At Unleashed K9 of Minnesota, every dog has a story, but some transformations truly stand out. Remi, a 10-month-old Golden Retriever with seemingly endless energy, came to the team with challenges that many dog owners know all too well.
Her family described life before training like this:
“Remi has an energy level of 1 million out of 10. We could take her on four walks a day and throw a ball for an hour and she would still have the zoomies and have a bunch of energy!”
Like many young, high-energy dogs, Remi wasn’t just playful, she was overwhelming. Walks were exhausting, not enjoyable, and basic household routines felt nearly impossible.
“When we would walk her before we sent her to this board and train she would pull constantly on the leash we would be leaning back. Everyone in our neighborhood would avoid us.”
At home, things weren’t much easier.
“She would jump on people, she would counter surf, she ate the couch, she even ate our brick fireplace. She consistently destroyed everything in our house.”
For her owners, the decision to invest in a three-week board and train program didn’t come lightly. Like many pet parents, they were skeptical—would it really work?
“We were very hesitant to spend the amount of money we did for the three week training session, but we are extremely relieved that we did.”
The Turning Point
During her time at Unleashed K9, Remi didn’t just burn off energy, she learned structure, boundaries, and how to channel that energy in a productive way. With consistent training and clear communication, everything began to change.
“The [trainer] who worked with Remi was amazing and taught her so much. She can now do ‘place’ at home on her new cot, which is a lifesaver for when I need to open the door, or do dishes, or even when she just needs to calm down!”
Door manners, a common struggle for excitable dogs, also improved dramatically.
“I also love that they taught her to ‘wait’ so when I go through a door, I don’t have to worry about her barging through because she knows she has to wait for us first.”
And perhaps the most noticeable difference came during walks:
“One of the best things she learned there was ‘heal’. There is no more pulling on walks. There’s no more jumping, and she sticks right by our side.”
Life After Training
Remi’s transformation didn’t just improve her behavior, it gave her family peace of mind and a better quality of life. Walks became enjoyable. Guests could come over without stress. Their home felt like home again.
“I definitely recommend this place and would do it all over again to get these results. She has learned so much and we are so grateful.”
Tips for Owners Dealing with a High-Energy, Destructive Dog
If Remi’s story sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Here are a few practical tips you can start using today:
1. Exercise needs structure
Many owners try to “tire out” their dog, but without mental engagement and clear rules, energy often turns into chaos. Incorporate training into daily routines to challenge your dog mentally.
2. Teach a reliable “Place” command
Having a designated spot where your dog can settle is a game changer. It creates calm during high-activity moments like cooking, answering the door, or hosting guests.
3. Work on door manners early
Commands like “wait” help prevent dangerous behaviors like bolting out the door and reinforce your role as the leader.
4. Fix the walk first
Loose leash walking—or “heel”—is about more than just walks. It builds focus, respect, and communication between you and your dog.
5. Consistency is everything
Training doesn’t stop when a program ends. The biggest transformations happen when owners continue reinforcing what their dog has learned.
Your Dog Training Partners
Remi’s journey is proof that even the most energetic, destructive dogs can learn to be calm, focused, and well-behaved with the right training and guidance.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might not be about doing more, it might be about doing things differently. And sometimes, the right support can make all the difference.