Bowie | Cavapoo | Hermosa Beach, CA | In-Training

Meet Bowie! Bowie is a 20-week-old Cavapoo here for our Two-Week Community Board and Train Program.  Bowie is a sweet pup; however, he does display several unwanted behaviors.  Bowie is a calm and playful pup.  Bowie has poor leash manners, will not recall, and can be quite vocal.  Bowie can perform a command or two with proper motivation; however, he lacks structure and performs tasks inconsistently.  Over the next fourteen days, Bowie will learn to be an obedient pup through consistent, clear communication and balanced training at home, as well as by exploring new people and places.  Bowie will also be taught proper potty training.  Bowie will learn to perform all these things on leash through a positive and balanced training environment.  Through structure and consistency, Bowie will demonstrate how great a pup he can be!  Stay tuned for Bowie’s two-week transformation!

---

Bowie | Cavapoo | Pupdate 12/27/25

Today, Mr. Bowie joined me for his Two-Week Urban Community Board and Train Program.  On the way home, we stopped at a local park to see what commands Mr. Bowie could perform.  He did not do very well!  But I think you know that, and that's why he's here.  After I tested his skills, we had a mini photoshoot for his profile picture for his blog.  I don't know if you know this, but as soon as dogs see a phone or camera in front of their face, you are now invisible to them, and they must ignore you at all costs.  Once we got what we needed, we loaded up and headed to Mr. Bowie's temporary residence for the next two weeks.  Mr. Bowie did bark the entire way home and was only quiet when the vehicle stopped. 

Once we got home, I let Mr. Bowie smell Ms. Toji and Ms. Bevo through the front gate.  Ms. Toji and Ms. Bevo were excited to see Mr. Bowie.  Mr. Bowie was willing to sniff them but was a little apprehensive.  Mr. Bowie had no issues coming to the house.  I let him explore each room and meet everyone.  Throughout the introductions, Mr. Bowie showed no adverse reactions.  I took Mr. Bowie outside to meet Ms. Toji and Ms. Bevo.  They had no issues.  Mr. Bowie was slightly overwhelmed due to their sizes, but he did ok.    

We then went on a long walk around the block so that he could get used to the sights, sounds, and scents of her temporary new neighborhood.  He had no issues with walking around the block.  He walked ok on the leash.  He went ahead occasionally and lagged at times, but mostly stopped to investigate some dog “hot spots” and was willing to keep walking.  He mostly ignored all the other dogs in the houses that barked at us as we went around. 

I can see that he is a gentle pup.  I expect to see him work well with the structure and positive reinforcement.  With clear, persistent communication and expectations, he will learn to be a well-mannered pup!

I gave him dinner and observed how much he eats.  I keep track of his weight and will ensure that he maintains her weight while he is with me.  

I've attached the e-collar familiarization video.  Please review the video a few times before Mr. Bowie's turnover.  We'll practice together to make sure you are comfortable with the system before using it with Mr. Bowie.  I will introduce the e-collar for tomorrow’s training.  

---

Bowie | Cavapoo | Pupdate 12/28/25

Today, we introduced the e-collar to Mr. Bowie.  As you can see, I brought out Ms. CeCe to join us so that they could play with each other while I introduced the e-collar.  We started by playing with them and getting them to play with the ball.  I then loosely put the collar on.  After I let them play for a little more, I made sure the e-collar was nice and snug.  This ensures that we have optimal contact with the skin and can keep the numbers nice and low.  As you can see, we start with 0, then I progressively move up by 5s.  Mr. Bowie was good between levels 10 and 15.  Great numbers, and we should be able to work in that low range.  I can barely feel the e-collar stimulation at 10.  

We then went on to introduce and work on "sit", "down", and "place."  We worked in conjunction with Ms. CeCe on these commands.  They did ok.  Mr. Bowie kept wanting to break the "down" and go check in with Ms. Bevo.  Mr. Bowie really likes Ms. Bevo.  

Potty training is going ok.  We had one accident in the house today that was definitely my fault for not taking Mr. Bowie out on time.  I took them both outside and gave them breaks.  Then I left him and Ms. CeCe to eat their lunch, and they destroyed the silicon cup you sent them with, and someone else urinated again.  I was gone for less than two minutes, and I had just taken them both out for a break.  I'll use regular metal bowls for them and ensure they go out every four hours.  

I have already been working on crate manners, such as not scratching or pawing at the door to come out.  I have also been working on having them perform a "sit" before meals.  Ms. CeCe is the primary offender of pawing at the crate and not holding her "sit".  She needs to be manipulated into the "sit", whereas Mr. Bowie is more likely to perform this task more willingly.  I'll use their kibble as an incentive to perform the tasks as we continue forward.  

I'll try working with them individually tomorrow; however, they get quite vocal if their best friend isn't around.  Another idea I might use is to put a crate nearby in my backyard so the other one can watch while I train one.  

---