Tails of Transformation: A Family’s Guide to Happy Hounds

We adopted Maizy from a rescue; she was deaf and blind in one eye. We took her to the Nebraska Humane Society for a class specializing in newly adopted dogs. We trained her using hand signals.

When Ericka and I made the decision to get a dog, one of our earliest conversations centered on the crucial role of training and socialization to ensure that our new pet would develop into a well-mannered and self-assured companion. We understood that welcoming a dog into our home involved much more than simply providing nourishment and shelter; it required a continuous commitment to consistent guidance and positive reinforcement from the very beginning. Training would create clear communication channels and set boundaries to avoid common behavioral problems, while socialization would introduce our dog to diverse people, settings, and other animals, promoting adaptability and decreasing fear or aggression. We enthusiastically explored various training methods and planned to enroll our dog in puppy classes, recognizing that this strong foundation would not only deepen our connection but also help our dog enjoy a happy, balanced life surrounded by loved ones.

Our first dog, Dakota, a striking mix of Rottweiler and Chow, quickly showed us the value of patience and consistency, especially given his instinctually aggressive behavior. After adopting him from the Council Bluffs Humane Society, we observed that although he was just an eight-week-old puppy, he had already exhibited a biting habit and was wary around strangers. Knowing that socialization was essential for raising a confident and well-behaved dog, we dedicated ourselves to gently exposing Dakota to a range of people, animals, and environments in controlled, positive situations. This method not only increased his sense of security but also gradually diminished his anxiety-related aggression. Alongside socialization, we emphasized teaching him fundamental commands such as sit, stay, and come, thereby establishing clear expectations and communication. These basic lessons fostered trust between us and Dakota, transforming him from a cautious puppy into a devoted and self-assured companion who flourished both within family life and social contexts. Our experience with Dakota highlighted how commitment and mindful training can bring out the best qualities in even the most alpha of dogs.

Following Dakota, we felt the happiness of bringing Divot into our family – a spirited and loving two-year-old Lhasa Apso I discovered at the same Humane Society where Dakota had been. From the start, Divot’s eagerness to learn and bond was evident, though, like many rescue dogs, he required some guidance to settle comfortably into his new surroundings. To ensure he got off to the best possible beginning and to help him adapt alongside his canine sibling, we enrolled both dogs in Bonafide Dog Academy LLC, a training club that met in a church basement just a short walk from our home. Through Bonafide, we learned how to teach our dogs fundamental obedience skills and they both gained confidence by practicing social behaviors with other dogs and humans. It was truly fulfilling to witness their daily growth in assurance, and we appreciated the skills we learned in the process. This experience significantly strengthened the relationship we shared with our dogs and underscored how vital patience, training, and socialization are in nurturing a joyful, well-adjusted dog.

After Dakota was attacked by another dog, he became fearful and aggressive. To ensure our son's safety, we had to rehome him, leaving Divot missing his friend. The atmosphere in the house grew quieter, and we noticed a decline in Divot’s appetite and playful enthusiasm. To revive the happiness in his life, we chose to add a new member to our family – a lively eight-week-old Corgipoo named Lulu. From the moment she joined us, Lulu’s vibrant energy and insatiable curiosity injected a fresh spirit into our household. Although Divot was initially wary, he soon embraced Lulu’s playful demeanor, and the two developed a close bond that helped fill the gap left by Dakota’s departure. Seeing them chase each other through the yard, snuggle during naps, and bring joy to one another was a touching reminder of the profound impact companionship has – for pets and their owners alike.

When Lulu was a two-pound bundle of fluff, we chose not to enroll her in formal dog training classes, concerned that her small size and fragility might not suit a structured setting. Instead, Grandma Opie took the reins, bringing her gentle wisdom and immense patience to become Lulu’s first and most devoted trainer. Drawing on her extensive experience and nurturing style, she successfully kennel-trained Lulu, transforming what had seemed stressful and impossible for us into a peaceful and reassuring routine. Grandma Opie also handled Lulu’s potty training, since both Ericka and I worked. By applying consistent routines and positive reinforcement, the stubborn little dog was soon fully house trained. Through Grandma Opie’s attentive care and loving support, Lulu adapted swiftly to the rhythms of her new home, demonstrating that sometimes the most effective training stems from heartfelt care and a familiar, loving presence.

Following a long, fulfilling life, Divot passed away from old age, leaving behind a wealth of treasured memories that had filled our household with happiness. For as far back as we could remember, our family had always shared our lives with two dogs, faithful companions who accompanied us through countless experiences. Feeling the emptiness following Divot’s departure, we realized our hearts and home were ready to welcome a new furry member. That’s when we chose to rescue Maizy, a gentle-spirited deaf dog with one blind eye and an unspoken connection awaiting discovery. Despite her disabilities, Maizy’s loving disposition and steadfast loyalty quickly occupied the space left behind, teaching us alternative ways to communicate and bond. Her presence reminded us that love goes beyond obstacles – and sometimes, in rescuing a dog, we find ourselves rescued emotionally as well.

Training Maizy, who was deaf, was initially a daunting challenge because conventional vocal commands simply didn’t work for her, leaving us unsure of how to effectively communicate. However, everything changed when Ericka discovered dog sign language online. Learning this visual form of communication allowed us to connect with Maizy in a way that suited her unique needs perfectly. Using clear hand signals and gestures, we could convey commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” in a consistent and understandable manner. Not only did this method accelerate Maizy’s learning process, but it also deepened the bond between us, as she responded eagerly to our visual cues with confidence and enthusiasm.

