Michelle Hanley, a 53-year-old teacher, sought companionship after her children moved out. Familiar with German Shepherds from her childhood, she decided to bring an Italian Greyhound named Dante into her home due to the breed’s gentle and affectionate reputation. Initially, everything went smoothly with Dante, but his behavior took a negative turn around eight months old following encounters with aggressive dogs.
Dante’s anxiety manifested as barking and pulling on walks, making Michelle feel overwhelmed and anxious. Despite seeking help from a local trainer, Dante’s behavior continued to deteriorate. Michelle contemplated giving him up until she found support from Woodgreen, a charity providing assistance to pets and their owners across the UK.
After contacting Woodgreen, Michelle received guidance from their lead outreach officer, Steph Drake. Steph observed Dante’s behavior firsthand and identified signs of stress, explaining that his aggression stemmed from fear. With Steph’s help, Michelle learned to read Dante’s body language and respond calmly in stressful situations.
Woodgreen aims to ensure every pet has a loving home and supports owners in keeping their pets by offering guidance and intervention before potential separations. By making changes to Dante’s walking routine and Michelle’s emotional state during walks, significant improvements were seen in Dante’s behavior.
Michelle expressed gratitude for Steph’s approach, emphasizing the importance of building trust with Dante. Through perseverance and understanding, Dante’s transformation was evident, with Michelle noting a significant improvement in his confidence and behavior. Steph commended Michelle for her dedication and hard work, highlighting Dante’s newfound confidence and happiness in various environments.
