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.

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

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.

Online Puppy Training Possible

I have to give another big thanks to Roman. This "little" (85 pounds) 8 month old went shopping at Cabela's, then to a pet friendly mall (with multiple store visits), and then to a pet store. She was the best behaved dog all day. She never barked or pulled toward any of the other dogs or tried to jump on people for attention.
She sat, laid, and walked so well on a leash.
This puppy who was rescued from a horrible situation and was scared of grass, wind, and anything else, is now confident and walked around exploring a couple of new stores, met a lot of people, and got many treats from staff members because she was so well behaved.

We started training with Roman and his five-week puppy parenting program when she was about 12 weeks old and it was the best decision we ever made. I'm not sure she would be so confident, secure, and we'll trained without his online guidance. Thank you!

Roman Gottfried is an internationally renowned Holistic Dog Training and Dog/Human Relationship Coach. He works with dog parents worldwide via video conference to help their dogs reach their full potential, by teaching them the holistic philosophy of creating a healthy relationship with their dog. He sees clients both online and in-person.

Our Fosters Reported Direct Benefits

We have been working with Roman through a virtual workshop to help our rescue provide better care for the dogs we serve.

There are several benefits to the online workshop and behavior support that Roman has provided to our rescue, Mastiffs to Mutts Rescue.

We are a foster based rescue that serves many Mid-Atlantic States. Through Roman’s workshops, our fosters across 8 different states were able to benefit from learning a skill base that can be used for their current and future fosters. He uses an interactive online method that allows him to perform live demonstrations as well as to answer specific questions during the trainings.

Additionally, his trainings are available to review at a later time for those who misses the trainings or need to refresh their memory.

Roman is not symptom-based, as he tries to provide guidance through finding the root of the problem that is causing the behavior rather than using band-aid techniques.

His focus is not to manage the behavior but to rectify it. He asks for questions regarding real-life struggles with dog behavior and will then virtually demonstrate the techniques that fosters can use and practice in between sessions.  

Roman has been helpful to both our fosters and our admin team as the virtual trainings provided a safe outlet for us to discuss concerns and experiences in a judgement-free zone where we can learn from one another while being guided by Roman.

We would highly recommend Roman as our fosters have reported direct benefits from his trainings. 

Peg Benoit

Director Of Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue   501c3   www.mastiffstomutts.org

The first trainer that sat down on the floor at Baby's level

I adopted my chi-weenie Baby from the shelter when she was four. I was easily over my head and couldn’t control her aggressiveness, biting, barking and messes in the house. I tried several trainers and even Veterinary behaviorist who put my dog on heavy drugs, before finding Roman.

I remember the first visit and saw he was special right away. He was the first behaviorist to get to her level & sat on the ground while explaining what my dog was showing him, and not afraid of her.

You have to be patient as you can't undo years of patterns and behaviors overnight. But Roman was patient and we tried training scenarios in various situations - in the neighborhood, park and even the pool. I would highly recommend Roman for any level of training and worth every penny.

“You have to be patient as you can’t undo years of patterns and behaviors overnight. But Roman was patient and we tried training scenarios in various situations - in the neighborhood, park and even the pool.”

Roman teaches YOU the skills to connect with your dog. Since his first visit, we got back to Roman periodically because I need training but he doesn’t make you dependent on him. We followed up remotely via online-consultations. Then when we were introduced to Barbara Buck - WOW, I was skeptical she could do anything long distance but then I saw her connecting with Baby with my own eyes. They joined from across three states. Barbara recently connected with Baby before I took a long trip. I returned & there was no anxiety on either of our parts. I’ve personally retained Barbara’s services in person and long-distance and what a difference in my life. Close friends see it as well. Thanks to Baby we’ve met Roman and Barbara and so glad we did!

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Cindy Crosby- Attorney

They Were Attacking Each Other Every Day!

I received a message the other day on messenger:

“Hello, I was referred to you be a friend due to my 3 dogs attacking each other everyday for 3 days with my family visiting from out of town. They have never been this bad and now it's all the time. The stress and anxiety from all of them is at a all time high. I'm sure they are feeding some of that off my mom because she is very stressful person. One of my dogs I recently rescued in April from PiMA Animal Shelter in Tuscon AZ, the other 2 I've had for years. But they all have their own individual issues and for some reason now there's a dog fight and it's all 3 attacking one or everyone. Please let me know how I can set up something with you. I recently relocated out here and don't know anyone.“

Thats did not sound good. I immediately called and arranged an appointment in person even though it was a q90q minutes drive one way.

Rule Disputes- Aggression

This is Max 80#, I got him in April from a shelter in Tucson. He is about 1 years old and was found in a desert. Very loving dog to people. But gets very aggressive when the other dogs do something to him he doesn't like. He gets in these attack modes and goes nuts and bites anything in his way. I've learned to try and calm him instead of yelling at him one he's biting another one of my dogs. But when he bites then he doesn't let go.

Separation Anxiety- Possession Disputes

This is Spud 103# he is 6 and will be 7 on November. I've had him since he was 6 weeks and got him at a shelter in Illinois. He's the love of my life. Since I got max he won't sleep in bed with me anymore which is weird because he's always been attached to my hip his whole life. Since moving here in December his separation anxiety is at a all time high. I can't walk out the door with one of the other dogs without him or he goes nuts screaming and crying and lunging himself out of the cage or to knock the back gate now. He also has never been aggressive but this past week has been getting aggressive towards Max and growling and snapping at him. He is very bone aggressive and guards his food and will take everyone else's food.

