Case Study: Transforming Prey-Like Obsession into Peaceful Coexistence

Client Background

The client reached out regarding Butkus, a 2-year-old English Mastiff, who displayed obsessive and potentially predatory behavior toward a newly adopted kitten. Butkus, typically well-mannered and sweet, lived with his older Yorkie brother, Bentley, without issue until the kitten's arrival. The behavior included "staring down," fixation, and lack of responsiveness to his guardians' cues. The family, concerned for the kitten's safety, sought guidance on how to ensure both pets could coexist peacefully.

Initial Concerns

• Butkus' fixation on the kitten created tension, raising concerns about high prey drive.

• Safety for both pets was paramount, especially since the family was unsure how Mastiffs might behave around cats.

• Separation added stress, as Butkus and the kitten vocalized when apart.

Holistic Behavior Intervention Plan

Step 1: Behavior Assessment & Context

The first consultation revealed the following key factors:

• Butkus' Temperament: A gentle, food-motivated dog with no prior exposure to cats.

• Environmental Setup: Shared spaces needed boundaries to minimize stress for all animals.

• Human Anxiety: The guardians' concern for the kitten created heightened emotional energy in the home.

Step 2: Immediate Safety Measures

I recommended:

1. Physical Separation: Keep the kitten in a secure room when unsupervised, allowing Butkus to acclimate to the kitten’s scent through a door.

2. Scent Introduction: Encourage Butkus to sniff items associated with the kitten to begin building familiarity and positive associations.

3. Controlled Visual Introductions: Ensure all early interactions were managed on leash, reinforcing calm behavior.

Step 3: Gradual Exposure Process

Using my trauma-informed framework, we prioritized incremental exposure:

• Positive Reinforcement for Calmness: Rewarded Butkus for showing calm interest in the kitten (e.g., sniffing, sitting, or lying down).

• Brief Introductions: Held the kitten securely while allowing Butkus short, controlled interactions, redirecting fixation with high-value treats.

• Consistent Cues: Established a clear hand signal ("sit") and sound cue (finger snap) to interrupt unwanted fixation.

Step 4: Addressing the Root Cause of Fixation

To address Butkus' behavior holistically:

• Emotional Regulation Exercises: Introduced calming activities such as slow feeding from a snuffle mat and decompression walks.

• Environmental Adjustments: Provided the kitten with escape routes, such as a cat tree, to create a sense of security.

• Pack Dynamics: Encouraged Bentley's role as a natural pack leader to model appropriate behavior, as he barked when Butkus attempted to chase.

Outcome

Within 2 Months:

• Butkus developed a calm, relaxed demeanor around the kitten.

• Both pets now coexist peacefully, even when unsupervised.

• Butkus displays affectionate, non-threatening behaviors, such as gentle licks and playful interactions.

• The guardians report a harmonious household dynamic, with Bentley naturally reinforcing boundaries.

Key Takeaways

1. Holistic and Incremental Approach:
   The slow, controlled introduction of the kitten allowed Butkus to process and adjust without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Understanding Individual Motivations:
   Leveraging Butkus' food motivation and Bentley’s leadership provided natural reinforcement mechanisms.

3. Empowering Guardians:
   With tools, techniques, and emotional support, the family fostered a positive bond between Butkus and the kitten.

Client Testimonial

"Roman’s approach helped us turn what felt like an impossible situation into a heartwarming success story. We’re thrilled to see Butkus and the kitten as best friends now. It’s all thanks to his patient, step-by-step guidance that gave us confidence to build trust and harmony in our home." - Rachel Simmonds

Interested in learning how to resolve your own multi-pet challenges?
Book a discovery video call here: https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/Short-Web.

Case Study: Navigating Multi-Pet Dynamics with Opal Great Pyrenees

Case Study: Opal and three Cats

Client Background

Opal, a 3-year-old Great Pyrenees, was adopted from a rescue alongside her bonded sister, Nova. Within a month of joining her new family, Opal began displaying behaviors toward two of the family’s three cats that raised concerns. Although her interactions with the cats were mostly calm, occasional fixations and odd behaviors caused the guardian to worry about leaving the pets unsupervised.

Initial Concerns

• Intermittent Behavior Shifts: While Opal generally coexisted well with the cats, occasional moments of fixation, tension, and potential aggression toward one particular cat were unsettling.

• Guardian Anxiety: The unpredictability of Opal's behavior created a lack of trust in unsupervised interactions between the animals.

• Fear of Escalation: The guardian was unsure whether Opal's actions were part of the adjustment period or indicative of a deeper issue that could escalate without intervention.

