Michelle Hanley, a 53-year-old teacher, sought companionship after her children left home. Growing up with a German Shepherd, she decided to bring a dog back into her life and chose an Italian Greyhound for their gentle nature. Welcoming 12-week-old Dante into her home, Michelle was pleased with her choice.
Initially, everything went smoothly with Dante, but at around eight months old, his behavior took a negative turn after encountering aggressive dogs. Michelle noticed a significant change in Dante’s behavior, as he became anxious and reactive towards other dogs during walks.
Despite seeking help from a local trainer, Dante’s behavior worsened, causing distress to Michelle, who felt overwhelmed and contemplated giving him up. Fortunately, Michelle discovered Woodgreen, a charity in Cambridgeshire that supports pets and their owners across the UK.
After reaching out to Woodgreen, Michelle was connected with Steph Drake, the lead outreach officer, who observed Dante’s behavior firsthand. Steph identified signs of stress in Dante and explained that his aggression stemmed from fear rather than hostility.
With Steph’s guidance, Michelle learned how to interpret Dante’s body language and respond calmly in stressful situations. By reassuring Dante with a calm voice and positive reinforcement, Michelle saw a noticeable improvement in his behavior.
Woodgreen aims to ensure every pet has a loving home by providing support to pet owners in need. By offering expert advice, in-home support, and rehoming services, the organization helps pets and owners stay together in challenging times.
Steph recommended changes such as shorter, quieter walks for Dante and ending each walk positively to reinforce calm behavior. She also highlighted the impact of Michelle’s emotions on Dante’s anxiety, emphasizing the need for a relaxed demeanor during walks.
The transformation in Dante’s behavior has been remarkable, with Michelle noting a significant improvement and feeling confident in his progress. By understanding Dante’s needs and building trust through positive reinforcement, Michelle and Dante have forged a stronger bond.
Steph commended Michelle for her dedication and hard work in helping Dante overcome his fears. Dante now exudes confidence, happiness, and relaxation, showing remarkable progress under Michelle’s care and guidance.
