Cody
I’ve had dogs my entire life and I always wanted a yellow lab. One September day, I brought Cody, a male, yellow-lab home. When he was 4-months old I knew I was in trouble. He was HYPER. At first, I played catch in the house with him but he quickly outgrew that. When we tried to go for walks he had a blast but, not so much me, since I was dragged everywhere. It didn’t matter what collar or harness I tried, nothing helped.
He loved to CHEW everything. I know puppies teethe and need toys, which he had plenty of. He still chewed and ate everything. If it was on the floor or in his reach, it was fair game. It was unbelievable. It got to be ridiculous when I became his favorite chew toy and had to start using Neosporin as hand cream.
Training and obedience fell into place with my other dogs, however, that wasn’t happening with Cody. I needed help. Coincidentally, my niece had recently gotten a yellow lab and she had a trainer going to her house. I made an appointment not knowing it would change everything.
Sheri explained her experience and method of training. She asked what activities I wanted to do with Cody so we could incorporate that into his training. After the first session, I was amazed at the difference in him. He was calmer and I wasn’t being chewed on. I was committed from that day on.
My favorite part of working with Sheri is she taught by example. She didn’t take Cody away, train him then bring him back to me. Instead, she showed me what to do. For example, first, Sheri demonstrates a new command with Cody. Second, she walks me through the new command with Cody. Third, we practice the new command and other commands already learned. When she leaves, I’m confident to continue practicing the new and previously learned commands, all week. Over the weeks we work indoors, outdoors, with my car and at the park.
If I have any questions or a new behavior starts she’s a phone call away. She is available with advice even after the formal training is finished. I had concerns when I learned I was going to be a new grandmother because Cody has never been around infants. I called Sheri, followed her advice and when my infant grandson came over, Cody handled it like a pro. They were best buds until Cody passed away.
When I was ready for a new dog the first person I called was Sheri. She made all the difference with Cody and I’ll never go back.
- M. Applegate, Hamilton NJ