog aggression can be rehabilitated with proper training and owner follow through.

We want to share Max’s story because it is an important one. Max would have never lived this incredible life if people didn’t believe in him and find the proper resources to help him. If you have been worrying about what to do with your dog because they have been showing aggressive behaviors, please remember Max. It’s never too late.

We Love You Max - Rest Easy Papa