08/31/2026
On Sunday morning, I was thrilled to assist a wonderful couple, a pair of newlyweds as of this past May, in training their 18-month-old Shih Tzu mix named Winston, who was actually found on the streets of Vicksburg, Mississippi, searching for a home. They've only had Winston for 3 weeks, and the last 3 weeks have been chaotic around the home front. My newlyweds' soon found out that Winston was a big barker when he heard a noise or saw somebody walking by; he did not know how to walk properly on the leash for exercise or sit or stay in place or at a distance; he would jump on friends and furniture when it wasn't warranted and act up inside the home. Now, my joyful couple has the knowledge and tools to control this wonderful boy without using food or treats as motivation. Winston is walking properly on the leash, sitting and staying in place with distractions, no longer barking unless it's warranted, and only jumping on friends or furniture has been addressed and curtailed.