Bailey | Shepherd Mix | Whittier, CA | In-Training
- Jose Ayala
- Aug 11, 2024
- 14 min read
Updated: Aug 28, 2024

Meet Bailey! She is a four month old German Shepherd Husky mix who has joined us for our Three Week Puppy Board and Train Program. Bailey is here for basic obedience, jumping to greet, playful nipping, potty training, and leash pulling. She is friendly with people and other dogs, and can get easily distracted by them. When overly excited she will begin to nip in a playful manner with people and the other pups in the home. Bailey is a sweet pup who needs structure, so over the next twenty one days she will be working on her behavior and be set up for success, with the hopes of having Bailey become the best pup that she can be. Check in to see her progress!



Bailey and I spent the evening getting to know each other, so we went for a walk around the park to establish a bond. During our walk I introduced Bailey to heel, which consists of having her walk next to me on my left side. Anytime Bailey would start to pull ahead, I stopped walking, turned in the opposite direction, and used leash tension to guide her back towards me. This signals to her that she needs to return to my side to relieve the pressure, and once Bailey followed through, I rewarded her with praise. She did very well but still needs more practice, so moving forward I will continue to work on heel with Bailey by applying it on every walk that we go on from here on out. She also did well in her crate on the ride home without any crying, howling, or whining. She is settling in and getting acclimated to her new home for the next three weeks.

Bailey and I worked on her recall today which is known as come to sit. Come to sit consists of having Bailey come towards my right, wrap around behind me, and sitting on my left. By practicing it this way, it automatically puts Bailey into a heel position which makes it easier to begin our walks. To teach Bailey, we practiced on having her come towards my right by guiding her with leash tension and rewarding her with praise when she followed through. Once I saw consistency with Bailey, I then took a step forward, used leash tension to have her wrap around behind me, and had her sit on my left. She is understanding the concept and doing very well. As I mentioned during pickup, Bailey will be wearing a prong collar throughout her program which is a very useful tool that can help in preventing unwanted behaviors. I have been working on her nipping with it by giving her a gentle tug on her leash, and pairing a verbal “off” at the same time. When she follows through, I release her with a “break,” and give her lots of praise. Keep in mind that Bailey is a puppy and in a learning phase which may take time for her to understand that nipping is not acceptable, but with patience and persistence, I will continue to work Bailey through it.




Bailey was introduced to place today. Place consists of having Bailey getting onto a designated object and remaining there in a sit or a down. Place also builds confidence in a dog, and it can be of great use when guests are over, or if there is a knock on your door. We drove out to a local park and worked on it by using the park benches as our designated object. I introduced the bench to Bailey by walking around it with her and letting her sniff it to help her get comfortable. I then proceeded to guide her onto the bench by using leash tension, and she was able to place her front paws on, which I rewarded with a “break,” and lots of praise. By rewarding Bailey when she placed her front paws on the bench, I am helping her associate the place command with positive outcomes, making Bailey more likely to repeat the behavior, build her confidence, and encourage her to keep trying, which is important in the early stages of training. By recognizing and rewarding small steps toward the final outcome, I help create a positive learning environment for Bailey, and make it easier for her to understand that she is on the right path. With repetition and consistency throughout our session, I was able to work Bailey through it as she followed through and fully placed on the bench. She still needs practice as she climbs onto the bench at times, but with a few running starts to get her energy going, it will assist Bailey into hopping on.

When training with Bailey, you do not have to necessarily work on one command a session at a time. Once there is consistency with her following through, it is ok to mix up known commands in different orders, as it can be beneficial for several reasons. It can help Bailey strengthen her understanding of each command, ensuring that she doesn’t associate a particular command with a specific sequence. This flexibility enhances her ability to respond to commands in real life situations, where the order may not always be predictable. Varying the sequence of commands keeps training sessions engaging and mentally stimulating for her, preventing boredom and encouraging her to stay focused. It also builds her confidence more as she learns to adapt and respond to cues in varying contexts. This approach promotes effective communication and mutual understanding, which contributes to a well rounded and obedient pup, capable of following commands under various circumstances.




