Turning anxious pups into confident, adoptable canines

CLEVELAND — Their names are Aspen, Graupel, Yukon and Kodiak. 

Notice a chilly theme? These snow bunny pups are from the same litter and came to foster-based rescue Muttley Crue last December. 

All arrived physically in pretty good health, but there were still some issues. 

“They were super shut down when we got them. Afraid of everything,” said Muttley Crue's Executive Director Nikki Lavdas. 

They were placed with foster homes where they could decompress, settle in and become comfortable. But it was clear all would need a little extra help. 

Aspen and Graupel started a three-week board and train with Boss K9, where they learned obedience and leash manners. It didn't take long for them to find their families and begin new lives. 

Kodiak and Yukon needed a little more time. “They're terrified of life, basically. So, them coming here, they're going to get that confidence and then we're going to learn a little bit more about them – so we can put them in the right home,” Lavdas said. 

Boss K9 Balanced Training is in Cleveland's St. Clair Superior Neighborhood. It offers many different services, but specializes in dogs with behavioral issues. Owner Anna Rencz is committed to helping organizations like Muttley Crue 

“At the end of the day, we're here for the dogs. We're all really passionate. Myself and every single one of my staff members, you know, we do it for the dogs and we wanna see them go to the right homes,” she said. 

We met Yukon and Kodiak at the beginning of their month-long train and board. Neither was ready for much more than small exercises in an enclosed yard. They were clearly nervous at the sight of strangers – and a camera watching their progress.  

“Obviously for each dog – the reason why the anxiety is there – is a different route,” said Rencz as she explained all that is considered when dogs like Yukon and Kodiak begin training. The first few days were about allowing the pups to settle in. “Let's take away the social pressure. Let's allow him to exist with us and in his own time, come out of his shell,” she said. 

Rencz is big on “layering” – adding a new challenge, only after the previous is mastered. Starting with very small tasks or “asks” – then only moving on when the dog is ready. Trust building is also critical. 

“Letting him know that you are in a safe place with safe people. So we do a lot of relationship building exercises with food and affection,” she added. 

After our short introduction to both dogs, we left with a promise to return at the end of their stay. 

Twenty-two days later we did. To our happy surprise Yukon was no longer there. He'd soared through training and had been adopted just a few days prior. 

Kodiak, the more anxious of two, is almost there.

“For some dogs, they're more sensitive to environmental changes than others. So right now we're doing something he's very familiar with and very used to doing, which is this obedience drill,” said Rencz as we watched with her work with Kodiak inside the Boss K9 studio. On the instructor's command, the 10-month-old pup would go to one raised bed and stay until she told him otherwise.

Our presence offered a good challenge – as Kodiak would need to listen, while strangers watched from close by.

After this exercise we went out for a walk to the park and back. It was a trip with sights and sounds Kodiak could not have attempted 3 weeks ago, without exhibiting extreme fear and anxiety.

Today he's a far different dog. Much more self-assured and relaxed. He is still aware of all that is going on around him, but remains engaged with his trainer.

He'll tackle one more task: an upcoming trip with his trainer to a big-box store, one with plenty of sights and sounds. Rencz has no doubt Kodiak will master it. It's clear he's almost ready for life's next great adventure.

“He's come really far showing that he can do this. I'm really excited for him to find a home who sees his potential. And show him that he can live a very fulfilling life. You know? And that's what our hope is. And I'm excited to, to be part of his story, ” Rencz said.

Muttley Crue is looking for someone to adopt Kodiak. Ideally they should be patient and willing to continue the work put in. He'd love a cuddle-buddy. And another dog to befriend.

Check out Kodiak's profile HERE.

To continue what they do, Muttley Crue is always looking for fosters. A foster gives dogs like Kodiak a chance to learn routines, decompress, and work on basic skills. It also gives rescues a chance to learn more about the dog's personality – their likes and dislikes. This goes a long way in matching them with just the right adopter. If you'd like to learn more, head HERE.  

Want to learn more about Boss K9 and the training/services they provide? Head HERE.

If you are interested in learning more about Muttley Crue – you can find them at a number of upcoming community events below:

(Check out their events page as well HERE.)

June 1, 2024:
PRIDE
Downtown Cleveland
Walkway E. Mall B (#C-05 on map)
8 a.m.-4 p.m.