How Patience and Positive Training Save Lives!
Why would we take a dog that bites? The truth is simple: not all bites are created equal, and no two circumstances are the same. We firmly believe that every dog deserves to be evaluated as an individual.
Right from the start, we knew that understanding complex behavioral issues was just as important as treating medical ones. Over the years, we have gained the expertise and skill to knowledgeably decide which dogs we can safely help. While we cannot rehabilitate every single Cocker Spaniel that crosses our path, we have successfully retrained and rehomed many dogs that other shelters and rescues deemed “unadoptable.”
Our criteria for taking in a challenging dog comes down to one vital question: Can we keep our volunteers, staff, and the public safe while this dog is in training? If the answer is yes, the real work begins.
Our Approach to Rehabilitation
Every dog’s journey is unique, but our core process focuses on two main goals:
• Socializing the dog in a controlled, positive environment.
• Identifying and removing their specific behavioral triggers.
Our Training Philosophy: We exclusively use positive reinforcement training for all of our dogs, but especially for those struggling with aggression. The reason we stand by this method is simple: it works.
A New Beginning
Finding the perfect match for these resilient dogs is the most rewarding part of our work. We are incredibly selective about the homes they go to, and we walk alongside their new families every step of the way to ensure a smooth, successful transition. There is nothing quite like watching a dog transform from defensive and fearful into a joyful, beloved family member. We are so proud of the many Cockers we have helped over the years, and we remain deeply committed to giving these special dogs the peaceful, loving futures they truly deserve.
We have known Copper for several years. He has always had a problem meeting new people and being in new situations. He had separation anxiety and he had bitten several people. His mother was out of her depth with him and finally gave in to her family pressuring her to either have him killed or give him up. We decided to take him on as one of our aggressive dog projects.
him with me places and ask people to feed him a treat but not pet him. The goal is to make people fun and, like many dogs, he hates having his head petted. By this time he was just another dog in the house. No drama, no problems, new people ignored him at first and the treats came out when he was ready. He was so good he got to come up to our cabin for two weeks with the rest of the dogs. I am working on getting him used to having his head petted and collar pulled until he is ready for a stranger to try it..
