“We have “special needs” dogs: Bella is a five-year-old Boston Terrier who is afraid of feathers, balloons, fireworks, thunderstorms, is a resource guarder, has a history of fighting, and not so keen on her newest housemate, Basha, who is our two-year-old pit mix rescue with reactive dog issues (she had to be sedated for her first vet appointment) and separation anxiety (over $300 worth of damage to items in our house). The primary catalyst for contacting Dr. Radosta however was due to sibling fights: Bella (our Boston) would initiate fights over toys and treats with Basha (our pit mix). Even after a number of fights, and Bella losing all of them (not to mention the $500+ vet bills per each fight, and me getting injured in trying to break up the fights) we were left with three options: 1) Re-home one of the dogs; 2) euthanize the pit, or 3) get professional help/recommendation. The first two options were out of the question, especially after having just lost our Yorkie the month prior.
Dr. Radosta provided us with a diagnosis and treatment plan with really clear instructions for training the dogs in a positive manner. I felt overwhelmed at first with all the re-training but determined to make positive changes. It took time, consistency, and commitment. For a while, I had a vocabulary of six words: Sit, stay, down, watch, and leave it. My husband and I had to implement new house rules for the benefit of our dogs. Basha was enrolled in Dr. Radosta’s Reactive Dog class. She did fabulously, and I am much more confident walking her in our community and keeping her aggressive side at bay. [Recently while walking Basha we were charged by two other pit bulls. I was able to remain calm, and we averted a dangerous situation.]
Although not thrilled with the idea of medicating my dogs to help them with their individual anxiety issues, after trying an array of natural products, conceded to the medication; WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Neither dog has lost her personality, both have a much more calm disposition, and a better quality of life. And, the best part: the dogs have gotten along! We are at 6 months (and counting) of amicable housemates!!
Dr. Radosta came highly recommended by our vet, the Pet Emergency vets, and other qualified animal trainers. I am sure I cried during our first appointment because of the serious nature of our doggy dilemma: dog fights. [As I type our pit mix rescue is growling at a passerby; in a calm voice I said, “leave it,” and our pit walked over to me, left the passerby alone, and was rewarded. YEA!] Dr. Radosta was professional, calm (I was a basket case), and direct. From the first visit, we saw signs of hope. What was most helpful to me, was feeling like I had an advocate, a coach, and a cheerleader! I emailed Dr. Radosta on a daily if not weekly basis updating her on observations of our dogs, and asking a million questions to help be a better handler to my pups. Dr. Radosta was not only prompt with her replies, but she affirmed me for all my hard work, giving me the encouragement and advice I needed to continue to help my four-legged kids. We have worked with Dr. Radosta for a year now – the result: a much more confident me, and two content and well-managed dogs.”