Turning Point Dog Training

Introducing Emma: our May Client Spotlight

Emma is a 4 year old Golden Retriever (she celebrates her fifth birthday next month) who lives outside of Brecksville with her mom, Katy. Emma has been a great companion for her since Katy decided to retire. Katy’s favorite thing about Emma is how she is always ready to enjoy the next adventure, whether that be a walk, hike, or swimming.

Emma came to us in February 2026 because Katy felt she was still struggling to manage Emma’s overexcitement, counter surfing, off leash recall, and other impulsive behaviors despite ongoing training with a different trainer. At the assessment it was determined that Emma was a very obedient dog, but nothing was being done to teach her that off switch that Katy so desperately wanted. Katy wanted to get Emma to a place where she could trust her not to jump on people or steal things from their hands, learn more about how to work through that excitement, and teach Emma how to settle on her own.

Over the last 3.5 months this team has made huge strides! Katy said the most valuable thing she has learned through training is to lessen the constant stimulation she is providing to Emma and allow Emma to work through some of that boredom. For example, Katy used to constantly pet and talk to Emma, whereas now Katy gives direction and holds Emma accountable. Katy also noted that there is more to exercise than just fetch and walks. Finding ways to exercise Emma’s brain are beneficial as well. Katy and Emma continue to work on entering new situations with a calm and relaxed approach. Katy continues to grow as a handler and gets better and better about stepping outside of her comfort zone to try new experiences with Emma.

_______

Happy (belated) National Pet Day from some of the dogs who have been in our care this month!

Do you recognize anyone?
———-