From Shelter Dogs to Well-Trained Companions: Monica's Story with Taco & Hendricks
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Woofz Team Updated on |Reviewed by
Woofz TeamWhen Monica, 36, opened the door to her apartment and welcomed two Maltipoos from a crowded shelter, she didn’t know what she was getting herself into. With her busy life living in Dubai, where space is tight and outdoor time is limited, she had initially intended to foster Taco & Hendricks as a short-term project. But love has a funny way of making plans.
"As time went by, we felt that we were a family," Monica recalls. "That's when we decided to adopt them."
That's also when the real challenges began.
Neighbors Started Complaining
Taco & Hendricks had come from a shelter environment where they lived alongside many other dogs. The transition to apartment life revealed behaviors that made daily life nearly impossible.
They were a bit wild – peeing at home, chewing things around, barking in excess. It was a bit hard.
Hard is an understatement. The 1.6-year-old dogs had zero discipline, and the barking became the biggest source of stress. "As soon as we were out of their sight, they wouldn't stop barking," she explains. "Our neighbors were not very happy about that. Very stressful."
The potty issues weren't any better.
For Monica and her family, the situation felt overwhelming. They knew professional help was necessary, but traditional training came with a hefty price tag. "We visited trainers, but they were too expensive, and, unfortunately, we were not able to manage that," she admits. "But we knew we had to understand what was making them bark and have this behavior."
Finding Woofz: An Affordable Solution for Shelter Dogs
That's when Monica started researching training apps. "I found Woofz to be the most complete and easy to use," she says. What sealed the deal? "The app is easy, the price was good, and I loved that I could use it for two dogs and share it with my family."
Monica downloaded Woofz two months after adopting Taco & Hendricks. Without any prior experience training dogs and unsure where to begin, she was attracted to the app’s step-by-step approach – especially its specialized programs for shelter dogs.
Woofz has focused training programs for specific problems common in adopted dogs, like potty training and excessive barking, led by separate courses. Monica, who was dealing with both ailments at the same time, found that centralized guidance was just what she required.
When Commands Actually Work
"We started with calling them by their names – and it was amazing how they responded," Monica remembers. "The 'Sit' and 'Stay' commands were also very helpful. With the right guidance, everything is possible."
The app didn't just teach commands – it helped Monica understand her dogs' psychology. "When I finally learned what makes them feel anxious and want to bark, I tried the exercises. That's when I realized it was working," she says. "Ever since, they stop barking when I'm away."
For the potty issues, the app provided practical, actionable advice: "Important and easy things, like praising them when they pee and poo outside, to calling their name when they’re pulling off the leash, to change direction when they’re doing that, and what to do when I catch them chewing things around."
Building a Daily Routine: 20 Minutes That Changed Everything
Today, Monica dedicates 20 minutes each day to training with Taco & Hendricks. "I got too excited when I saw they were doing what I told them – it motivates me to keep going," she says.
The results came faster than she expected. "Just a couple of days," she notes. "Consistency is the key – and many treats, haha."
But the transformation goes deeper than tricks. The barking has stopped. The accidents at home have ceased. The frantic, anxious dogs who came from the shelter have become calm, connected companions.
More Than Training: Understanding Your Dog
What surprised Monica most wasn't just the behavioral changes – it was how Woofz helped her become a better communicator with her dogs.
This ongoing support proved invaluable, especially when working with shelter dogs who may have developed unwanted behaviors before adoption. "The fact that we hadn’t had them since they were puppies makes it a bit difficult to break behaviors they had before us," Monica notes. "The app guided us to break these things and change them for good ones."
A Message to Other Shelter Dog Parents
For anyone in a similar situation – overwhelmed by an adopted dog's behavioral issues, living in a small space, or unable to afford expensive trainers – Monica's advice is clear:
She emphasizes that shelter dogs, regardless of their past, can thrive with the right guidance. "Even if you didn't get them as puppies, you can still break bad habits."
Your Turn: Transform Your Shelter Dog's Behavior
Taco & Hendricks went from chaotic shelter dogs to well-mannered apartment companions in just a few weeks – using nothing but an app, consistency, and treats.
Whether you're dealing with barking, potty issues, or just want to build a stronger bond with your adopted dog, Woofz offers specialized programs designed specifically for your situation:
- Shelter Dog Training Programs – Tailored approaches for dogs with unknown histories
- Potty Training Course – Step-by-step guidance to end accidents
- Barking Solutions – Understand and address excessive vocalization
- Multi-Dog Households – One subscription for all your dogs
- 24/7 Coach Support – Get answers when you need them.
No matter your location, your dog's breed, or their age, real change is possible.
Ready to start your transformation? Download Woofz today and discover how your dogs can behave when you have the right guidance.
Results may vary. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
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