Paws, Purpose & Stanford K9s

Hey everyone! 💕
Welcome back! Today’s post is all about my beautiful Beanz, his big feelings about cars, and the wonderful trainer who changed everything for us — the amazing Chloe from Stanford K9s.

When Beanz first joined our family, we didn’t know much about his past — not how he walked on a lead, not how he’d feel around traffic, nothing. So, naturally, our first walk together was full of excitement and nerves.

Picture this: Beanz, just eight months old, proudly wearing his Julius K9 harness. Dad and I were ready for our grand debut walk through town — short and sweet, we thought. He pulled a little (as pups do), but once we turned down the school road… oh boy. It was drop-off time. Cars everywhere. People everywhere. And Beanz suddenly turned into a spring-loaded pogo stick! He lunged toward the traffic, and my heart stopped. I was terrified. All I could think was, “Please, no one end up under a car today!”

We went home that day a little shaken, but determined. Day two? Same chaos, different morning. That’s when Dad dashed off to the pet shop and came back with a Halti. It helped a little — less pulling — but Beanz still had big opinions about cars. Maybe he was trying to protect me, or maybe he was just scared. After all, poor boy had spent his first eight months in a barn before being rescued.

So, on to Trainer Attempt #1.
We tried someone from out of town. Her heart was in the right place, but her method of “Canny Collar + hot dogs everywhere” wasn’t it for us. Beanz didn’t care about the hot dogs — he was way too busy worrying about the scary cars. After a few weeks, both of us were frazzled. I adored him, but I was exhausted and heartbroken.

Then came the breaking point in January 2024.
It was a gorgeous winter morning — you know, one of those crisp, peaceful ones that should make you feel calm. But I was filled with dread. The moment we hit that busy road, everything fell apart. Beanz lunged, barked, and got himself so overstimulated that he started grabbing at his face. I tried so hard — treats, distractions, just anything and everything I could think of — but I just couldn’t do it anymore. I handed the lead to Dad and said, “I can’t do this.”

The five-minute drive home felt like forever. I walked through the door, dropped the lead, and just burst into tears. I told Mum I couldn’t do it, that Beanz would have to go back. She hugged me, and then Beanz — my sweet, confused boy — pressed himself against my legs. I knelt down, hugged him, and said, “I’m so sorry. None of this is your fault.” 💔

But the next day brought a little miracle.
Mum and Dad popped into the pet shop, and by chance, there on the counter was a card for Stanford K9s and Chloe. Mum took a picture, came home, did some research, and asked if I wanted to give it one last try. “Yes,” I said instantly. I wanted to try everything for my boy.

And that’s how Chloe came into our lives. ✨

From the moment she walked in, I just knew. Chloe had this calm, confident energy — the kind that instantly puts both humans and dogs at ease. She watched Beanz around traffic, confirmed what we already suspected (yep, definite reactivity!), and then introduced us to the Slip Lead and E-collar.

That very first session was incredible. We spent over an hour walking up and down the main road, and for the first time, Beanz started listening. He was calmer, more focused, and I could finally breathe again. It was like walking a completely different dog — my happy, clever boy was still there, just waiting for the right guidance.

Since then, Beanz and I have come so far.
He even went to daycare with Chloe every Thursday until the end of September — 8:30 to 5:00, his favourite day of the week! He’s learned to play, relax, and socialise like a pro. And me? I’ve learned to trust both of us a little more.

Chloe isn’t just a trainer; she’s become part of our family. I know I can call her for any question (big, small, or downright silly). I’m endlessly grateful to her for giving me back the joy of walking with my best friend. We even still work together every few months for refresher sessions to keep Beanz on top of his game when it comes to walking like a pro around cars - strong, confident, and more importantly, Calm

Thank you so much, Chloe — you truly changed our world.

Love,
Beanz’s Mum 💕 & Beanie Boy 🐾