Meet Charlie! He's a three month old Dachshund from Long Beach, California here for our Three-Week Puppy Board and Train Program! He's a sweet and cuddly pup, however he is still figuring out how to walk on a leash, and other basics every pup should learn! He needs work on his crate training, and simple commands, as well as manners, as he loves to play bite and jump on people! Over the next twenty one days, we'll work on Charlie's basic commands, show him how to properly greet people and other dogs, teach him his manners in and out of the house, and show him how to be the best pup he can possibly be! Stay tuned for Charlie's three week transformation!
Pupdate: 2/12/2024
After picking up Charlie, we went over to Rio De Los Angeles Park and met up with some other trainers. Nobody could get over how cute Charlie is, and he let tons of people say hi to him and pet him! We started working with Charlie on his ability to walk on the leash, and his Sit command! He very much disliked the leash at first, but he's quickly picking it up. He's doing great with responding to his Sit command as well!
After the park, we went home, where I let Charlie sniff around my home to start getting settled in. He seems to like me and has started getting comfortable here!
Pupdate: 2/13/2024
Charlie did an amazing job today! We continued to work on his leash manners, as well as adapting those manners into a proper heel. We also continued his responsiveness with his Sit command! For his leash manners, you can see in the above video, I apply pressure to his leash, as I guide him with some kibble! When the pressure is alleviated, he gets to eat the kibble! I'm doing this to make sure Charlie knows that a little bit of leash pressure isn't a bad thing, and that he should follow the leash tension when he can!
We progressed a little bit into an actual Heel, where I want Charlie to walk at my side, rather than just wherever he wants. He also started to do an amazing job with this exercise! You can see me use the kibble to have Charlie "spin" in place a couple times, this isn't just some trick, I'm using this to reposition Charlie in a way he might find fun! For example, if he is way out in front of me, I might have him do a fun spin to have him get to the proper position rather than just pull him with his leash. Great job!
Pupdate: 2/14/2024
Charlie and I went to Garfield Park today for training! We continued working on his heeling, and added the Come To Sit command! For Come To Sit, I'd like Charlie to come to my right side, walk around my legs and sit at my left side with his ears at my knee. He is performing very well with the help of his kibble lure, although he is still struggling when asked without any food!
Pupdate: 2/15/2024
Charlie went to the Santa Monica Promenade today! He was around more people than at the parks we've been to, but he did a great job! Even walking politely on a leash can be a huge speed bump for a lot of puppies, but Charlie is not only walking politely, but he's also developing a relatively nice Heel! He still needs to be reminded of where he should be, but he's doing better than ninety-nine percent of pups his age.
We also worked a little bit on his Come To Sit command, which you can see at about the minute and a half mark in the above video. This command is still very rough for Charlie but he's doing great so far! It is also worth noting that Charlie is relying less on being rewarded with Kibble for each of his commands!
Pupdate: 2/16/2024
Charlie and I went back to Santa Monica today to give him more exposure to the outside world!
We started working on his Place command, which involves Charlie hopping up onto an object such as a bench! For Charlie, we have been sticking more to small ledges, so that he can actually reach them, but he's doing a great job either way! This command is a great confidence builder when used with the raised objects, but really you can use it to show your pup you want them to stay within a defined border in or out of the house! For example, since Charlie is too small to jump onto most objects, a simple towel or a blanket will work perfectly well for this command. The idea is that Charlie will be able to identify that I'm asking him to remain on that place object until I either release him from command, or ask him to do something else. Once Charlie learns this command, it can be used to keep him in a safe spot while I'm preparing dinner or cleaning around the house!
Pupdate: 2/17/2024
Charlie got to be around the big boys today! He was around a lot of loud working dogs, but I still expected him to be relatively polite. He showed some great spunk, even when around the noises and barking. He got a little excited to be there, but never showed any signs of being nervous or bothered. A lot of dogs will show anxiety when brought into this environment for the first time, but not Charlie! Perhaps it was the fact that almost everyone wanted to pet him and hold him, which made him feel right at home!
Pupdate: 2/18/2024
Charlie and I went to Los Angeles State Historic Park today! This park has vast fields with tons of pups around! Some dogs don't respect boundaries and wanted to come up to Charlie to say hi without our permission. This is why we typically don't recommend going to places like dog parks. Even though we know Charlie is a little angel, that doesn't mean every other dog is quite as friendly. If an irresponsible dog owner let their dog run up to Charlie, a lot of the time my response is to simply pick up Charlie for his safety. Once we establish a rapport with the other dog and their owner, we can safely let Charlie sniff them and interact a little bit! There was one fluffy dog he wasn't too fond of, but he seemed to get along well with other dogs!
Pupdate: 2/19/2024
Charlie and I went to Home Depot today to stay out of the rain as much as possible!
He did not seem nervous in the new area, and he was actually very excited to be there! Most of Charlie's issues right now involve him getting too happy to see someone and wanting to greet them rather than holding his positions. This is typical of a small puppy, but we're still working on it each day! He gets especially excited around new dogs, so we're going to try to incorporate more dogs into his training!
He impressed me with his Place command today. Thus far he hasn't been able to hop onto any objects higher than just a few inches off the ground, but as you can see in today's video, he managed to jump up onto one of the Home Depot carts!
Pupdate: 2/20/2024
Today, Charlie and I ventured out to the Santa Anita Mall to continue his training in a new and busy environment. And let me tell you, I was beyond impressed with how well he did. He seemed a bit hesitant at first, but as soon as he realized that he was safe with me by his side, he started to explore and take in all the sights and sounds of the mall.
