Case Studies
From Leash Reactivity to Calm Confidence
Background: The Couple adopted a sweet Pitbull rescue who struggled with severe leash pulling and reactivity. With a big move to New York City ahead, they needed reliable behavior in a high-stimulation environment.
Challenges:
• Leash pulling and reactivity
• Anxiety when left alone
• Destructive behavior and stress at home
Our Approach: Southern Hounds LLC introduced structured leash manners and off-leash control using balanced training methods. Confidence-building and consistency reshaped the dog's behavior.
Results:
• Calm, reliable leash and off-leash behavior
• No longer requires crating; relaxed at home
• Able to confidently accompany owners in cities and public places
Testimonial: “Before hiring Southern Hounds LLC, we were honestly at a loss. We have a rescue dog who’s incredibly sweet and obedient, but she struggled with leash pulling and reactivity—two things we were very concerned about, especially with our upcoming move to New York City. We weren’t sure how she’d handle the busy streets and high stimulation.
From the very first training session with Southern Hounds LLC, we saw an incredible transformation. Our dog quickly learned how to walk calmly on a leash, and soon after, we were even able to train her off-leash. It’s not an exaggeration to say she’s a completely different dog now—calm, focused, and well-behaved.
The training didn’t just help with leash behavior. It truly changed her overall temperament. She used to get very anxious whenever we left the house, and we would crate her to prevent destructive behavior. Now, she’s able to stay home freely without stress or chaos. She’s relaxed, confident, and much more at peace.
Even our friend, who occasionally dog sits for us, noticed the difference. He mentioned how easy she’s become to handle—even without using her training collars—and how calm she is during walks, despite being a strong dog.
Thanks to Southern Hounds LLC, we now take her everywhere with us—into crowded cities, on weekend trips to Charleston, and around tons of people—and she is absolutely amazing. She listens, stays calm, doesn’t pull, and no longer reacts to other dogs or distractions.
We’re so grateful for Southern Hounds LLC. It’s made a huge impact on our lives and our dog’s. If you’re on the fence, don’t hesitate—this has truly been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made for our pup.”
Puppy Leash Training Success
Background: Laurie’s family welcomed Petal, an energetic puppy who made walks challenging with poor leash manners, causing injury to her daughter due to Petal’s strength.
Challenges:
• Puppy pulling and lack of leash control
• Family members struggled to walk Petal with confidence
Our Approach: Custom training plan with 1-on-1 sessions for the whole family. Focused on calm, structured walking and consistent handling.
Results:
• Petal now walks politely with all family members
• Owners gained confidence during walks
• Training adapted smoothly to family schedule
Testimonial: "It has been great working with Maddie to address and improve our puppy's on-leash behavior. Maddie has worked with our whole family so that we can all confidently walk and control our Petal. Maddie's training methods are efficient and thorough. It is great to have 1 on 1 sessions that fit our schedule too! Meet Maddie, you won't be disappointed!"
Building Obedience and Confidence
Background: Maple, an Aussie/golden mix needed structure after adopting her from a situation of neglect for 3 years. Maple lacked confidence, obedience, crate training, and reliable off-leash recall.
Challenges:
• Inconsistent crate training
• Needed off-leash Reliability
• Building confidence while learning obedience
Our Approach: Blended crate training, obedience, and e-collar foundations with a supportive and positive environment.
Results:
• Maple mastered crate training
• Reliable off-leash recall and obedience
• More confident and eager to learn
Testimonial:"I couldn’t be happier with Maddie's dog training expertise. She worked wonders with my dog, Maple, not only teaching her impressive tricks but also ensuring she mastered crate training and off-leash e-collar training. Maddie’s approach was both professional and personable, creating an environment where Maple felt comfortable and eager to learn.
Thanks to Maddie, Maple is now obedient, confident, and a joy to be around, whether we’re at home or out and about. If you're looking for a skilled and compassionate trainer who truly understands dogs and their needs, Maddie is the perfect choice. Highly recommend her services!"
Off-Leash Freedom
Background: Daisy Mae, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, was lacking reliable on-leash manners and off-leash obedience, along with struggling with extreme reactivity.
Challenges:
• High-energy breed needing structure
• Unreliable off-leash obedience
Our Approach: Focused off-leash training program with balanced methods and real-world practice.
Results:
• Fully trained off-leash and on leash
• Owner gained confidence to bring Daisy Mae anywhere
• Strengthened bond based on trust and obedience
Testimonial: "Maddie has been such a blessing to me and my sweet Daisy Mae. Now that my 2-year-old German Shepherd is completely trained off-leash, she's my companion everywhere I go. I can't thank Maddie enough for all her help!"