Territorial and Possession Disputes

This is Duke 80#, I've had him since he was 5 weeks my step dad gave him to me when his dog had puppies. Duke is 5yrs old. He for the most part listens the most out of all 3. He is very toy aggressive and will take toys away from the other dogs. He also likes his personal space when he grumpy and will attack max to get him away from him or to just take the toy away even though he doesn't want to play with it he just doesn't want max to have it. He is also bone aggressive and can be aggressive about treats but it's rare.

When I arrived in the small one bedroom appointment, I found one dog isolated in the bed room, one dog gated in the kitchen, and one dog in crate. Very stressful situation!

We were dealing with multiple aggression issues, high level stress, recent relocation, big dogs, and a young owner who was ready to surrender Max back to the shelter.

I had to come up with a solid, stress free, flexible and owner friendly treatment plan.

Starting with Max, who was uneducated and has no bite inhibition. I showed Jessica to get rid of the prong collar, walked lose leash, get max attention and learn redirect him to alternative behaviors and be more obedient. Gave them tools and exercises to ground, and showed her to use emotional conditioning in combination with classical conditioning.

We had only one in person session and it seems Jessica has a gift with animals. She was able to absorb the lesson, work consistently and set new priorities in her life.

“We are doing great no issues in almost 6 months. They all love each other and know each other’s boundaries.”

— Jessica R. - Phoenix AZ, USA

Online-Classes are informative and thought-provoking

I am happy to recommend Roman Gottfried.  I have had my own fosters and personal dogs evaluated and helped by Roman , and have also set up and attended an online canine holistic handler class for about 20 volunteers with the rescue that I volunteer for, National Great Pyrenees Rescue.

Roman’s presentations were informative and thought-provoking, and our volunteers who attended came away with a great understanding of their own dogs and the dogs within our rescue that we deal with on a daily basis.  The classes included homework that reinforced the learning experience, and questions during the class were encouraged.

NGPR also has recommended Roman to adopters who need help with their dogs.  NGPR also consults with Roman on dogs in our foster homes.  NGPR feels working with Roman is a great learning experience, that the adopters or fosters working with the dogs will be better able to interact and communicate with the animals in their care.  

If you have more specific questions, I would be happy to answer them.

Susan DeBili

Secretary, NGPR ​

                 National Great Pyrenees Rescue  ~ www.nationalpyr.org ~  P.O. Box 214, Maplecrest, NY 12454 

The Parenting Power Stayed With Me.

“Hello,

My name is Jared Horne. I have a two and a half year old Great Pyrenees named Diesel, and I am in need of professional behavioral training for him. I adopted him from a friend when he was around a year old, and he has become increasingly aggressive toward strangers within the past 6 months. He does fine around people he met early on, but he does not do well with strangers. He has bitten three people, two of which were at the house and one while we were on a walk at a public park. It makes me more nervous as time goes on to have him around other people in fear he will bite them, and it has worsened the problem. I am nervous to even take him to the vet or groomer. He did not have this behavior when I got him and was very sweet to everyone. He has never showed any sort of aggression toward me or my family that live with me. This is my first dog, and I have tried to do my research, but it cannot replace experience. I went through Pet Smart's Beginner and Intermediate training programs. It helped with teaching him basic commands, but I think this is a job for a more qualified specialist to help with finding the source of his aggression and working toward socializing him and educating me on how to avoid or eliminate these situations.

Here is my video review.

I live in Wetumpka, AL. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,” -Jared Horne

A year later, I met my girlfriend and her child and introduced them to my dog. 

Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter Long Island NY

 " I may not have the dates exactly right, but I clearly remember the circumstances. In late 2011, I worked in a municipal shelter Town of Hempstead, LI, NY , where we had a young dog isolated from the public and most of the staff, essentially living on death row

Goliath had been hit by a car and left to die at the side of the road. He was barely 6 months old then and was somewhat friendly when initially picked up by our ACO’s. After what amounted to basic care at the shelter, followed by emergency care specialist, then, ultimately still losing his leg to gangrene, this pup underwent major physical & psychological changes.

When he returned to the shelter after several months, Goliath was a broken & changed dog.

He had definite trust & fear issues. No one was allowed near him but for a few staffers; he was not available to be adopted and rescues were unwilling to take the risk.

I had heard about Roman from a rescue friend and reached out as a last resort. From time to time, I would see a flash of the trapped puppy in Goliath’s eyes when I tossed biscuits over the kennel gate; I wasn’t sure if he could be saved but I felt we owed him that last effort.

Roman came to the shelter, was fitted into protective gear and left alone in a room with him. (Nerve wracking!) Afterward, he agreed to take him and try to give him a life worth living. Goliath left the shelter behind & became Sigmund (Siggi) that very day. 

Roman & his then partner, started Siggi on a healthy healing diet as Roman & Siggi began the road to being each other’s guides. For the rest of Siggi’s life, he was with Roman through life changes, thick & thin, better or worse. I truly feel that Roman has a gift and a rare affinity for understanding animals. I know that if not for him, Goliath would have died in the shelter and never have had the life he lived as Sigmund."

Wendy Cariello,

formerly with Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter

rescue liaison, event coordinator, adoptions counselor

Run for ever free - August 2017