Holistic Behavior Intervention Plan

Step 1: Assessment and Understanding

During the intake, several key factors were identified:

• Opal’s History: Having lived with a cat in her previous home, Opal had a foundation for feline interactions, but the transition to a new environment could have contributed to her stress.

• Guardians' Routine: Free feeding and limited interactive play revealed areas for improving emotional outlets for Opal.

• Triggers: Tension with specific cats appeared situational rather than generalized, suggesting environmental or relational factors.

Step 2: Immediate Safety Measures

To ensure harmony and safety while building trust:

1. Structured Supervision: The guardian was advised to maintain supervised interactions, particularly with the cat Opal seemed most uncertain about.

2. Safe Zones: Cats were provided elevated spaces (e.g., shelves or cat trees) to retreat to, reducing their stress and giving them control over interactions.

3. Separation for Decompression: When unsupervised, Opal and Nova were confined to a dog-safe area to minimize stress on both dogs and cats.

Step 3: Building Positive Associations

The intervention focused on creating calm, predictable interactions:

• Scent Swaps: Encouraged Opal to smell items belonging to the cats to reinforce familiarity.

• Controlled Introductions: Short, positive interactions were introduced gradually, with high-value treats used to reward calm behavior.

• Redirecting Fixation: Taught Opal a "look away" cue to redirect focus when she fixated on a cat.

Step 4: Emotional Regulation for Opal

To reduce stress and build resilience:

• Structured Feeding Routine: Replaced free feeding with scheduled meals to create predictability and incorporate positive training opportunities.

• Interactive Play: Addressed Opal’s lack of interest in toys by introducing scent-based and tactile games to engage her mind.

• Calming Protocols: Added decompression walks and calming activities (e.g., sniffing games) to reduce overall arousal.

Outcome

Within 6 Months:

1. Improved Relationships:

   • Opal and the cats developed a mutual understanding, with the cats confidently sharing spaces and initiating positive interactions.

   • The particular cat that had previously caused concern began to relax around Opal, even sharing proximity during rest times.

2. Guardian Confidence:

   • The guardian felt empowered to trust Opal's behavior, even during unsupervised moments.

   • Notably, the dogs adapted to the presence of contractors and other visitors without incident, displaying calm and sociable behavior.

3. Sustained Progress:

   • Opal responded consistently to cues like "look away" and demonstrated emotional regulation during potentially stressful situations.

   • The guardian reported joyful milestones, including Opal wagging her tail and showing vulnerability (belly up) during interactions with visitors.

Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Decompression:
   Giving Opal time and space to adjust to her new home played a crucial role in reducing tension and encouraging positive interactions.

2. Structured Introduction Periods:
   Gradual, controlled interactions with the cats allowed trust to grow naturally without forcing closeness.

3. Tailored Solutions:
   Addressing Opal’s specific emotional and environmental needs led to a more harmonious household and a confident, balanced dog.

Client Testimonial

I am so happy that I was referred to Roman when I was having some issues with one of my 2 adopted 3 year old Pyrenees sisters. For some reason she had issues with one of my four cats. After working with Roman that one cat is now her favorite. I was so very pleased at how quickly she responded to the work that Roman guided us to do. I was a little worried about how we would be able to work remotely but turns out I had nothing to be worried about. It was amazing. I couldn’t be happier. Michelle Rider - Florida USA

Interested in creating a harmonious multi-pet household?
Book your discovery video call here: https://holisticdogtraining.as.me/Short-Web

Roman’s Online Training Works

For those of you considering online dog training with Roman and whether or not it would work for your dog? The answer is Absolutely YES.

I adopted a severely abused 1/2 Maltese/ 1/2 Mini poodle last Spring. She was scared, terrified of most things, but still had a very sweet temperament, despite the rough start to her life.

I chose the behavior healing package from Roman that included a session with Barbara Buck. Truly, the results started with Trixie just a few hours after her session with Barbara. Then, with Roman's guidance, I started a different type of care & training to help Trixie get used to a new 'normal'. She'll never be hurt again. Today I can honestly say that Trixie has become the perfect dog for me.

I would encourage each of you to sign up for Roman's classes and training! It's been a true blessing to have found him and implemented his patient advice for Trixie.

