Roi
Roi’s Progress: From Nervous Reactivity to Improved Confidence and Control
Roi is a young Havanese who initially struggled with low confidence around unfamiliar dogs, people and busy public environments. His owner found walks stressful and unpredictable due to barking, growling, lead pulling and unreliable recall when distractions were present.
Before residential training, Roi completed structured one-to-one work focused on clearer communication, reward timing, controlled socialisation and recall development. He then joined SK9 Training World for a one-week residential programme to build on those foundations through consistent daily training, exercise and structured real-world exposure.
- Improved lead walking: Roi showed less pulling and better handler engagement when out in public.
- Better recall and focus: His outdoor recall improved, including around moderate to higher distractions.
- Reduced reactions around dogs: Roi became more neutral around other dogs, with any occasional excitement or minor vocalisation easier to interrupt and redirect.
- Calmer behaviour around animals: During the programme, Roi lived successfully alongside indoor cats and a female German Shepherd, showing calmer and more respectful behaviour.
- Stronger obedience foundations: Training covered recall, heel, sit, stay, off, enough, stop and practical indoor and outdoor manners.
At handover, Roi’s owner practised the training in live situations, including lead walking, commands and passing another dog at close proximity. Roi remained focused and continued walking without reacting. His progress now depends on maintaining the same calm, consistent structure at home, with regular exercise, short training sessions and gradual exposure to new environments.
Roi’s story shows how structured training, clear guidance and owner consistency can help a nervous dog become more confident, controlled and easier to manage in everyday life.
Owner Testimonial
“I have been working with Mac to improve my 19-month-old Havanese, Roi’s confidence, obedience and overall behaviour. When I first contacted Mac, Roi was a very nervous dog who would often become reactive when meeting other dogs and strangers while out in public. Walks could be stressful and unpredictable, and I often felt anxious because I was not confident that I could manage situations effectively when they arose.
From the very beginning, Mac took the time to understand both Roi and me, explaining not only what we needed to work on but also why certain behaviours were happening. The training has been as much about educating me as it has been about training Roi. It has helped us build a stronger partnership, better communication and the confidence to manage situations that would previously have caused anxiety.
One of the biggest improvements has been Roi’s growing confidence around other dogs and people. While we still have work to do, his reactions are far less intense and he is much more able to remain calm and focused when we are out and about. Our walks have become more enjoyable and less stressful for both of us.
Roi also attended a week-long residential stay with Mac, which was hugely beneficial. The residential training gave him the opportunity to practise his skills consistently in a structured environment and reinforced the foundations we had already started building together.
What has impressed me most is that the training has focused on lasting results rather than quick fixes. Mac has been supportive, patient and professional throughout, and the progress Roi has made so far has exceeded my expectations. Roi is noticeably more confident, relaxed and happy when out in public, and I am much more confident handling him in situations that would previously have caused us both stress.
“I would not hesitate to recommend Mac to anyone looking for help with their dog’s confidence, behaviour or obedience.”