D4 Wags Walks & Training @ Natick

Hi, I'm David. I have had pets since childhood. Though I've parented several types of animals, dogs have always been the easy favorite. You can't deny there is something special about a being who can sense your unspoken emotions and respond accordingly with just the right kind of positivity. I lost my big boy, Apollo a few years back. He'll be in my heart always. Apollo came to me as a foster pup, my second of 3 fosters. He was actually 5 years old, but they're all pups to me. He was extremely under nourished, skin and bone at 60 lbs. Within about 2 weeks he had grown to a strong and beautiful 85 lbs. and was a very happy pup. Over the next couple of years I was able to teach him/he learned at least 13 different commands and tricks. Though energetic, he was a very gentle soul. I've since had great success in helping less docile dogs and their humans to better relationships. Mollie, an insecure little chihuahua mix (a rescue) and her 5 yr old human brother were in fierce competition for their single mom's affection. He hit, she bit. Nobody was happy. I was able to influence a change that resulted in his loving his little sister who would now curl up next to him on his pillow after he went to sleep. Then there was Sultan, a gorgeous 65 lb American Pitbull who grew up in a loving home, but unfortunately, due to lack of early socialization, combined with the influence of his people's fears, became a human/dog aggressive disaster waiting to happen. He came to board with me while his dad was working abroad for 2 months. I trained my roommate, who from initially being the enemy, soon became an excellent handler, surpassing me. Before his dad returned home, Sultan who would previously have gone ballistic if a man, or dog of either sex were to pass within several yards, could now ignore those passing by within a few feet. Being with a happy dog is its own reward, but those results do feel pretty awesome.
I've chosen to delay getting another dog of my own until I have settled into a more predictable schedule. I want to be able to give them a sense of stability.
I place a strong emphasis on discipline. As I stated previously, I have successfully influenced positive correction in the behavior of aggressive dogs.

I am willing to take on new clients with problem dogs. It is important that a client be open and share knowledge that their dog has particular triggers (types of people, dogs, sights or sounds that tend to set them off.)
Dogs are honest and there love is pure. You can't help but be infected by the joy of a truly happy pup.

Skills and qualifications

Behavioral modifications

Able to recognise subtle signs of a problem

Skill to administer medications

Basic understanding of how to manage and care for pet

Experience in training

Other skills

CPR