Beanz & His Quirks
Beanz has been a part of my life for over two years now, and in that time, I’ve discovered just how wonderfully quirky he is. Some habits are funny, some are puzzling, and some are just… so Beanz. Every quirk tells a story, and every little victory has made our bond stronger.
Nervous at the Door, Brave in the Heart
When we first brought Beanz home, he was hesitant to come inside on his own. It was slow going — lots of gentle encouragement, patience, and way too many treats — but he eventually learned to step inside without hesitation.
Watching him finally walk through the door like he belonged was such a small but meaningful moment. That day, I realized how much trust really matters, and how incredible it feels when a scared little soul decides you’re safe.
Beware the Feet
One of Beanz’s quirks is his fear of feet. Shoes or bare, if your feet come too close, he growls and runs away — but he always comes back.
We don’t know much about his life before us— he spent the first eight months alone in a barn before being rescued — so it’s hard to know exactly why he’s wary. But each day, he grows a little braver, showing me that trust isn’t instant, it’s earned. And every small moment where he relaxes near us feels like a quiet, precious victory.
Beanz vs. Cars: The Ongoing Saga
And then there’s the car situation. Being a Collie, his herding instincts are strong — which apparently includes lunging at every passing car. Our early walks were chaotic, exhausting, and often heartbreaking.
We tried everything — treats, commands, harnesses, collars — but nothing seemed to work. It was frustrating and often left me questioning if I was failing him, to the point I was in tears and saying I can’t do this he needs to go back to the rescue centre, But even in those moments, I could see his willingness to try to please me.
Enter Chloe: The Game-Changer
That’s when Chloe from StanfordK9s came into our lives. She met Beanz, listened to our story, and guided us with calm, patient expertise. She introduced gentle tools like a slip lead and e-collar, and helped us take the first steps toward safe, confident walks.
The first walk with her was nerve-wracking but also amazing. With just a few corrections and her steady guidance, Beanz was focused, calm, and engaged — a completely different dog than the one I had struggled to manage for weeks. That walk gave me hope, and for the first time, I felt like we could really help him.
Small Steps, Big Wins
Training Beanz has been a journey — slow, sometimes frustrating, but always full of love. He’s still cautious and quirky, but he’s learning to trust and navigate the world with us. Thanks to Chloe, walks are calmer, confidence is growing, and life together feels fuller and warmer.
Quirks, feet, cars, and all, Beanz is my boy. Every day with him reminds me that patience, love, and the right guidance can make all the difference. I’ll be forever grateful to Chloe for helping us find our way together, making my beanie boy be the amazing boy that he is truly is and I can’t wait to work more with Chloe to continue on this journey with Beanz.
