Over the years, I have continued to foster dogs, both independently and through the humane society.  I also help individual rescuers temperament test their dogs and screen potential adopters.  Between answering behavior helpline questions, networking and learning from other trainers and rescuers, and participating in numerous classes with my own dogs, I have the experience, patience and understanding to help dog owners facing problems of all shapes and sizes.

Stephanie Feldstein has been involved in animal rescue for over 10 years, specializing in dogs that need socialization and misunderstood breeds (especially a pit bulls).  Her experiences bring a unique perspective to  her training.

Stephanie is also a writer, primarily of fiction that explores the human-animal bond. For more details:
www.stephaniefeldstein.com

What my pack has taught me...

Juno came into the Humane Society of Huron Valley in early 1999.  She had been a stray and was afraid of nearly everyone, cowered when touched, and showed aggression toward unknown women and children.  But there was an immediate bond.  I couldn’t adopt Juno for a few months, but I walked her at the humane society every single day, slowly earning her trust.  Even after she came home, training presented certain challenges.  I knew that choke collar methods would destroy her trust, but she wasn’t interested in treats or toys, and was still too hand shy to reward with petting.  After a lot of hard work, using verbal praise and building her confidence, Juno became the well-behaved, social, playful dog she is today.  Now we can go for walks in the park with friends and their dogs, where Juno will find sticks to play with, walk on a loose leash, and even sit politely for children to greet her.  Juno is responsible for teaching me so much about communication, dedication, and the human-dog bond. 

The next to join the pack was Turtle, a severely undersocialized pit bull mix.  Turtle was never aggressive – she trembled in corners, watching the world like she wanted to be a part of it, but didn’t know how or what to expect.  Unlike Juno, who was eager to learn and be out in public even before she could handle physical contact, Turtle was paralyzed by her fear.  It was an entirely different experience socializing her.  And, like many other people, owning a pit bull redefined dog ownership.  People judged my dog, forcing Turtle to prove herself.  She did.  Again, and again, Turtle charmed friends, family, and strangers, and wiped out a number of misconceptions about pit bulls.

The list of pack members goes on.  Olive (who passed away November 2008) was a senior pit bull rescued from a cruelty case.  Quirky and resilient, she changed the rules and what I thought was possible (both the good and the bad).  Sierra is a well-socialized German Shepherd mix with a strong co-dependent streak and energy to spare.  Moby is a large young pit bull who puts a creative, goofy twist on life.  My pack is rounded out by three dog-savvy felines, who are excellent training assistants.

Then there were the fosters, our temporary pack, ranging from Gulliver from Hurricane Katrina, who had to learn to live indoors again, to Namaste, one of the smartest dogs I’ve ever known, whose intelligence and grief for his deceased owner led to severe problem behaviors.  We’ve had puppies who loved everyone and dogs that had to be crated and rotated due to aggression issues. 

Each dog has a unique personality and presents a unique set of challenges, But that's the best thing about living with dogs.  They bring character and sensitivity, laughter and frustration, energy and comfort to our lives.  Sometimes they demand a lot of effort, but working with your dog should be the best job you’ve ever had, and the rewards are well worth it in the end.