Meet Betty, a 1-year-old mini dachshund who’ll be staying with me for a two-week board and train program. Her owners have been facing challenges with excessive leash pulling, food aggression, separation anxiety, and a lack of confidence around other dogs. Although she’s just 13 pounds and 8 inches tall, she has some significant hurdles to overcome. During her stay, Betty will acquire essential obedience skills, gain exposure to various environments to boost her confidence, and be guided on her journey towards improvement. I’m thrilled to be working with her and supporting her family!
Pupdate 10/13/2024
As soon as we got home, I introduced her to my personal dog, Kilo, and I was genuinely surprised by how indifferent she seemed to him. She wandered around with confidence, was relaxed enough to fully relieve herself, and allowed him to sniff her without any fuss. This is a fantastic starting point, and I'm optimistic that their relationship will only get better from here!
I completely understand your concerns about Betty being around multiple dogs. To give you a better sense of the other dogs in my care, I've also included an update on Zoey, a new dog who joined my program today. I expected Betty's introduction to Kilo to be similar to Zoey's, which involved a fair amount of hesitation and caution. I plan to introduce Betty and Zoey tomorrow morning and think they’ll likely just give each other space. Again, my sincere apologies with the name mix-up!
Later in the evening, I took Betty for a walk around the block to assess her walking skills, and they were not bad! She zigzagged and took the lead, but after a couple of 180-degree turns to get her to follow me, she trotted happily beside me for the rest of the walk. I also set her up in a crate in the living room, and she settled in without any issues, curling up after a minute or so. I’m really looking forward to continue training tomorrow morning!
Pupdate 10/14/2024
Betty slept soundly through the night without any potty accidents. We started our first training session bright and early, but she was hesitant to take food. It's essential for me, especially in the early stages of training, to have a reliable motivator for her, and I would like her to be more consistent about accepting food from me. For now, I’ll be using only kibble as a treat. During our second attempt, she ate without any issues, allowing us to focus on training her with the "place" command. Eventually, "place" will signify going to her bed and staying there until released. I find this command particularly useful during activities that don’t require her involvement, such as cooking, eating, hosting guests, or cleaning. Later in the afternoon, I took Betty for another walk around the block, and she did exceptionally well, walking by my side with just a few moments where she wanted to stop and sniff. To wrap up the evening, I introduced her to Zoe, and everything went smoothly! It was an excellent day of training.
Pupdate 10/15/2024
Betty's day kicked off with a lovely stroll around the block, during which we made a stop at a coffee shop. There, Betty attracted quite a bit of attention, with nearly everyone in the shop admiring her. She happily engaged with the friendly strangers, and I let a few people pet her to see how she would react. To my delight, she handled it all perfectly without any signs of fear or anxiety.
Later in the afternoon, we dedicated our time to refining the heel command. She's already walking quite nicely, though her main challenge is her tendency to pull over to sniff whenever she gets the chance. While I will occasionally allow Betty to step out of the heel position for sniffing or relieving herself, it's important to me that I maintain control over when that happens, rather than her dictating the pace.
In the evening, we had an extensive place training session to help her become more comfortable staying in a down position on the bed. Now that she has a solid foundation with leash pressure, I plan to start introducing the E-collar tomorrow! I'm really pleased with her progress so far.
Pupdate 10/16/2024
Betty's day kicked off with a refreshing hike along the Eaton Canyon Trail! The parking lot was bustling with people and dogs, making it a great exposure experience for her. I was really impressed by Betty’s stamina; although I had to carry her over some challenging spots, she was often able to keep pace with me and my dog, Kilo. She loved splashing through the water to cool off along the way.
Later in the evening, we had a couple of training sessions. We started with practicing the "down" command and then introduced the e-collar while working on the "place" command. Now that Betty has a good grasp of leash training, I’m excited to transfer that knowledge to the e-collar. “Place” is a straightforward command to begin with, as it gives her a specific location to associate with the moment the pressure ends. My goal is for Betty to see the e-collar as a "GO" button instead of a "NO" button. While there will be times in the future—particularly when we tackle resource guarding—when I will use the e-collar for corrections, I want to start by demonstrating how to respond positively to e-collar pressure rather than simply using it to stop undesirable behavior. This approach requires time and plenty of repetition, as you can see in the video!
I also gave Betty a quick bath later on since she picked up some dirt on our hike, and she seemed to enjoy the extra attention. Great job today, little Betty!
Pupdate 10/17/2024
Today began with a group walk, and it was a lot easier now that Betty's walking skills have improved! Later in the morning, I took Betty to the park for the first time using a long line. Initially, she needed some time to adjust, but she loved having the freedom to explore. At first, the weight of the leash made her a bit unsure about running around, but once she got the hang of it, we practiced our recall commands. After a good afternoon nap, I brought Betty to the hardware store where we worked on heeling in a more public setting. She attracted quite a bit of attention, but she stayed focused throughout our trip. We ended the day with one last walk around the neighborhood before calling it a night. Great work today!