Respected In The Guardian Breed Rescue Community

Roman Gottfried with Roman's Holistic Dog Training is very well respected within the Great Pyrenees community. He traveled to Idaho to work with several rescue Pyrs at this rescue and sanctuary. He knows this breed extremely well which is why we utilize and highly recommend his services for GPAT dogs. Whether it training (sit, down or stay), secure attachment (bonding with your adopted dog) or positive parenting (understanding the breed, dealing with trauma based or breed specific issues throughout their lives) Roman is the “go to” for many rescues, shelters, owners, fosters, etc. Although this rescue was fortunate enough to hire Roman to come to them, his online work is just as effective. If you don’t have access to “positive” training in your area or just prefer to work with your dog at home as a family, Roman is a preferred, recommended source.

Patty Witten - Great Pyrenees
Advocates of Texas

From Scared To Perfect

For those of you considering online dog training with Roman and whether or not it would work for your dog? The answer is Absolutely YES.

I adopted a severely abused 1/2 Maltese/ 1/2 Mini poodle last Spring. She was scared, terrified of most things, but still had a very sweet temperament, despite the rough start to her life.

I chose the training package from Roman that included a session with Barbara Buck. Truly, the results started with Trixie just a few hours after her session with Barbara. Then, with Roman's guidance, I started a different type of care & training to help Trixie get used to a new 'normal'. She'll never be hurt again. Today I can honestly say that Trixie has become the perfect dog for me.

I would encourage each of you to sign up for Roman's classes and training! It's been a true blessing to have found him and implemented his patient advice for Trixie.

Dealt with fence aggression just by watching Roman’s Videos 😳

Neighbors dog 2 houses down came up to our fence my mastiff and I were out playing ball ...back story ....My dog use to run up to the fence it made me nervous but after watching and listening to your videos I started paying no attention ( reacting) when he would charge the fence and have been saying to my dog “ it’s just a puppy “ come on go get your ball and throw it” well 2 days ago neighbor dog came to fence I calmly said to my Enzo oh no big deal let’s keep playing with your ball and he literally could have cared two craps about the dog he went running after his ball ...it was all about him and I playing ball ...I was over the moon proud of him and it only strengthened the fact that you know your stuff lol lol lol thank you pic because he’s amazing .

I watched your few of your videos; one was about people’s reaction and dogs being able to sense our anxiety and the most important video which you have stressed in many is the importance of the bond and partnership we must have with our dogs...l feel if you have that everything else you work on becomes so much easier...the foundation of the “ trust and working together with my dog “ is the most important and the most I’ve worked on ...some may not believe it or think it’s mumbo jumbo ...but those folks are too closed minded and unfortunately are stuck in wanting to control with barbaric ways ...it’s sad ...because if they would only listen and connect the dots they would see and reap the rewards of having a best friend that would do anything for them ...I stay away from people like that i have zero in common with people who think they know it all ...

Kristine Deetjen - Oregon USA

Healing Aggression workshop

I just watched your lecture about healing aggress and it really resonated with me! ❤️ I’m so grateful for the information, the perspective, the language used.

I knew about attachment theory in humans and I am trying to provide a secure attachment for my children but I never thought about providing a secure attachment for my dogs in those terms although I recognise now that’s exactly what I do want to do!

It’s so great to hear you talking about holding space for dogs emotions. I am familiar with holding space for children’s emotions and other adults emotions. It’s something I love to do for others because I know how much it helps when another holds space for your feelings, no judgement just acceptance and presence. But I never thought of doing that for my dogs. I’m so grateful that I can do that now. I have always found barking triggering so it has been difficult to support my dog who barks in lots of situations. I feel like now I know what I need to do for both of us.

And it means so much that you talked about being honest about your emotions with your dog. I’d convinced myself I needed to be constantly emotionless, solid and calm to be able to support my dog but I can see now I can’t deny my emotions, I am human, emotions are a part of that. And I can feel my own emotions but still hold space for another’s emotions.

I can already feel the profound impact this is going to have on my relationships with my dogs and on our lives ❤️

Thank you again. I look forward to hearing more from you in the future.

- Hanna B. UK

Absolutely fantastic to hear you speaking of healing energy fields! I run Meditation, Mutts and Mindfulness and this is our aim, helping owners understand how to work with energy and help their dogs energetically, super to connect with others doing the same/similar 😊 Thank you for this talk, I'll be back to listen to more as about to start teaching 😊

-Nina F. UK

Amazing workshop loved it 💖 I am glad to see how you fuse alternative methods with training.

Lesley T. Belgium

I loved the entire presentation!! I want to learn more 🙂, Absolutely Fascinating 💯. Thank you so much !!

Kelley Mc. Mississippi USA

This was a brilliant workshop, thank you very much 🙏🏼

And had some questions answered. 😀

Jen S. New Zealand

Online training been god send

Any of my friends who are seeking help with training their dogs, or have any issues with their dogs, Roman is amazing and he has been an absolute Godsend for our family; he has helped so much with our Cane Corsos Star and Onyx, and our Great Dane Sebastian.

