Haley was adopted from the Table Mountain Animal Shelter about 4.5 years ago at the age of 3 years, give or take. Haley immediately assumed the role of " Alpha dog" in the house. She was always on duty, protecting us and her territory. Her territory stretched as far as we'd walk in our neighborhood. Every dog we'd encounter, loose or fenced, was a threat to her territory and she would aggressively defend her territory by snarling, growling, barking, and lunging - behaviors that endeared us to our neighbors.

Over the years, I have worked unsuccessfully with several different trainers and training philosophies to help Haley over-come her territorial aggression. It wasn't until I met with and starting using Kari's pack-related techniques, that I began to see a change in Haley's behavior.

Haley and I worked together for about month after meeting Kari before we decided to introduce Haley to my neighbor's pup, Rocky. The dogs initial meeting began as most of Haley's dog encounters - barking, growling, lunging, etc. Within a few minutes Haley was able to relax, focus her attention on me, and allow Rocky to walk around her and eventually sniff her. With Kari's close supervision, the dogs were then let off-leash in Rocky's yard to play. This was the first time in Haley's life with us that she played with another dog.

I continue to work with Haley on our neighborhood walks, which are much more enjoyable and less anxious for all concerned. We still have a ways to go, but Haley's progress has been enormous!

Kari's method is simple, straight forward, and so obvious to a dog. Once I gained control as the "alpha dog", Haley was no longer "on duty" all the time and she was finally able to relax.

Owner: Linda Chumbley