As we kick off Rodeo’s Rockstars, our monthly series in honor of LOTP’s master trainer and beloved friend, Rodeo - we could think of no dog more worthy of bearing this title first, than our very own LEO.
Leo came to Leader of the Pack in the Spring of 2021. He was originally scheduled to enter the Live-In Program for behavior modification due to a history of severe dog aggression issues. But, one week before his arrival date, his owners made the heartbreaking decision to put him down instead, after he got into one too many fights with the other dog in the household.
Mark sprung into immediate action, and was able to intervene before the decision was carried out, while the owners were on the way to the vet to have Leo put down. He found a foster who could keep Leo until he could enter the program. His owners agreed to proceed with his training, in order to give him the best chance at living a normal life.
When he arrived, Leo was traumatized and scared, with fight wounds requiring drains still in his chest, and even deeper scars in his soul. He would not let us approach him, or even pet him, without growling and cowering. He was also clearly terrified of other dogs, displaying extreme aggressive reactions whenever he saw one. He could not safely be around another dog, eat near them, or even see them without an attack response.
Mark and his team approached Leo’s training slowly, first building trust with Leo and letting him know he was safe. Over time, he began to let us pet him and even play with him. But, he remained deeply terrified of other dogs.
It took a few weeks before Leo was ready to try being around another dog. At first, he had to be kept in a muzzle and leashed, while we brought in our amazing lead trainer dog Drogo to meet him. Leo was scared and ready to fight, but with encouragement and Drogo’s calm, steady demeanor, Leo managed to change his initial reaction, and meet Drogo without going on the attack. Over and over, time and again, Mark and Drogo showed Leo he was safe, and Leo worked harder and harder on overcoming his fears.
After several weeks of slow but steady progress, Leo’s owners decided that he would not be able to return home. But, Mark and his team would not give up on Leo, and continued on with his training. One of the first humans Leo bonded with in the training program was Liam Dunlap, Mark's son, who promised Leo (on a regular basis) that he would find a forever home.
Eventually, the day came that Leo could be with Drogo without a muzzle and off-leash. He was so proud of himself, smiling at his trainers and prancing around the training area. He still had a long way to go, but Leo had learned that he was safe, and he was loved, and that no one was giving up on him.
Almost 9 months later, Leo is still learning new social skills and confronting old fears. He has now joined the Dunlap household, and Drogo is now his brother. And Liam, one of his first friends in the training program, is now his brother too. Leo continues to blossom every day: learning how to tussle and play with Drogo, going on walks, and even eating in the same room as Drogo and sharing treats! All things he was not able to do just a few months ago. He still has a long way to go, but he has come so far.
We are profoundly proud of Leo’s progress, and we know Rodeo would be, too. Leo stands as a testimony to the value of a life, and how all of the hard work and time invested is worth it. Without a second chance, Leo wouldn’t be here – but he is here today to serve as an example of the tougher cases, and most of all to be a symbol of HOPE. Sometimes, it might not take just days or weeks – it might take months, and there might be setbacks. But, every dog can be a good dog. And, like Leo, every dog is worth it.
Way to go, Leo! We hereby dub you the very first RODEO’S ROCKSTAR.
Leo came to Leader of the Pack in the Spring of 2021. He was originally scheduled to enter the Live-In Program for behavior modification due to a history of severe dog aggression issues. But, one week before his arrival date, his owners made the heartbreaking decision to put him down instead, after he got into one too many fights with the other dog in the household.
Mark sprung into immediate action, and was able to intervene before the decision was carried out, while the owners were on the way to the vet to have Leo put down. He found a foster who could keep Leo until he could enter the program. His owners agreed to proceed with his training, in order to give him the best chance at living a normal life.
When he arrived, Leo was traumatized and scared, with fight wounds requiring drains still in his chest, and even deeper scars in his soul. He would not let us approach him, or even pet him, without growling and cowering. He was also clearly terrified of other dogs, displaying extreme aggressive reactions whenever he saw one. He could not safely be around another dog, eat near them, or even see them without an attack response.
Mark and his team approached Leo’s training slowly, first building trust with Leo and letting him know he was safe. Over time, he began to let us pet him and even play with him. But, he remained deeply terrified of other dogs.
It took a few weeks before Leo was ready to try being around another dog. At first, he had to be kept in a muzzle and leashed, while we brought in our amazing lead trainer dog Drogo to meet him. Leo was scared and ready to fight, but with encouragement and Drogo’s calm, steady demeanor, Leo managed to change his initial reaction, and meet Drogo without going on the attack. Over and over, time and again, Mark and Drogo showed Leo he was safe, and Leo worked harder and harder on overcoming his fears.
After several weeks of slow but steady progress, Leo’s owners decided that he would not be able to return home. But, Mark and his team would not give up on Leo, and continued on with his training. One of the first humans Leo bonded with in the training program was Liam Dunlap, Mark's son, who promised Leo (on a regular basis) that he would find a forever home.
Eventually, the day came that Leo could be with Drogo without a muzzle and off-leash. He was so proud of himself, smiling at his trainers and prancing around the training area. He still had a long way to go, but Leo had learned that he was safe, and he was loved, and that no one was giving up on him.
Almost 9 months later, Leo is still learning new social skills and confronting old fears. He has now joined the Dunlap household, and Drogo is now his brother. And Liam, one of his first friends in the training program, is now his brother too. Leo continues to blossom every day: learning how to tussle and play with Drogo, going on walks, and even eating in the same room as Drogo and sharing treats! All things he was not able to do just a few months ago. He still has a long way to go, but he has come so far.
We are profoundly proud of Leo’s progress, and we know Rodeo would be, too. Leo stands as a testimony to the value of a life, and how all of the hard work and time invested is worth it. Without a second chance, Leo wouldn’t be here – but he is here today to serve as an example of the tougher cases, and most of all to be a symbol of HOPE. Sometimes, it might not take just days or weeks – it might take months, and there might be setbacks. But, every dog can be a good dog. And, like Leo, every dog is worth it.
Way to go, Leo! We hereby dub you the very first RODEO’S ROCKSTAR.