You don’t have to be local, as sessions can be done online... I was skeptical at first about online training, but it ended being awesome and I prefer it because the dogs are paying attention to ME, so we aren’t wasting any time with the dogs being curious and paying more attention to the trainer than what we are trying to do in training. Please feel free to share 😃!

From euthanasia, cancer, and behavior problems to awesomeness

Tessa was 1 hour away from euthanasia. She had cancer tumors that needed to be removed and diagnosed, undiagnosed valley fever that had been left untreated to a point where her bones were deteriorating from it.
She was malnourished at 39 lbs. Her skin was in rough shape, missing in spots all over. I knew she was incredibly sweet and had more to experience in life than the life that brought her to this moment, I found a foster and made it my mission to help find her a forever home.

It took us about a year to get her weight and medical issues under control which caused her to be returned by adopters and fosters 8 different times. We both lost faith a couple times. We attempted to introduce her to other dogs a couple times, but due to the pain she was in, it wasn’t possible, nor recommended by veterinarians.

I decided I could no longer watch her go from house to house. Her medical issues were worsening, we had to put her on 4 pain medications a day.

So after lots of apologizing to my husband, I picked her up and brought her home with every intention to do whatever I could to introduce her to my two reactive dogs at home.

That’s when I called Roman and was able to do just that through online coaching.

It wasn’t quick. It took a lot of work. But now Tessa is down to 1 pain medication a day, is a healthy weight and lives comfortably with the pack.

Don’t ever give up. Obstacles are opportunities for us to learn how to be better.

Thank you for all your help Roman, I couldn’t have done it without you!

Kyler Labbe, Phoenix AZ

No more talk of him being euthanized for simply being unhappy

     My husband and I were referred to Roman by a Great Pyrenees rescue organization.  Our then year-and-a-half Great Pyrenees is autistic and OCD and had also been diagnosed with depression and anxiety.  Vet-prescribed medication helped with the depression, but Homer still was experiencing extreme anxiety and, after having been a happy puppy when we first got him, was now avoiding us, eating very little, and getting completely out of control when there was thunder or any other loud noise or extreme weather shift.

     Roman helped us to understand some of what Homer must be feeling after having had to be boarded with the farming couple where he was born as we went through a difficult move.  The stay on the farm had to be extended a couple of times, for reasons beyond our control, and Homer was very unhappy. The husband of the couple believed Homer should be put down. When he came back to us, our other dog wasn’t particularly welcoming and basically Homer just withdrew.  He would only eat if I held the bowl and then only about every three days.  As time went on he became more and more upset when there were loud noises or shifts in the barometric pressure.  He would attempt to claw and bite his way out of the kennel and would bark hysterically.  The sedatives we were using became less and less effective.  My husband also thought Homer should be put down.

     On Roman’s advice, we added CBD oil to Homer’s medications and changed his food to Farmina.  We also began to speak to Homer in very soft, calm voices and that made a big difference. Gradually Homer began to resemble something like a “normal” dog, unless, again, there was thunder or gunshots (we live in the country and there is a lot of hunting) or fireworks and then he just got worse and worse.  Roman then spoke to a colleague about Homer, who performed (unknown to us) a healing ceremony and he and Roman both recommended our creating a “nest” kind of bed for Homer in the big kennel Homer shares with Mystical, our other dog, and our also performing a cleansing ceremony around the kennel.  Homer will never be a completely “normal” dog.  He will also probably always require some medication.  But he is eating very well now, maintains eye contact, plays with Mystical, is much more affectionate with my husband and me, and has even begun to be able to self-soothe at times when he is upset.  Even when we have to intervene and give him sedatives, he is settling down much more quickly and returning to a relaxed state much sooner than he was.  We are extremely grateful for Roman’s patience with us, his insights into Homer’s psychology, and his willingness to collaborate with other holistic practitioners.  Homer will be two years old in January and our hope is that he will continue to improve.  He already has a much better quality of life and there is no more talk of his being euthanized for simply being unhappy.

     I will admit that at times Roman and his advice has seemed way too far out and “new-agey” for me, but the fact is: our lovely dog is much happier and healthier and we now have hope for the future.  Thank you so much, Roman Gottfried.

