My Best Buddy Success Stories

Success with Willa and Wags!❤️

April, 2021

Willa and I had a fantastic time in class today! This class was especially fun since we got to practice leash skills with the buckets and balls but honestly, class is great every week! The best thing about HAT is we are learning how to be in close proximity to other people and dogs without our dog reacting. I saw the payoff of this when we were in Home Depot with our dogs and another dog passing by started pulling on it’s leash and barking. The owner was having a hard time getting her dog under control but all I had to do was tell our dogs “let’s go” and they turned and walked away with me. No pulling, lunging, barking or whining from my two, they simply turned and walked away. I realized in that moment that my dogs were able to do that simply because I take them to HAT each week. Willa, Wags and I thank you so much for your time each week Robin. ❤️ Kim Anders

Baloo, the Hovawart Success Story!❤️

February 2021 

Baloo is doing very well!. We have made major progress by implementing the force-free methods you recommended to help him. If we see a dog on our walk I announce: “Baloo I don’t know if he wants to say hi” and he passes by. With our son Finn, we haven’t had any nipping incidents anymore! We reward him with lots of treats from all of us for the good things he does and he allows Finn to pet him or take him on the leash down the hallway (formerly a trigger spot for him).  No more hallway snarkiness!  We also do not have any ‘zoomie’ incidents anymore, not even at the ‘trigger points’ like the white picket fence that ALWAYS bothered him! 90 % of the time he just passes people, bikes, etc. without any response. This is success! During the daytime, he is fine on longer walks but does better on a short walk when it’s dark. We set him up to succeed and so we avoid long walks when it is dark. Overall, we have seen a tremendous improvement with regard to Baloo’s reactivity and anxiety. And here is another discovery we observed. About 3 weeks ago I was out of his hydrolyzed treats. So we gave him some dog chicken jerky. (Literally, 2 strips cut down) he immediately had loose stools again and started his tail chase/donut routine and got really snippy (which we have been thinking is anxiety and/or food sensitivity/allergy). The next day his treats arrived and after another 2 days, his behavior changed back to what I described above – less stress and more success!  As a super special treat (for recall training) I give him dried Buffalo tendons and this seems to be ok.  His recall is now great, his reactivity is practically gone and he’s happy living with us!  Thank you for helping us!  -Nina and Baloo the formerly reactive Hovawart

Scout Ranger’s SUCCESS! ❤️

Here is Scout Ranger. She is 10 months old. Scout took your puppy class and it was perfect for her. Before the class, she was a biter, didn’t walk on a regular leash, and didn’t follow commands consistently.

She now comes when called, listens to commands, walks on a regular leash, and is able to stay out of her crate overnight without tearing up my house. She even knows how to properly play with other dogs.   Thank you for helping us through her puppy phase. – Nekeisha and Scout Ranger

Piper and I LOVE You! ❤️

Robin is AMAZING!!! She uses positive reinforcement and I can’t recommend her enough! She really is in touch with dogs and their owners and will fully make you understand how a dogs mind works and how you need to work with your dog to gain amazing results in a short amount of time. Consistency is key of course, but if you’re willing to put in the effort you won’t be disappointed. She will be there for you from day 1 and will continue to help you during training and AFTER! You won’t get anything like this from a big box retailer’s puppy classes. We love Robin and most importantly, Piper loves her too and she says “THANK YOU for helping me become a better and more confident dog!” –  Shannon Barden

Lizzy Saved by the “Come Now” Command ❤️

I wanted to share another “Come Now” example. It saved us again, today!  We were walking around Lake Peachtree with my in-laws who are in town, and Lizzy stopped to sniff noses with another dog.  As we were getting ready to start walking again, my husband was switching hands with the leash, and Lizzy got away and high-tailed it after the dog who had walked in the other direction (I think she wanted to play – her tail was wagging when they were sniffing noses).  I yelled “Come Now” and Lizzy paused and turned around and came back to me!  I was so proud of her!  It was a lifesaver, as the trail was pretty busy with people and dogs, and we were a long way from home…  Thank you for teaching us “Come Now” along with everything else.  My in-laws were so impressed.  They told me that Lizzy must have had a really good trainer! – Carrie Johnson

