Case Studies: Meet Leo, The Great Pyrenees Mix with a Not-So-Great Fear

A Note From GHDT

Dear Intrepid Reader,

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with a professional dog trainer? Our case studies offer a unique glimpse into the training process. They’re not just success stories, but honest accounts of the challenges, strategies, and unexpected twists that come with helping dogs and their owners. Our approach, guided by patience, expertise, and positive reinforcement, is what makes these stories truly inspiring.

We share these stories for a few reasons:

• To show you what’s possible with patience, expertise, and a whole lot of positive reinforcement
• To give you a taste of how we approach different behavior dilemmas
• To help you see if our training style might be a good fit for you and your dog

We’ve divided these into two sections: a short TL;DR for those with dinner plans, and a detailed version for our scientifically inclined counterparts. So settle in, dear reader, and dive into these real-life tales of canine transformation. Who knows? Your dog’s success story could be next!

Case Study Summary: Fearful Dogs (Leo)

Meet Leo

Leo, a 6.5-year-old neutered male Great Pyrenees mix, came to us with a big fear of strangers. His humans, Kayla and Kira, were at their wits’ end trying to manage his reactive behavior. Let’s see how we helped this gentle giant become more comfortable in his own fur!

Backstory

Leo had a tough beginning. Separated from his mom at just 6 weeks old, he missed out on crucial socialization. By the time he was 5 months old, he was already showing signs of being a “difficult puppy.”

The Story You Are About To Read Is True

The names have been changed to protect the innocent and best boy.

Breaking Down A Treatment Plan

The Challenge

Kayla and Kira’s main concerns were:

• Aggressive reactions to strangers (growling, barking, lunging)
• Two biting incidents, one resulting in a bite report
• Difficulty managing Leo on walks

Our Approach: Safety First, Progress Second

We knew Leo needed a careful, multi-faceted approach. Here’s what we did:

1. Health Check: Ensured Leo was feeling his best with a thorough vet exam.
2. Muzzle Training: Introduced Leo to a comfortable muzzle for everyone’s safety.
3. Behavior Diary: Helped Kayla and Kira track Leo’s triggers and reactions.
4. Positive Reinforcement: Taught Leo new, calm behaviors to replace reactive ones.
5. Environmental Management: Created safe spaces at home and found quiet walking spots.
6. Medication Consultation: Worked with a veterinary behaviorist for the right meds.

The Results

After several months of consistent work:

• Leo became more comfortable with new people in controlled situations
• He learned to relax on his mat when guests were over
• Walks became more enjoyable for everyone
• Reactions to neighborhood noises decreased

Formal Case Study: Leo

Consult #1 (virtual)

This occurred about 4 months after initial contact. Leo’s health was stable and his medication adjusted to a maintenance dose.

Client’s Long-Term Goals

• Leo comfortable when guests come over
• Leo walking past people without incident
• Leo comfortable in the RV with new people nearby
• Discontinue use of a prong collar on walks

Discussion

• Management protocols
• Dog body language
• Thresholds and learning ability
• Triggers and behavior diary setup
• Realistic expectations given history

Homework

• Determine Leo’s hierarchy of rewards
• Begin marker training and reinforcement strategies
• Train a positive interrupter for tension/arousal
• Teach foundational behaviors for future use

Because Leo has a bite history, Kayla and Kira installed an 8-foot privacy fence and reviewed state Dangerous Dog regulations.

Resources

• AVSAB Position Statement on Humane Dog Training (2021)
• AVSAB Position Statement on Dominance Theory (2008)
• State “Dangerous Dog” Statutes
• Thornburg, Enrichment Now! e-book (2020)

They’re not walking Leo in the neighborhood yet; we recommended SniffSpots and a local cemetery for safe exercise, plus personalized enrichment.

Observations

On my first in-person visit, Leo was back-tied in the yard. He froze and sniffed 10′ away—classic displacement behavior when unable to cope.

Assessment

Leo’s early separation and limited socialization left him tense around strangers. At 50′ he shows tension (staring, stillness) but can be redirected if no attention is given to the stranger.

First Incident

Distant antecedent: Contractor in the home
Immediate antecedent: Contractor reached out, Leo bit Kayla’s leg when redirected.

Second Incident

Distant antecedent: Leo felt unwell due to IMHA
Immediate antecedent: Stranger’s attention and eye contact triggered a charge and bark.

Positive Indicators

• Clients dedicated to management
• Predictable, manageable triggers
• Clients resourced for ongoing training

Negative Indicators

• Leo’s size makes restraint challenging
• History of Level 2+ bites
• Limited early social history
• Clients’ past use of aversive methods
• Health issues and age

Intervention Recommendations

Safety

• Continue muzzle training
• Walk in low-traffic areas
• Use pb Kong & music when visitors arrive

Veterinary & Wellness

• Referral to veterinary behaviorist
• Virtual consultations as needed
• Ensure plenty of rest
• Regular wellness checks

Environmental Modification

Daily enrichment—both calming and confidence-building; interactive feeding.

Clients resumed walks with a prong collar temporarily; goal to phase it out in favor of positive methods.

Homework

[details removed]

Consult #3 (in person)

Leo back-tied and muzzle-free, he barked, then reoriented to handler on cue. We practiced exercises outside the fence at 20′.

Homework

[details removed]

Update

Clients met with the veterinary behaviorist; my session notes were reviewed in advance.

New Vet Plan

Vet Recommendations

• Change to whole-food nutrition (sardines, eggs)
• Bridge medications as prescribed

Consult #4 (in person)

Owners muzzle-trained Leo and removed prong collar. We practiced leash handling and strategic reinforcement as a family.

Goals

Get Leo comfortable with a new person.

Environmental & Safety Precautions

Muzzle and harness in use; family walked together.

Skill Building & Behavior Modification

Leash walking and handling exercises; management plan for all caregivers; counterconditioning for doorbell and skateboard triggers.

Lesson 5 (in person)

Goal

Practice non-interactive greetings with guests enlisted for controlled exercises.

Leo settled on his mat 15′ away after initial bark.

Lesson 6 (in person)

Inside sessions showed reduced agitation to children and skateboarders; muzzle removed during chewing enrichment.

Lesson 7 (in person)

Goal

Plan for RV trips in spring.

Safety & Management

Leo remained muzzle-leashed close to trainer; positive engagement continued.

Skill Building & Behavior Modification

[details removed]

Conclusion

Walks and home visits go smoothly. Leo now recognizes a few people, interacts safely behind muzzle or gate, and clients report RV goals on track.