At a Glance
Quick Overview
- Dog Name: Blitz
- Breed: Labrador Retriever
- Age: 18 months
- Owner: Christopher Rush
- Location: Richmond, VA
- Primary Issues: Reactivity, selective listening, inability to settle
- Training Program: 2 Week Board & Train
- Trainer: Ryan
- Outcome: Calm neighborhood walks, improved focus, and reliable boundaries at home
The Challenge
Life Before Training
When Christopher dropped Blitz off, he described him as a lovable but hard-headed puppy who listened only when he felt like it. Blitz could not sit still for more than a couple seconds and reacted strongly to distractions.
Christopher works from home, so Blitz is part of everything. Workdays, neighborhood walks, car rides, hiking, camping, and everyday routines. With Blitz constantly pulling, reacting, and testing boundaries, daily life felt heavier than it needed to be.
Walks were especially challenging. Blitz struggled to stay calm and focused, making even short outings stressful instead of enjoyable.
The Diagnosis and Training Plan
What Ryan Focused On
Christopher admitted he was hesitant at first because Ryan had fewer reviews than some other trainers. That hesitation disappeared once he saw the results.
Christopher described Ryan as a genuine outdoorsman and a true dog person. Blitz connected with him quickly, and that relationship made training more effective.
Blitz completed the 2 Week Board & Train program, which is designed for dogs that need to perform reliably in real-world environments.
Training Priorities
- Building reliable obedience so Blitz listens the first time
- Improving impulse control so he can settle and stay focused
- Teaching clear boundaries at home and during daily routines
- Creating calm, structured walks with reduced distraction response
The Results
Life After Training
Two weeks later, Christopher got back the same lovable dog, but with a completely different level of control and follow-through.
On Blitz’s very first morning home, Christopher took him for a walk through the neighborhood. Blitz handled it calmly, stayed focused, and ignored distractions like a professional.
That moment mattered. It showed the training worked where it counts, in real life.
Christopher shared that having a dog who listens and understands boundaries lifted a huge weight off his shoulders. Since they spend nearly all their time together, that structure changed everything. Blitz still tests occasionally because he is young, but Ryan built a solid foundation they can continue building on.
Owner Experience
“When I dropped off Blitz, my 18-month-old Labrador Retriever, he was a hard-headed, reactive puppy who listened only when he felt like it, and couldn’t sit still for two seconds. Two weeks later, I got back the same lovable knucklehead—but now he listens, follows commands, and respects boundaries like never before! I’ll admit, I was wary at first because Ryan didn’t have as many reviews as some of the other trainers. But after seeing what he accomplished with Blitz, I’m so glad I ended up choosing him. Ryan’s a genuine outdoorsman and a true dog guy—you can tell he loves what he does, and Blitz responded to that right away. On Blitz’s first morning back home, we took our first walk through the neighborhood, and he handled it like a professional: calm, focused, and ignoring every distraction. I work from home, so we’re together 24/7, whether I’m working, hiking, camping, or just out for a drive. Having a dog who actually listens and understands boundaries has taken a huge weight off my shoulders! He’s still a puppy and occasionally tests me, but Ryan built a solid foundation for us to build on. Blitz bonded with him so much that he almost seemed sad to leave. Ryan truly set him up for success. The photos say it all—he’s a whole new dog!”
Ready to Transform Your Dog
Start With a Free Evaluation
If your dog struggles with reactivity, inconsistent obedience, or stressful walks, dog training in Richmond VA can help you build real-world control that lasts.