No Food Guarding Success for London ❤️

September, 2020 – London the Dorgie, no longer a resource guarder! You did an amazing job for us! We now have my dad’s service dog living with us. The service dog (big tan one) can be drinking water right next to London (the black one) who is eating and London does not fuss at all anymore! Also, no more snapping at the little dog either. She is a different dog now. Thank you so much for helping us. – Jennifer Wood Young and London the Dorgie

Well done LEXI ❤️

August 2020.  I just wanted to share with you that I went to visit my son in Tallahassee and they live in a neighborhood with paths like PTC. Lexi and I were able to go on the walk with everyone, thanks to you!

With a bag of the real meat treats ready, I sidetracked her when bikes and people went by. There were lots of “challenges” but we did it!

Thank you for training me 😊 – Jill and Lexi

Murphy’s Success Story ❤️

July 2020 – Hey, Robin! I thought you’d like an update on our Murphy. He just turned 7 months and has made huge progress since we last spoke. First of all, our daughter and son-in-law drove down with their one-year-old rescue. The dogs spent all 5 days playing and sharing mats & toys. It just couldn’t have gone any easier! Neither was jealous when the other got attention and acted like they were long time friends. Steve walks him totally around our subdivision each morning without any hesitation! He also has more time free to roam the house each day. Still no problems. Steve continues to train outside every day too, of course. I knew you’d want to know that he’s doing well.  —Kasey Kruze

Thank you, Robin,  for your training classes! This 78 lb beast is truly a wonderful boy ❤️

We have been at our lake house for several days and it is Hank’s first trip here. The first day we got here, I kept him leashed and walked him along the areas I wanted him to stay in. I would let him off his leash for a few minutes at a time with close supervision.  As of yesterday, he was off his leash most of the day and stays right with us the entire time. If he goes too far off, we call for him and he comes back immediately. I am so impressed with him and how he stays so close by. We obviously are watching him closely still, but nonetheless, it’s been great so far and I just wanted to let you know! This 78 lb beast is truly a wonderful boy ❤️ – Courtney and six-month-old Hank

ZOOM Lesson Praise For Robin!

Had a great Zoom session with our trainer Robin Sockness. If you have a pup that you’re frustrated with, one that doesn’t listen, or you just don’t know how to go about training them, give Robin ago. She is force-free, pain-free, science-based and she will get your dog eating out of your hand, literally, and your relationship will be so much better than it was. During the quarantine, she’s willing to work through Skype or Zoom and there are still options for socially distant in-person sessions. Don’t be frustrated staying home with your crazy dog, talk to Robin, and change the way you self isolate with your pup! Kylie is so smart and without Robin, we wouldn’t have known how to tap into her super-smart brain. I’m glad we got training tips before this all happened or we’d be going mad right now 😅🐕🐾❤️

I Recommend Robin and Becky to Anyone Around!

Robin and Becky are wonderful people and trainers! Our Bernedoodle has learned so many useful skills in puppy training 101. They also taught us parents, a thing or two along the way as well.

I would recommend them to anyone around town. Look forward to 102 class soon! – Cody, Hayden and Tank ❤️

Hubert No Longer Fearful!

Hi Robin, just wanted to thank you for helping our family with Hubert. This is a picture of him and Chris today!  We have been implementing your suggestions and he is no longer fearful and so much happier! He loves his dad now and follows him around for treats and snuggles! 😃 Chris, Laura and Hubert

Sampson- Reactive to RELAXED!

First overnight camping trip for Sampson! About 14 miles in total- he did SO GOOD with every trigger we encountered on the trail. He was great on a long line for sniffari time and spot on checking in with me when he encountered his triggers. Our boy has gone from reactive to relaxed, from stressed to happy and enjoyed a great first camping trip! I am a happy dog mom! – Emily S.

Daisy Handles DISTRACTIONS!

This might not look like a big deal to everyone else but this is huge! This girl (Daisy a Great Pyrenees Mix) is eating with noise going on around her, kids talking, mom doing stuff in the kitchen and general house noises. Usually she would react and bounce to her feet barking at any small noise. She is also eating by herself (usually mom would have to sit with her). I am seeing huge improvement in this sweet girl. 💕 She is so sweet with people and other dogs. She deserves all our help to overcome her fears in other areas of her life with patience and Love.  Thanks Robin Sockness, our trainer for the help. – Sharon and Daisy

RORY AND OWEN go to school!