From Stressful Outings to Everyday Freedom
Challenge:
Owner struggled with taking Mowgli out in public due to his dog’s behavior around people and animals. The lack of control created stress and limited Isaac’s ability to include Mowgli in everyday activities. Walks, outings, and social environments became overwhelming, making life with his dog more restrictive than enjoyable.
Our Approach:
Personalized training program for Mowgli that focused on building reliable obedience in distracting environments, developing calm leash manners for public outings, providing structured socialization to reduce reactivity and boost confidence, and strengthening the bond between dog and owner through clear communication and consistency.
Results:
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He is now able to confidently take Mowgli with him anywhere.
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Mowgli remains calm and well-behaved around people and animals.
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Their outings have shifted from stressful experiences to opportunities for enjoyment and freedom.
Testimonial:
"Maddie has done amazing work with my pup, Mowgli. I was never able to take my dog with me anywhere due to the way he would act around other people and animals and the hassle it would be on me. After going through training with Maddie, I am now able to enjoy life at another level with Mowgli by my side wherever I wish. Highly recommend going through the training to anyone and any pup."
Puller to Partner: Calm Walks, Confident Dog
Background: A young family brought us their high-energy Labrador puppy who was already strong enough to pull them off their feet on walks. With a newborn baby joining the home, they needed safe, stroller-friendly walks and calm manners inside the house.
Challenges:
• Extreme leash pulling/dragging and door-darting
• Jumping and mouthing from over-arousal, especially around baby gear/visitors
• Little impulse control in the home (pacing, grabbing items, barking at the door)
Our Approach:
Southern Hounds LLC ran a live-in Board & Train focused on structured heel, pressure-and-release leash work, and threshold manners (doors, gates, stroller starts/stops). We installed place, out/drop, and calm greetings, then layered a clear recall system for safety. We also added baby-prep desensitization—recorded infant sounds, stroller drills, bassinet boundaries, and quiet time near the nursery—so calm became the default around the newest family member. Parents received weekly handler lessons during the program plus four at-home sessions after return to lock in routines and divide responsibilities.
Results:
• Loose-leash heel with no dragging; predictable starts/stops and polite thresholds
• Gentle, respectful behavior around the newborn (place command during feedings/diaper changes; calm greetings for visitors)
• Reliable recall and house rules that hold, creating a relaxed, safe home environment
Testimonial: “She went from knocking us off balance to walking beautifully next to the stroller. We were worried as first time parents how she would be around the baby and didn't want her to hurt the baby. Around the baby she’s calm, gentle, and respectful. This training gave us our peace of mind back.”
From Flight Risk to Rock-Solid Recall
Background: An active family brought us their 11-month-old hound mix who loved to bolt outdoors and ignore recall, especially around deer and neighborhood distractions. Safety was the top priority.
Challenges:
• Zero recall around wildlife and kids on bikes
• Door dashing and yard escapes
• Inconsistent obedience with multiple family handlers
Our Approach:
Our 3–4 week live-in Board & Train focused on structured routines, heel position, and a layered recall system (long-line → e-collar clarity). We proofed behaviors in real-life environments and coached the whole family with weekly lessons, then four at-home sessions to keep everyone consistent.
Results:
• Reliable recall—even with high drive distractions
• Door manners and calm thresholds (no more bolting)
• Family can safely enjoy off-leash hikes and backyard time
Testimonial: “We went from chasing him down the street to whistling once and watching him sprint back smiling. It’s night and day—and such a relief for our family.”
From Guarding & Chaos to Polite Family Dog
Background: A German Shephard in a busy home (two kids under 6) was resource guarding socks and toys, barking at the door, and jumping on visitors. Walks were chaotic and stressful.
Challenges:
• Resource guarding + snatching items from children
• Door reactivity and explosive greetings
• Pulling, jumping, and zero impulse control on walks
Our Approach:
We installed clear household structure during Board & Train: place command, out/drop cues, neutrality at doors, and calm greetings. Leash skills and e-collar communication created consistent “pressure off = good choice” clarity. Parents received step-by-step homework, plus four post-program in-home lessons to standardize rules for the kids and caregivers.
Results:
• Safe, reliable “out” and “place” around toys, socks, and snacks
• Quiet door behavior and polite guest greetings
• Loose-leash heel with predictable, calm walks for the whole family
Testimonial: “Our house finally feels peaceful. The jumping and grabbing are gone, and the kids can move around without us worrying. Best investment we’ve made for our home.”