Meet Amora! She is a fifteen month old Labrador Retriever who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train program. Amora is here for basic obedience, leash pulling, and counter surfing. Over the next fourteen days, this loving pup will be set up for success, with the hopes of becoming a well mannered dog. Check in to see her progress!
Amora and I spent the afternoon getting to know each other. We took a walk throughout the park and I introduced her to Heel. Heel is having Amora walking next to me on my left side. During our session, Amora would pull on her leash so I turned around and walked in the opposite direction. I would then use leash tension to guide her back towards me. She was having a little trouble following through but she began to catch on. We will continue working on it by implementing it on every walk we go on from now on.
Amora and I continued working on her Heel today. She is getting better with every walk and is pulling less on her leash. Amora was also introduced to her recall which is known as Come to Sit. This technique consists of having Amora come towards my right side, go around behind me, and Sit on my left side. Amora had trouble going around behind me and would stop on my right side, so I began bringing her around with leash tension. Amora still needs a little guidance, but she is understanding the concept with every rep we work on.
Amora and I drove out to a local park today where she was introduced to Place. Place is having Amora getting onto an elevated object and remaining there in a Sit or a Down. It helps build confidence in a dog, and can be of great use whenever there is a knock on your door, or if you have guests over. Amora did require a little assistance from me with her back legs, so I gave her a boost to help her Place onto a bench. After a few repetitions, Amora was placing on her own and becoming more confident in doing so!
Amora worked in a more distracting environment at Home Depot today. Her Heel is showing a big improvement and did really well working on it around customers in the aisles. While passing through one of the aisles, Amora stopped as she saw a shopping cart. She was a little nervous about it but I worked her through it by guiding her past it. It took some time and patience but Amora is now walking right by them as she was able to follow through!
Amora was introduced to Down today. Down can be a difficult technique to teach considering it is a submissive position to a dog. With Amora, I used her kibble as a lure to teach her. I started by asking her to Sit and lured her with her kibble towards the ground. Amora sat up a few times so we reset and kept trying. We took breaks in between sessions to avoid frustration. The next few attempts consisted of placing my hand on her back and gently keep her from sitting up. With patience and repetition, Amora was able to accomplish her Down!
Amora and I worked on her Extended Place and Sit. She has been working on her Sit in increments of five seconds for every foot I step back. Amora does well at home and can Sit between thirty to forty five seconds. Today we practiced in a public setting and Amora was able to remain in a Sit for one minute! We are going to continue working on it to have her reach her two minute goal!
Amora and I went for a walk around my neighborhood today and she began working on her Heel with her leash dragging. She also practiced on her recall and she did really well for her first time with no leash pressure. Amora continues to thrive in her training and I am looking forward to progress more with her as this week comes to a close.
We took a trip back to Home Depot today to Place Amora on different objects. We started with a flatbed cart and she had no problem hopping onto it by herself. I was even able to push her through some aisles while she sat on it! While practicing on a paint bucket, she placed her front paws on it and just as I was going to assist her with her back legs, Amora placed them on her own and sat down! She did require a little assistance with her back legs to get onto a valve cover box. I placed one of her back legs myself, and she did the rest! To ensure that Amora can do it on her own, I asked her to come off the box and Place again. Amora was able to Place on her own successfully and she continues to build her confidence!
Amora and I drove out to a local park today to work on some off leash conditioning in order to prepare her for her final. We worked inside of a tennis court to practice what she knows and she did a good job. She also worked through the distraction of ducks in the area and we even had a pack walk with other trainers and their dogs.
Amora and I continued to work off leash today and we worked in a baseball field at a local park. As I asked her to Sit, Amora would get up and follow me once I started to walk away. I worked her through it by resetting and asking her to Sit again and she was able to remain sitting down as I increased distance. There are still a few minor things that need a little work, but Amora and I are working to get it all cleaned up!
Amora and I took a drive to a local shopping mall today where she worked on her Sit, Extended Down, and Come to Sit. She also worked on her Heel and is doing great the more we practice. After our session today, Amora has shown that she is ready for her final, and it will be the main focus for the next few days!
Amora and I have been working on her Door Manners. As soon as I would open any door when she first arrived, Amora would want to be the first one to go through. To have Amora follow through, I ask her to Sit before I open the door, and if she sits up, the door will close. We have been practicing it throughout the time she has been in training and has effectively reached her two minute goal!
Amora and I took a drive to the Outlets in Orange to work on her Final. We began with a walk throughout the shopping center to have her adjust to the environment around her and had a few warm up sessions in between to get her ready. After a water break and a little rest, we began filming and Amora did a great job. She performed really well and I am proud of how far she has come along!
Amora has completed her Two Week Board and Train and is ready to go home! It was a pleasure working with her and I want to thank you for trusting me with her these past fourteen days. Amora can be capable of much more and I am looking forward to showing you everything that she has learned. Her Final video will be up soon, but in the meantime, here is a peek at her Food Manners!