Rory and Owen went to puppy classes at My Best Buddy and Robin also came to our house for some lessons (really the lessons are for the human and not the dogs) when they were puppies. One command we learned was the lifesaving “HERE NOW” emergency recall command in the event of an emergency. Well, it works and thank you, Robin, because they got out of the gate in our yard and were down the road and I was able to use this emergency recall and it saved them and me from a potentially horrifying and devastating situation. ALL DOGS NEED TO KNOW THIS COMMAND AND HAVE TRAINING – in my opinion. Rory and Owen came flying back to me with this command! We practice this daily! – Deb Kalish

Ollie the Boxer Pup

I absolutely love Robin. I lost my beagle of 15yrs to an illness. I had another rescue beagle named Lucky. My husband & I decided to get another dog & would take the time to go through obedience training. A patient of mine showed me a Boxer puppy & it was love. We signed up for Robins class. Robin came out for a home visit to work with Ollie & get to know her a little & to give me some tips prior to class. Once class started it was an amazing experience. Robin teaches with such a gentle hand & spirit which took the nervousness away from the pet owners. Ollie is now 2 & is very well behaved dog. You will not find a better trainer. I have reached out to her a time or two for advice & she has always been there.

JACK’S STORY – February 2018

I am not a lifelong dog owner and certainly not a trainer. Our first Corgi just seemed to train himself, I’d think of something and I could swear he’d read my mind. There was little training to be done.  When we got Jack at 10 months old I knew I would need help. I asked around and Robin’s name came up often. We knew looking at her online material, verifying she was a force-free trainer, that she was the one for us.

Jack is a very sweet, gentle and passive dog. Raised around mostly other dogs, his exposure to new people was limited. He wasn’t afraid, but he would often back away from people’s hands or efforts by strangers to pet him. Even getting a collar and leash on was tedious and time-consuming as he would get nervous. We wanted him to be more comfortable around humans and approachable when strangers visited.  We discovered that Robin had all the techniques we needed. Using counter conditioning and desensitization using his favorite thing, food, we got Jack to see people as treat dispensers! With Robin’s easy to follow explanations and sound scientifically based advise, he began to see people as something fun and good and soon realized he did not need to be afraid.  Now, he approaches strangers with enthusiasm and enjoys his interactions and attention.

Now Jack moves toward people for a “pat” and is eager for his collar and leash when it’s time to walk. In between our training meetings, Robin would follow up to see how things were going and answered all my questions with kindness and understanding.  I felt very capable I could train my dog after working with Robin.  Her methods are kind and make sense.  If the truth is known, Robin probably had a harder time training me!

It’s wonderful to see the transformation. It’s hard to remember that timid Jack we first brought home. And we owe it to Robin and her positive reinforcement techniques. Thanks, Robin! – Gwen P. and Jack the Corgi

GENTLEMAN JACK!

Jack is doing fantastic! He is quite the polite gentleman now when we have company…far from what he was before you worked with him.  He still follows his commands and is always eager to please. Thank you for everything!  I have enclosed a couple of pictures of our sweet boy! ~ Robby & Lacey Bowman

ROBIN THE LIFE SAVER 

I guess you could say that Robin is a lifesaver! We rescued our  Coal a little over a year ago. After about 8 months with us, Coal developed dog reactivity. So now, I not only had a very high energy dog, I could no longer take Coal on walks, to the dog park or even board him when I went out of town, without the fear that he would get into a fight with another dog. After an incident with another dog, we thought our only option was to surrender Coal out of fear that my family was in danger of an “aggressive” dog. A friend referred me to Robin and after just one meeting, our lives were forever changed. Robin observed our interaction with Coal, asked lots of questions about his behaviors and reactions. Robin talked to me at length about how to make sense out of his actions and how to correct these behavioral issues. No yelling, no shocking, no prong collars, just teaching Coal how to modify his behavior to help control his impulses in a positive and loving way. I committed to walking Coal every day, incorporated the interactive toys Robin recommended. Now Coal is well adjusted and learning to control his dog reactivity. In just a couple of months, he’s gone from not being able to be within at least 20 feet from a dog on our walks, to be able to sit on the side of the cart path and allow dogs to pass. Our walks are more frequent and enjoyable now that he isn’t pulling me and I know how to handle dog encounters. I often get compliments on how well behaved he is on our walks. Thank you, Robin, for helping me understand “why dogs behave a certain way” and how to teach Coal based on mutual respect and not punishment. ~ Monica

