Captain, a young Shiloh Shepherd, came to Liv and Lo Canine Academy as a large, powerful dog with very little understanding of boundaries. While he was not aggressive, his size combined with poor impulse control made his behavior overwhelming for his family.

He struggled with basic obedience, recall, jumping, and general manners. One of the biggest concerns was his behavior around the family’s young daughter. Captain would herd her, mouth at her, and act pushy and demanding, often invading her space and causing her to feel scared and uncomfortable.

Given his size, these behaviors were not just frustrating, they were unsafe if left unaddressed.

Through structured private lessons, our focus was on building clear communication, impulse control, and respect for boundaries. Captain needed to learn how to slow down, think, and respond appropriately rather than acting on instinct and excitement.

We worked on foundational obedience including sit, down, place, recall, and leash manners, while placing heavy emphasis on neutrality and calm behavior around the family, especially the daughter.

As Captain began to understand expectations, his behavior started to shift. He became more responsive, more controlled, and more aware of how to exist appropriately within the home.

His interactions with the daughter improved significantly. Instead of overwhelming her, he learned how to respect her space, move calmly around her, and respond to guidance rather than acting impulsively.

By the end of his training, Captain had transformed into a dog the entire family could confidently handle. His obedience became reliable, his impulse control improved, and his presence in the home shifted from stressful to safe and manageable.

Today, Captain continues to be a part of the Liv and Lo Canine's family as a frequent boarder, and his progress has carried over long after training.

His story is a powerful reminder that with the right structure and guidance, even large, overwhelming dogs can become calm, respectful, and safe companions for the whole family.