Bailey and I have been working on down. Down can be one of the most difficult commands to teach considering it being a submissive position, which makes a dog feel vulnerable being down on all fours. To teach Bailey, I began in a calm environment with no distractions such as my backyard. I asked her to sit and then slowly applied leash tension towards the ground. Her front paws stiffened up and she came out of her sit. I reset her, asked her to sit, and restarted the exercise. I tried a different approach by gently applying downward pressure on shoulders while still using leash tension to encourage the motion. Once Bailey gave me the slightest intent of going into a down, I released her with a “break” immediately, followed by lots of verbal praise and affection. When teaching down, always remember to reward any movement towards the ground, as it will only continue to motivate and encourage Bailey into performing the behavior. After a few attempts, Bailey was able to follow through as she went into a down. She still needs more practice, but I will continue working on it by repeating this process consistently, gradually reducing leash guidance, and only applying it when needed.

Bailey and I continued to work on her down upon which she continues to improve in. There are a few instances in which she will remain in a down, but will try to challenge me and crawl her way out of position. When that happens, I move in closer to her and remind her to down. There will be times that Bailey will challenge you and not want to follow through with a command, but it is up to us as owners to work her through it. Dogs are naturally curious and may test owners to see how consistent and firm they are with commands, as it is a normal part of their learning process. Sometimes, dogs may refuse to obey a command simply to get more attention from their owners. If they notice that not following a command results in more interaction, they might continue to challenge you, so make sure to continue training with consistency, and only reward positive behaviors. With that being said, Bailey has learned all of her commands, and in the coming days she will be introduced to a fifteen foot long line, as we begin working on distance and duration.




Bailey and I practiced distance and duration using a long line, focusing on a structured approach. For each foot I stepped back, we worked in increments of three seconds before releasing her upon successful completion. Specifically, moving back one foot equated to a three second hold, two feet to six seconds, and three feet to nine seconds. While Bailey performed well at two feet back, she had trouble maintaining her stationary position at three feet. To address this, I returned to the two foot distance and repeated the exercise until she demonstrated consistency. Once she was able to work through it, I extended the distance back to three feet, and Bailey was able to follow through successfully. As our training progresses, I have noticed improvement, allowing me to step back four to six feet without her coming out of position.

Bailey and I worked on her distance and duration a little more, as well as practicing a longer recall. Teaching recall with a long line allows for greater freedom and exploration for Bailey while still remaining in control of her. This method encourages her to engage with her environment, promoting confidence and independence. As Bailey learns to respond to commands from a distance in various settings, it helps her generalize the behavior, making it more reliable in different situations. This approach balances freedom with safety, enhancing the training experience for both Bailey and I. She still needs a little practice as she comes towards my front rather than my right, but with repetition I am having her follow through.




As you may remember during Bailey’s pickup, I mentioned that she will be training with a prong collar throughout her program. Today, our session consisted of having Bailey work on her commands without it, and did very well performing with only the use of a flat collar. Transitioning Bailey from a prong collar to a flat collar is an important step in her training journey, as it signifies a shift toward a better approach to obedience. This transition helps her build more confidence and trust, making her more receptive to learning. By using a flat collar, we as owners can promote a more relaxed training experience, focusing on positive reinforcement and clear communication. Ultimately, this shift not only aids in solidifying Bailey's understanding of commands, but also fosters a stronger, more trusting relationship between you and Bailey.

Bailey and I worked on her stationary positions at a local park with a few people walking by. She has also made improvement on her come to sit by remaining consistent with repetitions everyday. She did very well with her heel as we took a walk around the park, by remaining beside me. Training Bailey in an environment with minimal distractions is a fundamental step in establishing a solid foundation for her behavioral development and obedience. By starting in a controlled setting, such as my backyard, I create a focused learning atmosphere that allows her to concentrate on the training tasks at hand. This initial phase enables Bailey to learn essential commands and cues effectively. Puppies, much like young children, have short attention spans and can easily become overwhelmed or distracted by their surroundings. When you minimize external stimuli, such as loud noises, other animals, or unfamiliar people, you increase the likelihood that she will pay attention to you and understand what is being taught. This focused learning helps enhance positive behaviors and commands, making them easier for Bailey to follow through with in more challenging environments. Now that Bailey has been showing consistency with her commands and is comfortable in a minimal distraction space, we will be transitioning to a more public area.