PRAISE FOR ROBIN’S TRAINING – GABE & ATTICUS

We want to thank Robin Sockness of My Best Buddy Dog Training for the great experience we had with our two Border Collies Gabe and Atticus. They are very well-behaved due to the training that they received from this class. We were out-of-town with both of them and everyone commented on how well they listen. While taking the class, Robin was always available for questions we might have before our next class as she was only a phone call away. They are very socialized due to the class and learned all basic puppy skills. This is a class that we would recommend to anyone with a new puppy.- Buddy and Donna Teague, May 2015

BRUNO & ZOEY

Hi, Robin!  Just want to update you on Bruno’s progress. I just took both the dogs for a walk (Zoey got a Halti harness too!), and we had a lovely walk tonight. The dogs are paying attention to my pace, I still have to stop occasionally, but it is an improvement of 90% in just three weeks!! I am thrilled! The feeding from my hand as you recommended (and talk about on your website) really got their attention – amazing!  They are definitely paying attention to me on walks now! Thank you so much for all your help, I won’t need shoulder surgery now!! Can’t wait to tell the staff at our vet’s office, Braelinn Animal Hospital, who referred us to you. I sing your praises!! Thank you again! –Leslie, Bruno & Zoey

SOPHIE THE THERAPY DOG PREP GRADUATE!

It means so much to me that Sophie and I are on our way to bringing a little joy to others! It’s true that Robin taught me how to teach Sophie to walk on a loose leash, to leave it, to watch me and all of those other good dog behaviors. But the most amazing thing that Sophie and I gained from her training is a deeper connection with each other. Because of our newly learned behaviors, it means we can really enjoy each others company when we take long walks or visit new places.

Robin taught me to understand that she’ll always be a dog and it’s OK when she doesn’t behave “perfectly”. I love Sophie so much and I feel so fortunate to have had Robin as my dog mom mentor. Thank you!!!! ~ Michelle Smolinski and Sophie

PRAISE FOR ROBIN’S TRAINING – OLIVER

I want to brag on what a great, great job you do.  Thanks for being such a great teacher.  I appreciate your knowledge, friendliness, encouragement when our dogs succeed and when they are misbehavin’, your organization, your willingness to listen to our questions and really want to help us find solutions, your thoroughness, and your handouts.

These are just a few things I mention that I sometimes take for granted and fail to thank you for.  Please know we value you. – Bruce and Jan Haag (and Oliver of course!), April 2016.

Annie Becomes Therapy Dog!

When I was just one year old, my mom adopted me from a very nice lady.  Since I had spent all my life living with my mom, dad and other sisters, I was a little scared to be leaving, but super excited as well.  I had never ridden in a car before, or lived in a house, or gone for walks.  I certainly had no concept of what it meant to be a therapy dog or a reading education assistance dog, but my new mom and Aunt Robin had big plans for me.  Shortly after I came to my new home, mommy enrolled me in Aunt Robin’s  classes.   Aunt Robin is just the best teacher!  She makes school FUN!  I learned how to play with other dogs that were in class and I learned a lot of new skills, too, like how to lie down, leave it, wait at the door, heal, watch me, and lots of other cool stuff.

Even after I graduated from Aunt Robin’s puppy class, she and mommy continued to teach me new things and they brought me on play dates with other puppies. Since I grew up with only other dogs that looked like me, I wasn’t too sure of all these other breeds of dogs. Who knew there were so many?!  And they all look different!  I was especially barky when I meant new dogs, but after a lot of practice with Aunt Robin one-on-one at the park and other places, I no longer feel the need to bark so much when I see a new dog.  Did you know that you get yummy chicken when you see a new dog?!  Training with Aunt Robin is just so much FUN!