(The Rev.) Mary Schrom Breese, Rector
Epiphany Episcopal Church, KS

It was yeast infection

• So the Oz man (English Mastiff) here had a vet appointment today. He has leaned out and is a healthy 182.2 lbs, the vet couldn’t say enough about how great of shape he was in (minus skin and coat). We went over his health history, I gave him a long list of issues he has been having, and how they just slowly crept in. All the diet changes, omitions, tests, treatments and supplements. I told him how I believed it was a yeast-infection and why. I had read so many articles regarding the subject, thanks to Roman Gottfried sharing one which gave me my first exciting lead in forever!!!
  So Oz, after over two years - OVER TWO YEARS - finally had the right test, which came back positive!!!! Oz is about to be treated for a systemic yeast infection!!!
  So, for anyone curious on symptoms....

• Seborrhea

• Constant ear infections

• Nacho smell

• Other nasty smell overall

• Greasy/waxy coat

• Frequent diarrhea

• Sores on paws and between toes -Constantly licking his paws

• The calluses at his elbows became scaly and cracked and bled

• Face swells up a bit frequently and looked red

• Blowing his coat worse than shedding season

• Itching and seborrhea would subside temporarily with a bath, no matter what treatment it was a very short temporary fix... maybe three days max.

Thankfully Oz never has shown aggression. Though with how fast his skin has been spiralling in the last month alone, I am sure it would have been coming. I love this big oaf too much to give up on him though 💜. If this post can even help one person find answers for their smooshy face, I will be one of the happiest people alive.

Phenomenal compared to other trainers

Public education at Bark Avenue Pet Supply

I am writing this letter to you as a recommendation for the services provided by Roman’s Holistic Dog Training .
Over the past year we have worked hand in hand with Roman’s Holistic Dog Training to assist us with numerous services including dog training for our clients as well as training our resort staff for the awareness of dog behavior and safe handling techniques. At no one time have they failed us, and they have always been on time, making them a reliable partner to us.

Holistic Pet Care Professional- Graduates

The feedback and results we have had, have been phenomenal compared to other trainers and companies we have used previously. It is through the use of his caring and safety techniques that we have been able to transform our guest’s experiences and increase our resort’s safety practices.

I would like you to consider Roman’s Holistic Dog Training for your staff and dog training needs.

We have had a great experience with him over the past year for the services they have rendered to us and plan to continue his services indefinitely. I therefore strongly recommend their services. Let me know if you need any previous working record regarding Roman’s Holistic Dog Training.

R. Butler, Director of Operations

Mesa Northeast Animal Hospital

Noe’s Ark Animal Hospital

Bark Avenue Animal Hospital, Pet Resort, Pet Supply.

Dealt With Five Anatolians and Aggression.

I have five Anatolians at the beginning, I dealt with aggression from one of them. Resource guarding and generally just a jerk. I hired Roman Gottfried had online via Zoom sessions learned so much. I watch his videos and follow him religiously. He helps us help our Raggy. He now is the sweetest dog in earth. And let me tell you. It was bad.
He CARES ABOUT THIS BREED. He is well well Knowledgeable in this exact breed. I am so thankful for him and if I was you I would definitely take his advice. He’s very well known in the livestock guardian community and the best thing would be is to listen to him. We couldn’t have our dog near anybody and now when the vet comes to our house to do shots etc. he’s just a big ass love bug. That was not the case before Roman. Now our vet comes for visit for love from our “meanest” one of the bunch.

-Janine G.

Severe Separation-Anxiety solved in two Online-Sessions

Review for Roman Gottfried.

A fellow Great Pyrennes owner told me about Roman Gottfried when my Great Pyrenees developed severe separation anxiety when New York City went into lock down and I started working from home full time. 

Emma, my one year old Pyrenees has always had some mild form of separation anxiety that I attributed to puppy behavior or boredom. I would manage it by putting her in day care. The problem started when CoVid hit our city, there were no day care in NYC and I discovered that I could not leave the house at all. 

 “I was trapped with covid and my dog’s severe separation anxiety”

I remember once leaving the house to pick up a package from the post office across the street and came home to find my dog walking on the kitchen counter with every glass bottle in thy kitchen broken and the entire kitchen floor was covered in broken glass, sugar, vinegar and oil.  the worst part was that she was chewing on a piece of broken glass.

I contacted Roman thinking that I would have to spend countless hours in training to fix the problem.  The surprise came when it took two sessions. He guided me through why my dog was anxious and how I can get her past it.   It was the best $200 I’ve ever spent.

Now I can leave Emma confidently for about 6 hours, and on rare occasions 8 hours.  I feel like I gained a new sense of understanding about my dog and my relationship with her is better.  I cannot recommend Roman enough and thank him for everything he does.