The Online Dog Trainer - my own experience

Bringing a new dog into an established household is rarely straightforward, especially when the resident canines have grown accustomed to their routines and the affection of their humans. When Indie came to live with Spud and Jax, I expected a period of adjustment, but nothing quite prepared me for the emotional whirlwind of that first week.

Indie bounded into our home with a heart full of hope and a tail that wagged with infectious enthusiasm. Spud and Jax, seasoned companions, examined this newcomer with wary eyes. The scent of change was in the air, and beneath their polite sniffs, I sensed an undertow of uncertainty.

It wasn’t long before that uncertainty turned to open rivalry. Indie, perhaps feeling both overwhelmed and desperate to belong, quickly became possessive. The subtle signs were there from the start: lingering too close to me, pushing herself between Spud and Jax and I at every opportunity, and shooting glances that spoke volumes. Within hours, what began as innocent curiosity spiralled into overt jealousy.

The first week was a test for all of us—of patience, understanding, and resilience. Indie’s need for attention was relentless. If Spud or Jax came near for a pat, Indie would wedge herself between us, sometimes nipping at their necks or shoulders in a clear bid to drive them away. Playtime became tense, with the boys watching Indie’s every move, never quite sure if her playful bow would morph into a push or a bark.

Jealousy is a complex emotion, even in dogs. I could see that Indie wasn’t trying to be aggressive; she was anxious, worried that there wasn’t enough love to go around, that she might be left out or overlooked in this new environment. Unfortunately, her behaviours were beginning to upset the fragile peace of our household.

Spud, normally easy going, started to withdraw. Jax, who had always enjoyed being the clown, stopped bringing me his favourite toy and instead lingered in corners, watching with wide, unsure eyes. The tension rippled through our days, and I found myself exhausted by constantly having to referee every interaction.

Sleepless nights spent watching my dogs struggle with their emotions led me to seek answers. Traditional advice—more walks, separate feeding times, individual attention for each dog—was helpful, but nothing seemed to address the root of the problem: Indie’s deep-seated insecurity and her frantic grasp for all the attention in the room.

Late one night, with Indie curled up at my feet and the boys lying uneasily across the room, I turned to the internet. I stumbled upon glowing reviews for an online dog trainer—Dan, whose calm presence and clear advice had apparently transformed the lives of countless pet owners. Sceptical but hopeful, I signed up for the free introductory meeting.

The video opened with Dan’s gentle voice and a pack of content, well-mannered dogs at his side. What struck me first was not just his knowledge, but his empathy—he seemed to understand not only the mechanics of training, but the emotional complexity that comes with blending canine personalities.

The free meeting was packed with practical tips. The emphasis on communication, clear boundaries, and the importance of claiming personal space resonated deeply. He spoke about the need for calm leadership, and how dogs, much like children, thrive when they feel safe and know what’s expected of them.

I was impressed by how Dan broke down each concept, demonstrating techniques step-by-step. Watching him, it became clear that I was not alone, and that our struggles were not unique or insurmountable.

By the end of the meeting, I was convinced. If this worked for others, why not for us? I bought the full course that night, determined to bring peace to my little pack.

The next morning, I began to implement Dan’s techniques. It started with small changes: establishing myself as the calm, consistent leader, and reclaiming my space from Indie. When she pushed between me and the boys, I gently but firmly blocked her, redirecting her until she understood that everyone would get attention, but on my terms, not hers.

We practiced structured activities that required patience and cooperation, rewarding all three dogs when they demonstrated calm, respectful behaviour around one another. I learned to communicate not just with treats or praise, but with body language and tone, setting clear expectations and sticking to them. Within a week everyone had settled and every sharing their spaces. I recommend The Online Dog Trainer to anyone with any pack issues he helped us very quicky and way faster than I had hoped.