I am now a registered therapy dog and I am a Reading Education Assistance Dog.  I get to do visits at the nursing home, hospitals, boys and girls clubs, schools and libraries.  Thank you, Aunt Robin, for teaching me the skills I needed to become a happy, confident dog!  Now I can help others! ~Love, Annie

THIS PICTURE OF LOLA IS AMAZING

Lola is a two and a half year old Parsons Russell terrier. Lola and I (her human mom) had taken obedience classes locally when Lola was about a year old. We learned basic manners. A little before turning two, Lola learned a new trick…. darting out the front door, or any other door whenever possible, and then running as fast as she could from everyone! We were at the end of our rope with Lola. Then a kind friend gave me Robin’s name and number. After just one session with Robin things were much better. After two sessions with Robin our friends and family couldn’t believe this was really Lola. Robin not only helped with training Lola, she taught me a whole new set of skills! I truly can’t thank Robin enough, she helped us to really like and enjoy our dog again. Oh yeah, what’s amazing about this picture???

THE DOOR IS WIDE OPEN!

NOLA THE NANNY!

We adopted Nola when she was eight months old.  By the third day, we realized that she had some significant fear issues and was very reactive to people.  Shortly thereafter, we contacted Robin for help with her issues and worked with Nola through private lessons with Robin. Since then, Nola has formed wonderful relationships with both people and other dogs.

Nola has a strong herding instinct and has previously demonstrated reactivity toward small children.  A year ago,  my husband and I learned we were going to become grandparents. We were concerned about Nola being around the baby.  Robin met with us and provided a program on how to prepare her for the grand baby’s arrival.

Following Robin’s advice, we were amazed how Nola bonded to our grand baby.  Being attentive to the baby became her “new job” – Nola became a nanny!   My husband and I are incredibly proud of Nola and grateful that she has adjusted so well to life and to our precious grandson. Thank you, Robin!  ~ John and Cindy

LIBBY THE CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG!

Please meet Libby the English Labrador Retriever. Libby and her mom Becky trained with Robin at puppy and advanced levels to become a certified Therapy Dog. She also works as a neutral dog in puppy classes and on private appointments with Robin.

Libby’s favorite things are visiting students, playing with puppies and walking with her friends at Hounds Around Town.

COOPER IS NO LONGER LEASH REACTIVE!

I just have to share my story about Cooper, my rescued Jack Russell, and how we met Robin Sockness of My Best Buddy Dog Training. I have had Jacks before but realized I was in over my head pretty quickly with Cooper. He came to us as an abandoned stray that was being offered for adoption by a Jack rescue in South Carolina. All we know of his history was that he and 2 other little Jacks were found abandoned in a locked industrial complex. After bringing him home, we realized he was very nervous and scared of the dark, lawn mowers, new people and children. A little research turned up the phrase “leash reactive”. My vet gave me Robin’s number and I made an appointment for a home visit. It was so helpful to watch how Robin interacted with Cooper to get him used to her and she gave me strategy to go about helping him with his fears. We began working with him and he began to slowly get better. I worried that he would never get fully relaxed but now, after 9 months of work, we are seeing a new dog. He has always been sweet and affectionate with us, but he has now begun to be outgoing and relaxed with people. He has allowed a male neighbor to pet him and we walked past a group of children at the bus stop this morning without a growl or bark. He “watched me” as we walked past and took his treats and never made a sound or looked nervous. I was ready to jump up and down and I was so happy for Cooper to finally be having the good life. Thank you so much Robin! ~ Lavanda Gibbs

LATTE THE CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG!

