From Fear to Freedom with Fresco the Yorkie

Adopting a rescue dog is a journey for both the owner and the dog. While many owners dream of training a well-behaved dog to share their journey with, the reality is that it can be very difficult to deal with the previous trauma experienced by the dog.

Take Fresco the Yorkie, for example. He was adopted through ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) by his owner, who was a lifelong dog lover. Even though Fresco received plenty of love and care, his anxiety was constant. What started as nervousness had eventually turned into what his owner would call “rage”.

The Before: Extreme Anxiety

Fresco’s triggers were mostly unpredictable. Loud noises, such as dropped objects or storms, could send him into a panic. Bath time and brushing often result in biting. Even simple things like taking the collar on and off or removing stickers from his fur become a battle for sanity. Once he went into one of his fits of biting and kicking; there was no stopping it. Fresco’s severe anxiety wasn’t just making life difficult for the owner; it was also a safety risk. The owner knew things had to change in order for him to bring peace back into the home. After three long years of dealing with these underlying issues, the owner decided to trust A Peaceful Pack.

The Training: Rebuilding Trust

To say that Fesco was anxious when first entering our training program would be an understatement. His fits were so severe that our team couldn’t even safely handle or muzzle him. Our first step was to create a safe environment and set clear boundaries. We brought in a bite sleeve, where Fresco could release his frustration and anxiety. 

From there, we slowly introduced muzzle desensitization and touch tolerance drills by giving plenty of food and praise when he showed wanted behavior. Using reward systems, pressure-and-release methods, prong collars, and clicker training, our team was able to clearly communicate the type of behavior expected of him. 

At first, progress was slow. Over time, Fresco learned to let us touch, brush, and even pick him up without going into a fit. Patience and consistently replaced panic with calm, and for the first time, Fresco was able to truly relax. 

The After: A New Chapter

By the end of our four-week program, the owner was left in tears when he saw the progress Fresco had made. However, our work wasn’t done yet, as Fresco had experienced a regression upon returning home from our training camp. Our team spent a few training sessions in his own home, reteaching what he learned so he could apply it to his everyday life. 

Today, Fresco can live a good and peaceful life. He’s able to be groomed, picked up, and even walk in public without experiencing anxiety. Even during storms or other loud noises that startle him, he has learned how to suppress his rage gene and self-regulate. 

Let’s Help Your Rescue Dog Feel Safe Again

After trying multiple dog trainers and behavioral specialists, A Peaceful Pack’s dog training approach was what Fesco needed to truly change and live a good life. We believe every dog and owner deserves to live in peace, not in chaos. If you're in Tulsa or the surrounding areas, contact our team today to start your dog’s transformation journey.

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