Bailey and I drove out to a local shopping center to enhance her exposure to a public environment filled with various distractions. The objective of this outing was to help her acclimate to bustling settings, which is essential for her overall socialization and training. Upon arrival, we began our session by focusing on the heel command as we circled the mall. Bailey did very well demonstrating her ability to adjust to the dynamic surroundings. She maintained a steady pace and showed good focus despite the numerous stimuli present, including shoppers and other environmental distractions. This progress indicates her growing confidence and adaptability in public situations. In addition to practicing her heel, we also worked on her stationary positions while in the presence of another pup. Bailey remained calm and composed, successfully holding her positions despite the nearby pup, which reflects her improving impulse control and social skills. It was a very productive session showcasing Bailey's development, and readiness for continued training in more challenging environments.

Bailey and I took a trip to the Santa Monica pier to enhance her training by increasing the levels of distractions. The pier, known for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling crowds, provided an excellent opportunity for us to assess her adaptability and focus in a more stimulating setting. During our walk, I observed that Bailey adjusted well to the various stimuli present, including the loud noises and commotion of a popular tourist destination. She remained calm and composed, demonstrating her ability to manage distractions effectively. This adaptability is a positive indication of her progress in training. She responded well to commands and showcased her understanding of the importance of returning to me, which is crucial for her overall training. Additionally, she maintained a consistent and attentive position beside me throughout our walk. While working on her extended down, even with numerous people passing by while I maintained a distance from her, she remained in position without getting distracted. This level of focus is impressive and highlights her growing maturity in training. I then released her with a “break,” and ended our session with lots of praise as a reward. This was a productive training session for Bailey, as it showcased her ability to navigate distractions successfully and it also continues to strengthen her obedience skills.




Bailey and I went out and did a little shopping which served both as a practical application of training techniques and a valuable opportunity for socialization in a variety of environments. I also wanted to challenge her into working in a high distracting environment with only the use of her flat collar. Throughout our shopping trip, we worked on her heel command. By navigating through the aisles of the stores, we practiced maintaining close proximity and control, which is crucial for her safety and the comfort of other shoppers. This exercise not only helped Bailey to remain attentive and connected to me amidst distractions, but also enhanced her understanding of spatial awareness. In addition to practicing the heel command, we incorporated sit and down while waiting in line to make purchases. This aspect of our training was particularly beneficial, as it encouraged Bailey to exhibit patience and calmness in a setting that often induces excitement and anxiety in dogs. Her ability to maintain these positions while surrounded by shoppers serving as a distraction, demonstrated her progress and adaptability. Bailey received numerous compliments from store staff and fellow shoppers regarding her good behavior.

Bailey and I have been working on using less tension during our walks and focusing on loose leash walking. Loose leash walking fosters better communication, as Bailey learns to respond to cues and adjust her behavior based on my movements. This not only improves obedience but also encourages her to develop self control and awareness of its surroundings. Additionally, loose leash walking promotes a more enjoyable walking experience for both of us. It reduces the likelihood of pulling, which can lead to a more relaxed outing, making walks less stressful and more pleasant. This method also allows Bailey to continue exploring her environment safely, encouraging curiosity and socialization with other dogs and people. Overall, practicing loose leash walking contributes to her physical and mental stimulation, as it also encourages her to focus on me rather than distractions, leading to improved concentration skills.




Bailey and I had some playtime at the park. Playtime is an essential component of Bailey's training, serving multiple functions that continue to contribute to her overall development and well being. It provides an avenue for positive reinforcement, which is crucial in the learning process. When Bailey engages in play, she experiences joy and excitement, which creates a favorable association with the training activities. This positive emotional state can enhance her receptiveness to commands and instructions, making Bailey more eager to participate in training sessions. It also serves as an outlet for her natural energy. Puppies in general are typically full of enthusiasm, and without physical and mental stimulation, they may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as chewing furniture or excessive barking. By incorporating play into Bailey’s routine, we as owners can help her release energy in a constructive manner, leading to a calmer and more focused demeanor during training.