Latte is a people-loving pointer and one who makes us laugh. We first saw her cute, freckled white face looking out of her safe crate at PetsMart in their Adopt-A Pet program sponsored by the Fayette Humane Society. We asked to walk her but had trouble getting her out of the door because she wanted to hug everybody.  We liked her personality immediately and because of her coloring and our love for coffee, we called her Latte. There are 3 of us living in a side by side duplex that shares Latte. It works perfectly. She sleeps at Ginny’s home and eats at Dave and Cathy’s place.  When one of us is away, she happily migrates to the other. And she has different jobs in each household.  Ginny walks her and introduces her to neighborhood kids. In Dave and Cathy’s home, she welcomes everybody warmly and entertains the grand kids. When their 6-month-old grand twins joined the household, Latte became their major guardian. She was happiest when she could stretch out between the girls on the floor and enjoy their pinches, pokes, hugs, and love-bites. Our biggest problem with this pointer mix was her taking us on enthusiastic arm-wrenching squirrel-sighting walks. Robin’s patient help and encouragement in training Latte have brought all of us into the enjoyment of loose-leash walking now. Robin’s dog obedience class has helped us immensely in many areas. Cathy wishes she had some of this dog obedience training when her children were young! There are really many healthy crossover points in these positive techniques. Latte is now a registered therapy dog and enjoys having children read to her. ~ Ginny Anderson

NOW ONLY HALLOWEEN IS SCARY!

I was referred to Robin after my retriever mix, Sophie, attacked my neighbor’s dog over a bone.  It was very scary but, thankfully, no one was injured.  When I realized Sophie’s bad behavior was escalating, I knew I needed help. Robin came to my home to meet Sophie and my other dog, Cooper.  She taught me the importance of “parenting” and showed me the techniques that would help me be in charge.  I have been using those techniques over the past several weeks with both of my dogs and am amazed at the results.  Not only do I have more control in my home but there have not been any other incidents of aggression. I am very thankful for Robin’s help and plan to use her expertise for our future training needs.

PORTER CAN NOW GO TO BASEBALL GAMES!!!

Porter is fabulous!! I am actually looking forward to taking him to some little league baseball games this spring, something we would have never attempted before!

I joined the Canine Courtesy class with my 3-year-old Labrador Retriever, Porter. To say he was a bit excitable is an understatement. He would practically tackle anyone coming to our door! I thought to change this behavior was an impossible task, but with Robin’s help, we taught him to be calm when encountering visitors. And this was done all through positive reinforcement, no yelling or punishments.

I highly recommend this class for anyone with an over-excitable dog.

DREAMY LOVES TRAINING!

Dreamy’s dad is a grand champion Schipperke. She was meant to carry on his line, but after losing her first litter, her owner, a long-time friend, gave her to me.

After she settled in, I took her to a traditional obedience class, with choke chains and no treats. She would reluctantly heel around with the rest of the class, but when we passed the family and friends who came to watch, she would take off for the nearest lap! It soon became pretty obvious that she was not enjoying the class, so I started looking for an alternative.

A friend mentioned that she was planning to take an advanced puppy class with Robin, so we signed up. Dreamy loved the new classes! All positive training, and lots of treats! The dogs were allowed to socialize during down times, but Dreamy usually opted for belly rubs instead.  

When Robin offered the therapy dog training, we signed up. We did it! Dreamy was awesome at her observations and showed us that she was meant to be a therapy dog. But we couldn’t have done it without Robin’s help. Thank you so much for what you have given us. Not only are we excited to be a therapy dog team, but Dreamy loves training! ~ Jan and Dreamy

SEPARATION ANXIETY NO MORE!

My husband and I adopted Tessa July 2018. She had been abandoned and had separation anxiety. I asked the technicians at our animal hospital if they could recommend a dog trainer to help us and that is how we met Robin. She was very professional, friendly and easy to talk to. She made us feel like we were not alone in a situation that can be very hard to handle.

Thankfully her expertise helped Tessa overcome her separation anxiety and we can now leave her alone without her getting upset. Robin’s force-free and positive training techniques were exactly what we were looking for in a dog trainer so we join in her other training events whenever possible. We give Robin credit for Tessa’s impeccable manners and hope to have a life long relationship with her. ~ De Soave

IMPULSE CONTROL FOR GWEN!

Robin is a dedicated trainer and can help any dog issue. She was wonderful to work with in puppy training classes. Our puppy Gwen learned so much during the past three months from impulse control to learning to ignore distractions. She practices force-free training and is very patient with the dogs. Her assistant Becky is a joy to work with as well. I highly recommend working with Robin. ~Keelin Cox