Michelle Hanley, a 53-year-old teacher, found herself seeking companionship after her children moved out. Growing up with a German Shepherd, she decided to bring a dog back into her life and chose an Italian Greyhound for their gentle nature. Welcoming 12-week-old Dante into her home proved to be a positive decision.
Initially, Dante’s behavior was smooth, but around eight months old, encounters with aggressive dogs led to a drastic change. Michelle noticed Dante becoming anxious, barking and pulling on walks after negative interactions with other dogs.
Despite seeking help from a local trainer, Dante’s behavior worsened, causing Michelle distress and making her hesitant to walk him. Concerned about potentially giving him up, Michelle’s situation improved when she discovered Woodgreen, a charity supporting pets and their owners.
Woodgreen, which assisted 5,744 pets and owners last year, connected Michelle with lead outreach officer Steph Drake. Steph observed Dante’s behavior firsthand and identified signs of stress, explaining that his aggression stemmed from fear.
With Steph’s guidance on interpreting Dante’s signals and staying calm in stressful situations, Michelle learned to manage his behavior effectively. Woodgreen aims to ensure pets have a nurturing environment and offers support to owners to maintain this bond.
By making adjustments like shorter walks and ending on positive notes, Michelle saw significant improvements in Dante’s behavior. Steph emphasized the impact of Michelle’s emotions on Dante’s anxiety, highlighting the need for a calm demeanor during walks.
Michelle’s dedication to understanding and reassuring Dante has led to visible progress, with his behavior now largely controlled. Steph commended Michelle’s commitment and noted Dante’s transformation, showcasing increased confidence and relaxation.
Reflecting on the positive changes, Michelle expressed gratitude for Steph’s insights and stressed the importance of building trust with Dante. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in a more confident and content Dante, allowing him to enjoy experiences like beach visits off the lead.