Once Maizy felt comfortable in our home and we had all learned command signs, we decided it was the perfect time to take the next step in her journey by enrolling her in a class at the Nebraska Humane Society designed specifically for newly adopted dogs. This decision was more than just about training; it was about helping Maizy build confidence, learn essential social skills, and strengthen her bond with our family. The class offered a gentle, supportive environment where she could interact with other dogs and people under the guidance of experienced trainers who understood the unique challenges that adopted pets might face. Watching Maizy grow more relaxed, responsive, and well-mannered over the weeks was incredibly rewarding, and the positive impact rippled through our entire household, creating a foundation for a happy, healthy life together. Our experience with Maizy proved that with patience, creativity, and the right tools, training a deaf dog is not only feasible but can be an incredibly rewarding journey.

Like many dogs with hearing impairments, Maizy encountered specific difficulties that significantly influenced her behavior and emotional state. Her inability to hear her surroundings often left her feeling insecure and uncertain, making her prone to fear and easily startled by sudden movements or new settings. This increased anxiety gradually led her to become excessively protective, as she relied on her instincts to compensate for her deafness to protect herself and those she cared about. Unfortunately, this protective instinct occasionally resulted in biting, a response driven not by aggression but by fear and misunderstanding. With two children and a bustling household hosting numerous visitors, we ultimately chose to return Maizy to the rescue organization from which she came. They assured us they would find her a calmer environment, and we provided them with a visual list of signs she was familiar with, hoping it would facilitate her prompt adoption.

As my heart failure grew worse, daily life became increasingly challenging, and I found myself longing for a small support dog – a loyal companion who could provide comfort and emotional stability while being easy to take with me wherever I went. Since rescuing Maizy had led to heartache, I decided to buy a dog from a breeder. That’s when Maxwell Smart came into my life, a gentle and intelligent little Havanese whose presence brought me immeasurable peace and strength. Maxwell quickly became more than just a pet; he was my steadfast supporter during difficult moments, intuitively sensing when I felt weak or anxious, and offering a calming warmth with his soft fur and unwavering companionship. His small size made him the perfect travel partner, fitting comfortably on my lap or in a basket, allowing me to feel secure and less alone whether I was in the hospital, running errands, or simply walking through the park. With Maxwell by my side, I discovered not only the power of unconditional love but also a renewed sense of hope and resilience to face the challenges of my condition.

Knowing Max was destined to be my support dog, I wanted to give him the best foundation possible, so I enrolled him in Dog Gone Problems’ puppy classes – an experience that proved invaluable for his training and socialization. These classes are expertly designed to not only teach basic obedience but also to expose puppies to a variety of environments, sounds, and other dogs, which is essential for a support-dog’s confident and calm demeanor. Maxwell and I blossomed as a duo under the patient guidance of the trainers, developing crucial commands like sit, stay, and recall, while also teaching Max the social skills necessary to navigate public spaces without anxiety or distraction. The group setting allowed Maxwell Smart to interact with other puppies, helping him build positive social habits that would later ease his transitions into more complex support work. Enrolling him at Dog Gone Problems was one of the best decisions I made, as it laid the groundwork for him to become not only a well-mannered companion but also a reliable, steady presence in my life.

Although we already had two dogs, we found ourselves unable to resist our daughter Sophia's heartfelt pleas for a dog of her own. Watching her search through listings on the Humane Society’s website, carefully considering each dog’s photo and story, made it clear how much responsibility and love she was ready to take on. Ultimately, we decided to say yes, knowing that adding another furry family member would bring even more joy and companionship into our home. After a long search and many missed opportunities, we finally found an older Border Collie puppy being dumped by a local breeder. Bringing Cody into our lives not only deepened Sophia’s sense of commitment but also enriched the entire family dynamic, as we all bonded over the excitement and challenges of welcoming a new pet into our home.

Once Sophia and Cody completed the basic command class at the Humane Society, Ericka and I decided to enroll Cody in the “Active Dog” class they offered, and it turned out to be one of our best decisions. While the basic commands had helped Sophia establish a foundation of obedience and communication with her dog, activity training took Cody’s skills and confidence to a whole new level. Watching him navigate through tunnels, herd a large ball across our yard, or run up and down an A-frame was not only impressive but also incredibly rewarding. The classes challenged Cody mentally and physically, providing him with the exercise and stimulation he needed to stay happy and healthy. Moreover, the supportive environment at the Humane Society, filled with fellow dog lovers and expert trainers, made each session enjoyable and motivating for Sophia. Agility training strengthened the bond between Cody and our daughter, as it demanded teamwork and trust, and seeing Cody's enthusiasm to tackle each obstacle was a constant source of joy.

Looking back over the journey with all our dogs, it’s clear that no matter their breed, size, or individual challenges, consistent training and socialization have been the cornerstone of their happiness and success in our lives. Each unique experience – from Grandma Opie’s tender care with Lulu to the specialized approach with Maizy and the advanced training with Cody – has taught us that patience, adaptability, and love are the keys to raising well-rounded, confident dogs. These lessons extend beyond obedience; they have shaped us into more thoughtful and compassionate pet parents. As we continue welcoming new furry family members, we carry forward this knowledge, grateful for the unbreakable bonds that grow from training done with heart.

Maxwell Smart attended Dog Gone Problems. They focused on socializing puppies and teaching owners how to use positive training methods.

Cody attended classes for active dogs at The Nebraska Humane society. His first class as a puppy worked on basic commands and getting used to different agility equipment.

The first dogs we trained were Divot and Dakota. They attended classes in a basement with a group known as Bonafide Dog Academy, LLC. They worked on basic commands and training dogs to be companions for those in need.