Pupdate 10/18/2024
This morning, I took Betty back to the park! Since she can now do a "down" on command in my living room, we’re focusing on generalizing that command in different environments. With enough practice, she'll be able to do it anywhere. We also revisited the DIY hardware store to work on heeling through the aisles. While there, we encountered the store's rat control cat, and Betty was just curious about her. We practiced holding the "down" position near the entrance, which I like because it surprises people to see a cute dog in a hardware store. When they notice Betty and coo about how adorable she is, it gives me a chance to reinforce her down command. We wrapped up the afternoon with a nap on the patio and some playtime chasing Kilo around the backyard. Great job today, Betty!
Pupdate 10/19/2024
Today was quite an eventful day for Betty! We kicked things off with a group trip to the park, where our main focus was teaching her to remain neutral around other dogs. The dog park is always bustling with energetic dogs on Saturday mornings, providing an excellent distraction for Betty. We started from a distance, working on loose leash walking while dogs barked and played nearby. Even with several fences and a gully separating us, Betty was quite excited by the extra energy and initially struggled to focus. However, after some time and practice, she was able to maintain her heel position. We gradually moved closer to the dog park until we could walk right alongside the fence without any issues.
To wrap up our time at the park, we worked on holding our sits and downs right outside the dog park. I love having my personal dog, Kilo, with us during moments like this because his calm demeanor serves as a great example for the other pups.
Later in the afternoon, I began addressing Betty’s food-guarding behavior using a place exercise. The food bowl will serve as my reward, and I’ll practice sending Betty away from the bowl back to her bed to help prevent any guarding instincts. Initially, this was quite challenging for her since she wasn't used to leaving food behind to lie down, but with plenty of repetition, she began to find it easier to step away from the partially eaten bowl. My goal is to manage Betty’s food guarding by ensuring I can safely remove her from the bowl without any risk of getting bitten. Great job today, Betty!
Pupdate 10/20/2024
This morning, I took Betty and Kilo out to begin working on their recall training, but Betty wouldn't leave my side! Even when I tried to entice her with food scattered in the grass, she chose to follow me instead. While this isn't the worst issue to have, it's essential for her to feel comfortable exploring and existing independently. Kilo's confident wandering was helpful at times, providing a positive example for her to follow. I plan to focus on this with Betty, and as her confidence increases, I hope to see her become less reliant on me for security. To aid in this, I'll add more distance when practicing commands like "place" or "down." Later in the evening, I attempted to recreate our place food guarding exercise, but since she had already eaten for the day, she showed no interest in the food. I've also included a video that goes over some basics about the e-collar we will be using for Betty! I'm very proud of the progress I've seen in her in just one week.
Pupdate 10/21/2024
Today marked our group trainer meetup, where all the trainers brought their dogs to work together—an excellent opportunity for us to train amid various dog distractions. We were the first to arrive, and I took a moment to allow Betty to relieve herself before we began our training session. To my delight, she eagerly ate her entire breakfast from my hand, showing a level of motivation I've never seen from her in a public setting.
However, things took a turn when another trainer and their dog arrived. Betty broke her "down" command and started barking. I promptly used the e-collar and leash to guide her back into a down position, and she didn’t bark again for the rest of the session. Instead, she exhibited signs of stress, including heavy panting and drooling, and consistently tried to break her down position either to come back to me or to get closer to my personal dog, Kilo.
I completely understand how challenging it is as a dog owner to witness your pet in distress. Our instinct is often to introduce something positive to alleviate their anxiety. However, in Betty’s case, it’s important for her to confront this stress so that she can emerge stronger on the other side. Given her separation anxiety, I want to avoid reinforcing the idea that she can only feel secure when I'm nearby. Instead, I aim to show her that she can handle situations on her own.
While I will accommodate her physical limitations, such as helping her into the car or onto high ledges, I encourage you to refrain from picking her up otherwise. Although dogs can learn to be comfortable with family handling, it’s unrealistic to expect a small dog to feel at ease being handled by strangers. Picking her up could also inadvertently reward her barking behavior, making it more likely that she will bark again in the future. Though I’ve shared a few cozy moments with her on the couch, my main goal is for Betty to build her confidence and learn to navigate the world on her own little feet. I appreciate your understanding and support as we continue this journey together!
Pupdate 10/22/2024
Today was a big day for little Betty! We set out early in the morning to hike the Gabriellano Trail in the Los Angeles National Forest. Upon arrival, we were greeted by an abundance of squirrels and small critters along the trail, which got Betty all fired up. In fact, it was the first time I had seen her attempt to chase anything, and it was quite a sight! This excitement also provided an excellent opportunity for us to work on her recall command.
I placed Zoe and Kilo on a nearby picnic table while letting Betty explore on a long line, giving her the freedom to wander wherever her curiosity led her. It was wonderful to see her so confident and engaged with her surroundings! Each time she became distracted by sniffing or searching for squirrels, I seized the moment to practice recalling her. I called out “Betty, come!” clearly while simultaneously applying pressure on her leash and e-collar. As soon as I noticed her heading back in my direction, I released the pressure and rewarded her with praise and treats when she returned to my side.
