How We Helped Two Weimaraner Mixes Stop Pulling and Reacting on Walks in Hampton Roads
At A Glance
Dog Name: Otis and Lilly
Breed: Weimaraner mixes
Location: Hampton Roads, VA
Main Issue: Leash pulling, reactivity around dogs, high prey drive (cats), jumping, and inconsistent manners
Program: 2 Week Board and Train
Outcome: Calmer, more obedient, and far more enjoyable to walk, even with distractions
The Challenge
Otis and Lilly came in as a two-dog team that was hard to manage—especially on walks. In the video, it’s clear right away: pulling on leash, big energy, and a “hit or miss” response around other dogs. Then a cat shows up, and you see the prey drive kick in fast.
Their owner described life before training as absolute chaos. Walks weren’t enjoyable because the dogs got overstimulated and hard to control. Lilly was also inconsistent around kids, which made this more than a “they just need more exercise” situation. They needed calm behavior and reliable obedience around real-life triggers.
The Diagnosis & Solution
When two dogs feed off each other’s energy, training them together from day one can slow progress. So we built the foundation first, then brought them back together once they had clarity and control.
Decompression and Reset (First Days)
We started with structure and clear expectations to lower arousal and improve focus. When dogs are overstimulated, they rehearse chaos instead of learning consistent obedience.
Foundation Obedience First
We sharpened obedience so both dogs understood what “yes” looks like before layering distractions—basic control first, then walking manners and responsiveness.
Train Separately, Then Together
Because they were “pretty crazy together,” we trained Otis and Lilly separately to build reliable foundations, then reintroduced them once progress was solid.
Reactivity Work and Desensitization
We addressed the tendency to escalate around triggers (dogs, cats, and kid-related inconsistency for Lilly) with structured exposure and calm follow-through.
Walking Skills and Door Manners
Heel wasn’t established early on, and leash pulling was obvious. Training focused on calmer, more controlled walking and better manners so outings became manageable.
Internal links you can place naturally here:
The Results
After the 2-week Board & Train, the owner described a complete shift in day-to-day control. The dogs went from chaotic and unpleasant on walks to calm, responsive, and much easier to handle.
They specifically highlighted that Otis and Lilly now:
- heel right by their sides
- stay calm and controlled on walks
- feel like they’ll be far more enjoyable companions going forward.
The Owner’s Reaction
“Absolute chaos before… now much more tame, mild-mannered, and obedient.” “They heel perfectly… calm and controlled… much more enjoyable in the future.”
Ready to Transform Your Dog?
If walks feel stressful or your dog reacts around other dogs and distractions, you don’t have to push through it alone. A structured plan can change what daily life feels like.