Goose's Journey: From Reactive to Playful – A Success Story
At Wags & Wiggles, we believe every dog has growth potential, and sometimes, that journey involves a few bumps along the way. Goose, a German Shorthaired Pointer, came to us as a puppy, full of promise and energy. His story is one of transformation, highlighting the importance of patience, training, and a tailored approach to helping dogs thrive.
Starting with a Solid Foundation
Goose's journey with us began at an early age. As a young puppy, he participated in our Puppy Raising Program, where we focused on building good behavior and helping him develop the necessary skills for interacting with other dogs.
Everything seemed to be going smoothly until Goose took a significant step in his development: he spent three months at another facility doing field training. While this experience broadened his skills, it also led to a change in his behavior that none of us expected.
A New Challenge: Aggression Toward Other Dogs
When Goose returned to Wags, we noticed a marked shift in his behavior. He became incredibly reactive, showing signs of aggression whenever he encountered another dog. He would bark loudly, adopt stiff body language, and stare intensely. The fur along his neck and spine would stand on end, a clear indication of his heightened arousal and discomfort. Unfortunately, this aggressive behavior meant Goose was no longer suitable for daycare.
Rather than giving up, Goose's dedicated parents took the next step to address his issues: they enrolled him in another round of our Puppy Raising Program, hoping to reverse this troubling shift and help Goose learn to socialize with other dogs again.
The First Steps Toward Coexistence 
Corey, one of our experienced trainers, took on the task of reintroducing Goose to the world of positive interactions with other dogs. The first goal was to show Goose that he could coexist peacefully with other dogs.
To do this, Corey used positive reinforcement, rewarding Goose with treats whenever he remained calm in the presence of other dogs. This helped Goose form new, positive associations with the presence of other dogs rather than viewing them as threats.
They began with pack walks and training sessions near other dogs. Corey even took walks with his own pup, keeping the dogs on opposite sides of him, helping Goose build positive associations with another dog without feeling overwhelmed. Slowly but surely, Goose started to relax. His body language began to soften, and his once-stiff posture gradually loosened.
Introducing Goose to New Friends
Once Goose had progressed, it was time for a more direct approach. Corey introduced Goose to some of the daycare's staff dogs, each carefully chosen for their calm and friendly personalities.
At first, the dogs were separated by a metal x-pen, allowing Goose to observe the others without the risk of escalation. Over time, as Goose showed more comfort, the barriers were removed, and he was able to approach the dogs more freely, starting with just sniffing.
As Goose continued to progress, he began to show signs of wanting to engage in play. His body language softened even more, and he became visibly excited and happy in the presence of his new dog friends. Once rigid and reactive, Goose was now demonstrating joy and playfulness—a massive shift from where he had been months earlier.
Back to Daycare: A New Pack and a New Goose 
After making meaningful strides with the staff dogs, Goose's journey led him to interact with more daycare dogs, particularly those experienced with the training and socialization processes we promote at Wags. With each successful encounter, Goose's social circle grew, and so did his confidence.
Soon, Goose was comfortable enough to rejoin daycare, where he could participate in wrestling and tug games with his dog friends—just like he used to before his behavior changed.
The Goose we see today is a happy, playful dog who enjoys spending time with his pack. His body language communicates positive, friendly emotions. He no longer feels threatened by the presence of other dogs and is thriving in a daycare environment again.
The Power of Persistence and Training
Goose's journey wasn't a quick fix. He completed three Puppy Raising Programs before going to field training and another two rounds of our Puppy Raising Program before we saw the results we hoped for. It's important to note that Goose's success didn't come from one magical training session but from consistent work, positive reinforcement, and a plan tailored to his unique needs.
His story is a testament to the power of training and the impact that dedicated care can have on a dog's behavior. With continued attention, he will no doubt continue to grow and flourish.
Transformation Is Possible 
Goose's story powerfully reminds us that no matter how challenging a dog's behavior may seem, transformation is possible with the right approach and plenty of patience. At Wags, we are proud to have been part of his journey and look forward to seeing him continue to grow and enjoy his time with his friends.
If your dog is struggling with behavior issues, don't hesitate to contact us. Like Goose, your dog has the potential to overcome challenges and thrive in a positive, well-structured environment.