Client Story: Connor | Sloan & Brady
When Connor Cackovic moved to Columbus, Ohio from sunny California, it wasn’t only him that had to make some adjustments. He brought his two very energetic and fiercely independent husky females, Sloane and Brady along for the ride. Where they were used to everywhere being dog-friendly and limitless guidelines, now, these pups had some restrictions. Because of that, Connor felt like he couldn’t take them as many places as he used to. By no means were they bad dogs, he said, but they would pull him around, run after a squirrel without heeding Connor’s commands and perhaps jump on people – all of which he attributed to simply being huskies. “That’s just what they do.” He never thought they could be trained, he was just at the mercy of his dogs consequently letting his relationship with them suffer.
It wasn’t until Connor’s sister and mom gave his name and phone number to Kevin at Capital Canine’s booth at a local Columbus Farmers Market that he realized he needed help. Kevin called him a few times to follow up and see if he had any questions. Initially hesitant due to thinking that his dogs had problems that no one could fix as well as the financial investment and boarding them with Capital Canine for two weeks, Connor finally agreed to meet with Kevin for a 30-minute consultation to discuss some more serious problems that his dogs had been having. At the meeting, Connor told Kevin about some of his dog’s behavioral issues – sometimes snapping at people, even fighting with other dogs. He was inspired by Kevin’s confidence and that Kevin ensured Connor that he’ll really work with them to get his dogs exactly how he wants them to behave. Kevin’s expert knowledge, open, friendly communication and flexibility in payment plans really sealed the deal because he offered every possible convenience for both him and the dogs. He knew Capital Canine would deliver.
Connor decided that the ‘better’ of his two huskies, Sloane would go through the Capital Canine Board & Train Program first. The program itself is two weeks of 24/7 attention where Sloane is fully immersed in Capital Canine’s structure and routine in order to learn appropriate social skills and responses to daily expectations. Those expectations were to walk off leash, staying with Connor and listening to his commands with the help of eCollars and remotes. Kevin also worked with Sloane on her behavioral issues to where she no longer jumps on people, snaps at other dogs, and doesn’t run off in search of a squirrel. Following her 14 day stay, Kevin set up a scheduled lesson in order to transfer the training over to Connor. This lesson covered everything that Sloane learned and how he can implement it at home.
Like with every client, Capital Canine wanted to set them up for a lifetime of success so, after the initial trial lesson, Connor now has two years of unlimited continued support from Kevin, which Connor said was the best part about working with Capital Canine – the communication. Not only did Kevin communicate throughout the entire Board & Train program about Sloane’s progress, he said he was able to text Kevin afterward any time with questions or advice and Kevin would respond within minutes. Kevin even offers to meet at parks to go over skills, go on walks with their dogs whenever Connor’s schedule allows, and that overall, the follow up is incredible.
And it was because of his amazing overall experience with Capital Canine that Connor decided to Board & Train his other husky female, Brady. She was just as high energy and independent as Sloane, but her behavioral issues were more severe and would even try to sneak out to go on an unannounced journey to PetCo. Connor was so concerned that one day she would leave and never come back. Before Capital Canine, he got the impression that both of his dogs, but Brady in particular, didn’t really care about him preferring her freedom and autonomy.
Now, seeing the success with both Sloane and Brady where they listen to and respect Connor’s commands, can walk alongside him off their leashes for miles, and can play with him without getting distracted by other dogs or people around, Connor said because of Capital Canine, its night and day – “it’s so much better to have a dog.”
Connor has and would continue to recommend Capital Canine to any one whose dogs need help – from more serious issues even to those who are still on the fence thinking “my dog isn’t that bad”. A well trained dog makes your life so much happier, he said. Seeing the difference before and after, now he can really enjoy the time with his dogs. Connor said he really didn’t have a relationship with his dogs before Capital Canine. They just did their own thing, thinking that they didn’t really like him.
Now, he has the best relationship with them – they are his companions and best friends. They listen to him, which gives Connor the freedom through convenience and safety because they respect his commands and role as an owner. It was so worth the investment, he said, because he is never afraid to take hikes with them, let them go off leash, because they know they need his permission and want to make him happy in return.