All Dog Solutions

I adopted an adult pound puppy who within the first month, after settling in a bit, showed some of his true colors as an individual that is socially inept and emotionally disturbed (that is, has dog-​aggressive tendencies). I’m quite active and wanted a dog that can be equally active and well adjusted — he needs to be able to handle encounters with other dogs on walks, hikes, and the occasional game night at the house. So, we sought help.
I was looking for trainers that were adequately qualified to work with canine aggression (we were beyond the need to simply sit and stay, he can learn those «tricks» no problem), and I was finicky about the methods I used. I wanted the training to be more psychologically motivated than machismo-​fear-​dominance motivated, and after talking to quite a few trainers in town, Ry Steffen of All Dog Solutions appeared to be one of my few options
I briefly worked with another trainer who I discovered clearly wasn’t able to meet the needs of my dog and I, so that was a loss of money for me but a learning experience about the difference between an okay trainer and a great trainer. Ry subscribes to many Caesar Milan type beliefs and practices — the focus is always on the pack leader staying in control, with a «calm assertive» state of mind and a beta dog will respond in kind. His techniques have transformed the interactions in our household with both the humans and the dogs in a much better place (emotionally speaking). We can do things we couldn’t before — have nice, long, calm walks without the dogs freaking out every time we pass another dog — and I feel in control and am able to quell bad situations often before they happen (or handle them quickly and calmly when they do). The dogs are clearly happier in a calmer state of mind knowing who the pack leader is. Ry really focuses on the dog and pack psychology and explains the biological basis behind all the techniques he uses. He’s sometimes a little hard to get ahold of and is ridiculously busy, so don’t expect to be able to set up a meeting the day you call… But, if you and your puparoo need help making life more manageable, he’s your guy.