Bailey and I have been working on her door manners. In the initial phase of her training program, Bailey had a tendency of trying to rush through doors ahead of me. To work her through it, I established a clear expectation for Bailey by asking her to either sit or down before I opened any door. This step was crucial in teaching her that she needed to wait for my cue rather than take the initiative to go through the door first. During our sessions, I closely monitored Bailey’s behavior and made adjustments as necessary. If she came out of her position and attempted to move through the door before releasing her, I would promptly close the door, reset her in the designated position, and repeat the process. This method strengthened the importance of patience and respect for boundaries. It required time and persistence, but gradually she began to show improvement in her ability to maintain the appropriate distance from the door and the duration of her wait. Through consistent practice and positive reinforcement, Bailey developed a clearer understanding of the desired behavior. Eventually, she learned to wait for me to release her before proceeding through any door.




Bailey and I continued working in a public setting as she begins preparation for her final. Our recent experience highlighted her progress and the effectiveness of her training, which emphasized discipline, focus, and appropriate behavior in dynamic environments. We encountered two overly enthusiastic dogs while walking, in which Bailey demonstrated composure and self control, successfully ignoring the distractions presented by the other pups who were eager to engage with her. By reminding Bailey to heel, I was able to guide her past the excited dogs without incident, showcasing her ability to maintain focus amidst distractions. This incident not only underscores her growing maturity, but also reflects the positive outcomes of our consistent training. Following our walk, we took a moment to relax and have lunch at an outdoor patio. During this time, Bailey comfortably settled into a down position, remaining calm and composed despite people passing us by. These experiences demonstrate Bailey's readiness for her final, as it will be the main focus for the remainder of her program.

Bailey and I have been working on her food manners. Initially, Bailey exhibited a strong urge to rush towards her food bowl as soon as it was placed on the ground. To modify her behavior, our session began with me instructing Bailey to go into a down position and remain there until I provided a clear release cue. Throughout the training process, I encountered challenges, particularly when Bailey attempted to crawl closer to her food bowl while remaining in a down position. To keep her from doing so, I intervened by picking up her bowl and resetting her back to the down position. Over time and with persistent effort, Bailey demonstrated improvement as she learned to maintain a calm and relaxed state, showcasing her ability to wait patiently for my release cue before approaching her food.




Bailey and I have been working on her greeting manners. Initially, Bailey struggled to maintain a calm demeanor when approached by others, often resulting in excessive excitement characterized by jumping and nipping for attention. This behavior not only posed challenges in social settings, but also indicated an underlying need for improved impulse control and focus. The primary goal was to teach Bailey to remain in a seated position during greetings, so anytime I greeted her, I encouraged her to maintain her sit position. If she showed signs of excitement or broke her sit, I reset Bailey by gently guiding her back to her original position and reiterating the command. I maintained regular practice sessions that gradually strengthened Bailey's ability to remain composed in the presence of approaching individuals, and with each repetition, I saw improvement in Bailey's behavior. She began to associate greetings with calmness rather than excitement, which led to her developing a more appropriate response to social interactions, and can now be greeted without becoming overly stimulated, showcasing her ability to remain calm and focused.

Bailey and I worked on her final. It provided an opportunity to demonstrate her ability to integrate and apply the skills she has learned throughout her development. It took place at the pier in Santa Monica, where Bailey was exposed to various distractions, and she showcased a very good level of focus and responsiveness. Bailey's performance highlighted her intelligence and adaptability, affirming her potential to learn and excel in further training endeavors. Her ability to remain composed and attentive in a challenging environment speaks volumes about her training foundation and the strong bond we have cultivated. Bailey is a bright and eager learner with qualities that can lead her to become an exceptional companion. To maximize Bailey's growth and ensure her continued success, it is important to maintain a consistent training regimen. Consistency is key in strengthening her learned behaviors, and by adhering to a structured training plan, you can build upon her existing knowledge, allowing her to thrive and reach her full potential.




Bailey has completed her Three Week Puppy Board and Train Program and is now ready to return home. I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as her trainer and for your trust while Bailey was under my care. It has been a pleasure working with Bailey over the past twenty one days, and I will miss her companionship. I am very proud of her results, and I am looking forward to showing you what she can do. Thank you, Bailey!

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