While Bama was understandably in full puppy mode for the past few months due to turning 1-year-old this August, he also became a physically strong, rebellious handful that led to some destructive behaviors and pet ownership frustration for Greenwood City Lifestyle publisher Scott Gilcrest. Giving up was not an option. Enter the training team of Top Tier K9 of Greenwood.
Jen Mutz, Top Tier K9 co-owner/operator, states their training program focuses on building trust to help dogs stay focused, no matter the setting.
Scott says Bama was rescued from Indianapolis-region Love of Labs Indiana.
"We think Bama's a lab/bloodhound/Great Dane mix, so he's naturally muscular, smart and super active. He also was territorial and easily agitated," he says.
Bama's Top Tier K9 trainer, Christi Henson, says he came in with high anxiety toward people, new environments and other dogs.
"During his first week, our focus was to build trust and confidence through positive interactions and to provide simple tasks to celebrate successes. We had to be patient and move forward at his rate of comfortability," she recalls.
Once Bama became comfortable with the training team and training room, Christi says they successfully introduced him to another training dog, Moses. "They became the best of friends, which helped Bama's confidence soar. That's when his training took off. He was able to focus during training, excel in his commands and begin to practice outside with distractions."
During Bama's second week, Christi says they named the commands and began to hold him accountable through a balanced training approach. The third week, she says they added distance, duration and distractions.
Christi says Bama recently graduated from his customized training with confidence and the ability to not only overcome anxiety of new people and situations, but to tune them out and enjoy new adventures.
"As his trainer, I've grown so close to him. This precious boy completely stole my heart. The transformation I've seen with him is unbelievable. He and I worked so hard over a month to get to where he is now. He's an amazing dog, and I'm so proud of him," exclaims Christi.
She says she enjoyed seeing Bama work through so many fears and insecurities. "It's hard to believe he's the same dog. Helping him work through this, watching him gain confidence and become what he has, is one of the greatest things you could see and be a part of."
"I know Bama's life will be better, happier and more fulfilling. It's a heartbreaking goodbye for me, but I'll be OK knowing his life will forever be changed for the better. I love you, my sweet Bama! And I'm so, so proud of you!" shares Christi.
Jen and Christi indicate that their assessment process involves scheduling a free evaluation with a dog and owner(s) to observe the dog's temperament, reaction to new environments and other people, to find out what obedience commands they already know and to discuss training goals with owners.
"We then discuss best training options to meet both dog and owners' needs, " assures Jen.
This Greenwood state-of-the-art training facility, which includes boarding, is located at 1709 S. State Road 135, and launched on Aug. 26, 2023. The team provides Pet and Foundation Dog training programs related to COVID-19 detection and the future of K9s in the world of virus detection.
317.447.0853
The first week of Top Tier K9 of Greenwood dog training focuses on luring commands (technique where desired behaviors are achieved by using treats or toys to guide dogs), positively reinforcing commands and building a dog's confidence. During the second week, they name commands and hold dogs accountable through balanced training. The third week, distance, duration and distractions is added.