Luna's Story
35kg Lab dragging everyone and jumping on every person. Loose lead walking and calm greetings.
THE CHALLENGE
What James Was Dealing With
Luna was an 18-month-old Labrador with zero impulse control. At 35kg she was strong enough to drag James down the footpath and had knocked his elderly mother over twice. Every walk along Takapuna Beach turned into a wrestling match.
The jumping was just as bad. Luna launched herself at every person who came through the front door, counter-surfed constantly and stole food off plates. She had eaten an entire roast chicken off the bench the week before James called us.
James had tried clicker training and treat-based methods but Luna was so food-obsessed that she couldn't focus on anything else when treats were involved. She needed a different approach.
OUR APPROACH
How We Trained Luna
Luna's issues all came down to one thing: she had never learned that she couldn't just take whatever she wanted. Our approach focused on building a solid obedience foundation with clear boundaries and consequences.
We started with structured leash work using a proper training collar and taught James how to communicate expectations clearly. Luna learned that pulling didn't get her where she wanted to go and that walking nicely beside James earned her freedom and rewards.
For the jumping and counter-surfing we implemented a "nothing in life is free" protocol. Luna had to earn everything through calm behaviour. We also taught a bombproof "place" command so she had a clear job when visitors arrived instead of bouncing off the walls.
THE RESULT
Luna Today
Luna now walks beautifully on a loose lead along Takapuna Beach. James can hold the lead with one finger and she maintains position even when passing other dogs and people. His mother can walk her safely too.
The jumping has stopped completely. When visitors arrive Luna goes to her place bed and waits to be released for a calm greeting. Counter-surfing is a thing of the past — James can leave food on the bench and Luna won't touch it.
The transformation happened faster than expected because Luna is incredibly smart. Once she understood the rules she was happy to follow them. She's still the same happy Lab, just with much better manners.
“Luna went from being completely uncontrollable to the best-behaved dog on Takapuna Beach. My mum can walk her now without any fear. The counter-surfing fix alone was worth every cent.”
AT A GLANCE
Training Summary
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Ready for Your Own Transformation?
James thought Luna's behaviour was hopeless. Look at them now. Your dog deserves the same chance.