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.

Can You Get Help From A Behaviorist During Pandemic Without Breaking The Bank?

It broke my heart to hear many people are struggling with their pup's behavior during this difficult time and I want to make sure no one surrenders their dog for things that are easily remedied.
So, I've decided to offer donation-only,  pay-what-you-can single sessions until the end of April.

Use this button below to pick your online session, 

Enter the code PWYC20 at checkout to redeem this offer

To submit a donation on behalf of yourself or a friend, please pay what you can here. Don’t forget to mention the name and email of your beneficiary.

 Does online training work?

Listen to what an online-training client from Long Island has to say about Roman’s Holistic Dog Training:

Learn More about Online Training

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 

I Adopted Fantastic Friend and Companion.

     Recently my spouse and I were talking about our Sasha and what an awesome girl she is.  And we mentioned how helpful Roman and his wife had been in integrating her into our "family" consisting of Linda, Bear (her dog really), and me.  So I reached out to Roman to say hi and thank him again.  He asked me to write a few notes about my experience so far.

So I want to share how great it has been to adopt our Sasha from Better Days Rescue.  And I want to encourage people to adopt. 

    Sasha is a rock star.  And everyone that meets her comment on what a good girl she is.  But they don't see the work at the front end and the continuous work.

    I lost "my girls" in the beginning of 2018.  I swore I would never get another dog.  The loss was deep.  After about 6 months I started to think about getting another dog, another "friend".

For some reason I was considering a German Shepherd.  Long story short I saw a black GSD at the county and one at BDR (I am convinced they are the same). 

    When I met her I knew she would be a lot of work.  She was super super high energy, intelligent and very stressed out from being lost from her previous home and being in kennels etc.  She was also a happy girl.  And frankly I knew she would be a bit of work, but it's been very fulfilling and she'a an absolute love.

    Now here is the point I want to make about my experience.  When you work with a rescue like BetterDaysRerscue and Roman you get to work with people that want you and your new family member to succeed.  Roman told me she was a difficult breed and a difficult dog before I adopted her (you want honesty).

But I saw her potential  and Roman was very supportive during this process.  He helped with the integration process with our other dog (super important, and there is a process).

He met with Linda and I to do some training and give us tips.  We took a group class of his.  We did a session with his wife Barbara Buck which indeed helped allot.  Yes, I am plugging these people because they are all awesome and I can't say enough good things about them.

  And the best part is I have a fantastic friend and companion.

Selfies are not my forte 😂

Me my spouse and my two dogs

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.

Visit www.holisticdogtraining.org/onlinetraining for more information or to schedule an appointment.

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. 

We Got Tools, We Use Them Daily

Hello Roman,

First of all, we want to thank you for “training us” on helping our very afraid german shepard puppy.

At 5 months of age, Luna was hit by a car. Her right hind leg lost the ball socket and 4 pins were used the pull the bones back together. In addition, her front leg was broken which now has a plate and six pins holding it in place.

During the next 3 months, mostly in the first 2 weeks, she had 8 surgeries due to complications. We got her through the Foster Program at the local shelter and for 3 months she was transported back and forth as needed.

On November 14th, we adopted her with the knowledge that she may have more surgeries in the future.  It wasn’t the surgeries we were worried about, it was actually her fear of virtually everything!  She sheltered herself in my son’s room and would only come out to eat and go potty.  She would not come out of the safety of the hallway and his room.  If she had to, she would be so scared that she wet the floor or worse.

We new we needed to get her some help  and we got your brochure from the local Doggy Daze pet salon

Since the middle of December when we started our training, she now spends limited time, if any, in my sons room.  We have gotten her out on walks around the block but that is still a work in progress.  She will come around our friends, although she doesn’t stay, she still will come up and sniff them.  She will march right out the front door and hang out on the front porch with us and jumps up to see over the wall.  The garage was a big scary place and is now just part of the daily running around the house.

You taught “us” how to work with her and not give in to her drama, which she is the biggest drama queen ever!  Once we got the tools, we use them daily and are really seeing an improvement in her overall abilities.  We still have lots of work to do, but the more she trusts us and what we are doing, the more she is evolving into this great big sweet girl with lots of energy!

Thank you and we look forward to learning lots more!

Sincerely,

Linda Shadel and Family

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