Before Training
Poppy arrived as a bundle of nerves and anxiety. She had never received any formal training and was completely unable to perform even basic commands like a simple stay. Her anxiety levels were so high that she couldn’t remain calm for any period of time.
At home, Poppy had convinced herself that she was in charge of the household. This self-appointed leadership role was devastating for a dog without the natural alpha temperament needed for such responsibility. The result was a cascade of behavioral problems that made life difficult for everyone.
The Weight of Leadership
When a dog believes they’re the pack leader without having the proper temperament, the psychological burden becomes overwhelming. Poppy was constantly on high alert, patrolling the house perimeter, sleeping with one eye open, and reacting to every tiny sound. She felt responsible for protecting not only her human family but the entire environment around her.
This exhausting responsibility manifested in multiple ways:
- Severe separation anxiety
- Fear-based reactions
- Frustration and bossiness
- Aggressive tendencies
- Constant vigilance and stress
Food Issues
Poppy’s anxiety extended to her eating habits. She absolutely refused to eat dry dog kibble, demanding only human food or the highest quality wet dog foods. Her parents tried everything they could think of, but nothing worked. Her selective eating was just another symptom of her overall anxious state and need to control her environment.
The Transformation
After enrolling in a 10-day Board and Train program, Poppy underwent a remarkable transformation. The intensive training served as a complete system reboot—like restarting a computer that had been running poorly.
Key Changes
Establishing Pack Hierarchy: The most crucial change was helping Poppy understand that she was a valued pack member but not the leader. This revelation allowed her to finally relax and simply be a dog rather than carrying the burden of leadership.
Practical Skills: Training in a home environment allowed for work on real-world manners, including:
- House manners and leash behavior
- Neighborhood walking etiquette
- Problem behaviors like potty training
- Reducing barking and begging
- Learning basic commands like down-stays
Food Success: Perhaps most surprisingly, Poppy began eating regular dry dog kibble—something her parents had thought was impossible.
The Result
Today, Poppy is a different dog. She can perform a solid down-stay, eats her regular dog food without fuss, and most importantly, she’s learned to relax. By understanding her proper place in the pack hierarchy, she no longer feels the crushing weight of responsibility that had been driving her anxiety.
The transformation shows how proper training and clear communication can help an anxious dog find peace and confidence in their role as a beloved family member rather than a stressed-out pack leader.