Rettungs-Haus Shepherds, Inc — Attraction in Kenosha

We were dealing with some problems with our 5 year old German Shepherd: nervous aggression towards other dogs and people, excessive barking, anxiety issues in all places outside of our home and leash pulling with all the prior issues while walking her. We had tried other trainers and group classes previously to no avail, in fact it probably made things worse because she was separated from the group with a barrier because of her nervousness. We found Rettungs-Haus through a newspaper article and contacted Antointte. I explained the problems and she said that was nothing and to bring her by one of her group classes to she how she reacts. My dogs reaction was what I expected...lots of barking and very nervous. Antoinette suggested a few private lessons to get my dog and myself ready for a group class setting. After a few privates we were ready for a group setting, Our first one was one of Antoinette's Saturday outdoor drop-in classes down by Harbor Park. We were paired up with a former rescue of Antoinette's who was very calm, cool and collected, my girl fed off of his energy and did surprisingly well! After a few months of group class sessions at RH studio my girl is able to walk with the leash without pulling and able to ignore other dogs and people to make it a relaxing and enjoyable walk. She'll always be nervous in surroundings outside the home but she fully participated in the group classes and was able to overcome the worst of her fears in public. I'm totally comfortable and confidant taking her for walks in public areas now. It was an education process for both of us, and some work, but I'm so happy we found RH. Antoinette made us feel welcome and comfortable from Day One. Even with a dog that barked almost constantly at the beginning(actually most of the time) she was verrry patient and said don't worry everyone's been in similar situations. She made us feel like part of the RH family from the beginning. She puts you and your dog in a position to succeed. She makes the classes fun and you can tell how much she loves and cares about the dogs she rescues and trains. I highly recommend Rettungs-Haus for any dog...

I recently adopted a dog from Rettungs-Haus. The shear passion & love shown by this rescue is amazing. I contacted the rescue shortly after my 13 year old dog passed away, not sure what to do with myself. I still had my 2nd dog at home, yet we both knew someone was missing from our 'pack'. Antoinette shared her compassion & understanding, as she can relate to how I was feeling, all to well. Getting to know my family, she knew exactly what dog would fit perfectly. There is a process & steps to take to not only meet the new potential addition to our family, but to respectively introduce & acclimate my current dog with her, & I had things to learn myself to improve the 'pack leader' that I want to be. Antoinette & the foster family were so kind, supportive, & dedicated, to helping this occur in the right way, in a successful way. They offer support all the way through the process, went out of there way to make time, offering knowledge & guidance. Their love & support does not stop there, it's ongoing! They are always there for us, whether it's me sending them messages to say how things are going, or them sending messages to see how we're doing. I know have 'Lia' home & am so happy to have her. Yet, the success story of bringing her home, with what she's been through in her life, & with my other dog, would never have been successful without the guidance from the RH Family. I truly received more than one addition to my family through this, I also have the RH Family. I look forward to continuing to support Rettungs-Haus Shepherds cause. The difference they are making in the lives of the dogs & the...

My path with RH started over two years ago. I fell in love with a dog she had up for adoption. I went to the website to fill out the application. I was floored at how long and through it was. I had the mind set it was “just a dog, why all the fuss.” After the application was approved I was able to have a home visit with the dog. Miss Antoinette came with the dog and stayed for quite some time. She watched us interact with her, watches the kids and how they interacted with the dog. She told us she would be in touch. After what seemed like forever (in reality is was probably a few days), she called to do one last phone interview. She would make a decision in the morning. I was floored. Why such a long process? The next day she called and asked if we could commit to bringing her to class for the next few weeks. She wanted to stress that RH is a family. It is important to make the transition for the dog as smooth as possible. We commuted and got to get our girl. Two years later, many classes later, and some fosters later, and a second dog later,I now understand why RH is so successful. Antoinette puts her heart and soul into each dog that she comes across. Once a dog is in the RH family, it will always have a place to belong. Each animal and owner gets the utmost respect. I have learned more than I ever thought possible about rescues, training, puppy mills, and backyard breeders. It takes a special person to work with animals. It takes an even more special person to work in rescue. RH is a light of hope in a sea of darkness for so many...