After a satisfying sniffing session, we began our hike! We primarily focused on heeling as a group, and Betty did a fantastic job maintaining her position and keeping pace with the pack. We took several breaks along the path to practice commands like "place" and "down." Remarkably, she didn't need to be carried at all during the hike! However, she did find joy in rolling around in the dirt, leaving a nice dusty patch on her side, which you can spot in one of the clips. Of course, she enjoyed a refreshing bath once we got home!
Later in the evening, we headed to a dog-friendly patio where Betty comfortably lay at my feet throughout dinner! Great job, Betty!
Pupdate 10/23/2024
We had a lovely social time in the backyard with Kilo and Zoe, and it was fantastic to witness her confidence grow during their intense play. She even chased Kilo around for a bit, which was a wonderful sign of her becoming more comfortable and engaged.
During our trip to the park to focus on her recall skills, we ran into a pair of dachshunds, and their owner was very impressed with Betty's obedience! It was great to see her handling the encounter so well. We also enjoyed a nice long walk around my neighborhood, allowing her to experience different environments and distractions.
Additionally, we practiced threshold drills around the front door, bringing more of our focus to the e-collar instead of relying on the leash all the time. This shift is helping her learn to manage excitement and stay calm when entering and exiting.
Overall, Betty is showing great improvement, and I’m excited to see her continue to progress these last few days!
Pupdate 10/24/2024
This morning, we embarked on a group outing to the Americana Mall in Glendale! The bustling environment, filled with people, children, and other dogs, provided the perfect opportunity to test Betty's new skills. We began by locating a patch of grass so everyone could relieve themselves before entering the mall. This is an essential step to prevent any marking or accidents in the middle of such a lively crowd, as there are both indoor and outdoor sections.
Once our potty break was complete, we started heeling through the mall. It was delightful to hear compliments from onlookers about how adorable the dogs were! However, I focused on ensuring that Betty remained unfazed by the distractions. While I agree with the compliments, it’s important for her to remain neutral when people walk by, even if they try to engage her.
During our patio break, we practiced maintaining our down-stays while people continued to walk by. I was particularly pleased to see how Betty handled the situation. Her confidence was evident as she remained calm and composed, even as distractions passed. She is steadily learning to ignore the hustle and bustle around her, focusing instead on her commands. As we continue these outings, I have no doubt that her ability to stay relaxed and engaged will only improve.
Tomorrow, I’ll be returning with just Betty to capture footage for our final video and to ensure she can remain just as calm and confident without the support of her friends Kilo and Zoe. Several people approached us, eager to pet her. I generally explained to them, "No, we're training," knowing that a sudden approach could cause her to bark or try to flee. With her increased confidence in allowing people to pass by, I am now open to saying, "Yes, but only if she comes to you," for those who ask nicely. For a small dog like Betty, a stranger coming at her with outstretched hands can be intimidating. When people crouch down and give her space, it allows her to choose whether or not she wants to interact. If she seems uninterested, I end the interaction there. For now, she still tends to shy away from strangers, which is perfectly okay. With continued exposure and structured interactions, I’m confident her confidence will grow.
Later in the evening, I took Betty to a family birthday BBQ, where she met my mom's little Chihuahua. They hit it off immediately! Although he’s 10 years old and doesn’t have the best mobility, he thoroughly enjoyed playing with Betty. It turned out to be a fun-filled day of training and socialization for her!
Pupdate 10/25/2024
Today, Betty and I made a trip back to the Glendale Americana for some solo training, and she truly excelled! At this stage in our training, her obedience is quite solid; we’re now focused on generalizing her commands amidst various distractions.
Upon arriving at the mall, we encountered the grand water fountain, which wasn't active on our last visit. It initially startled Betty & she attempted to flee! While it’s understandable that she might be intimidated by something so new, this situation presented a wonderful opportunity to boost her confidence. We began by walking back and forth near the fountain in our heel position, allowing her to acclimate to the sounds and movements around it. When I asked her to lay down close to the fountain, she initially struggled, wanting to retreat beneath my feet. However, with patience and consistency, I encouraged her to maintain her position several feet away while she processed her stress. Over time, her anxiety lessened, and she became less concerned about the fountain, allowing us to move on.
This experience is a great example of facing something frightening in the real world. Rather than reinforcing her dependence on me, I aim to equip her with the skills to self-soothe and navigate new situations independently. Overall, I was very pleased with her performance and her ability to stay engaged throughout our outing!
Later in the afternoon, we focused on food manners. I had her wait in a down position while I prepared and placed her food on the floor. After giving her a release word to eat, we practiced sending her away from the food to minimize any resource guarding. This exercise has become a regular part of our routine, and I’m happy to report that I haven’t observed any guarding behavior since our very first attempt. Great job, Betty!
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