It's so important for puppies like Charlie to get exposure to different environments early on in their training. This helps them become well-adjusted and confident dogs who can handle any situation thrown their way. And I have to say, Charlie is doing a fantastic job at it.
One command that we have been working on diligently is the "heel" command. As any dog owner knows, this is not an easy command to perfect. It requires a lot of patience and consistency from both the trainer and the dog. While Charlie's heel command is still a bit rough around the edges, he is making incredible progress.
I used a positive reinforcement approach with Charlie's training, meaning whenever he followed the "heel" command correctly, he would receive lots of praise, and few corrections. This has really helped him understand what is expected of him when we are out on walks or in new environments like the mall.
And I have to say, I was beaming with pride as I watched Charlie walk calmly by my side at the mall today. By the end of the day, he didn't pull on the leash and only got distracted slightly by all the people and noises around him. He was focused, well-behaved, and looked like he was genuinely enjoying his time there, at least once he dried off a bit!
It's moments like these that make me love my job even more. Seeing the progress and growth in my furry clients is truly heartwarming. And it's also a reminder of the importance of consistency and patience in dog training.
I know many dog owners get discouraged when their pup doesn't catch on to a command right away. But all it takes is a little bit of time, love, and dedication to see the results. Charlie is a living proof of that.
But our training is far from over. There is always room for improvement and new challenges to conquer. And I am excited to continue working with Charlie and his human family to help him become the best version of himself.
Pupdate: 2/21/2024
Charlie had a great time playing and working around the park today! He got to see a few new dogs, as well as plenty of people!
There was a folk quartet playing at the park while we worked, and even though he was surrounded by people, Charlie seemed entranced by the music and didn't get overly distracted by all the smiling faces around him. He usually wants to say hi to everyone, but he did well to listen to me in those more crowded areas.
We worked a lot on Charlie's "Down" command today! Down can be a tough command to master since it puts the pup in a very vulnerable position. Charlie doesn't seem to mind this, however, he would much rather be up playing and cuddling with everyone!
It was another good day for Charlie, even when his puppy instincts get the better of him, he's still a wonderfully happy pup!
Pupdate: 2/22/2024
Charlie went to Montebello Mall today! At the mall, Charlie was surrounded by loud noises, unfamiliar smells, and lots of people. Initially, he was quite excited and curious, but with the continued guidance, he quickly settled down. We could see him looking to me for direction and reassurance.
As we walked through the crowded corridors of the mall, Charlie stayed by our side and followed his commands such as Sit, and Heel. Of course, there were moments where he got excited and wanted to sniff or greet someone passing by, but with a gentle reminder and some tasty kibble, he quickly refocused on me.
I tried using these distractions as training opportunities. As we continued our walk through the mall, we received many compliments about Charlie's good behavior and cuteness. It was very nice to see people appreciate his progress and compliment how sweet he was.
These compliments were an opportunity to reinforce Charlie's focus and impulse control. Whenever someone complimented him, I would offer him some kibble as a reward for focusing on me instead of getting distracted by the praise from others. This helped him understand that his attention should always be on me during training sessions.
Pupdate: 2/23/2024
Charlie and I went to Almansor Park today for training! Charlie was full of energy and curiosity. However, with patience and consistency, we were able to make some progress, but there was still room for improvement, and that's when we decided to take our training to the next level by introducing a prong collar.
The prong collar is a training tool that consists of metal links with prongs that apply pressure on the dog's neck when they pull on the leash. When used correctly, it can be an effective way to train a dog and perfect their basic commands. For Charlie, who was too small for an E-collar, it is a perfect solution!
We started with the Come To Sit command! We have been working on this command for a while now, but Charlie would sometimes get too excited and run past me or not sit properly. However, with the prong collar, he was more responsive and quickly learned exactly where I wanted him.
Next up is the Place command, which teaches Charlie to go to a designated spot and stay there until released. This command is helpful when you need your dog to stay in one place while you attend to other tasks or when in public places where they need to stay in a designated area. Charlie had been doing well hopping on his place, but I noticed that he would sometimes wander off from his spot. With the prong collar, he found it much easier to remember the importance of staying in place.
We then moved on to the Down command, which teaches a dog to lie down on command. This command can be useful when you need your dog to calm down or when you want them to stay in one place for an extended period. Charlie has been struggling with this command, often getting distracted and not fully responding. So far, he's been doing much better and tends to respond much more immediately when asked!
Lastly, we worked on the Heel command, which teaches a dog to walk beside their owner without pulling on the leash. Charlie has been doing well with his loose leash walking, but sometimes he would get too excited and pull ahead. With the prong collar, we were able to correct his behavior and he is starting to nail his Heel command!
Throughout our training session, I made sure to pay extra attention to Charlie's positioning. With the prong collar, I could guide him into the correct position for each command, making sure he fully understood what was expected of him. And with the consistency and positive reinforcement, Charlie was responding well to the prong collar and showing great progress in perfecting his basic commands.
Pupdate: 2/24/2024
Charlie, has once again captured the hearts of shoppers at the Santa Anita Mall. However, this time he didn't just capture their hearts, but he also received a lot of attention for his impeccable behavior and good manners.
As a puppy, he is full of energy and sometimes it can be a challenge to keep him calm in public places. But with consistent training and positive reinforcement, Charlie has become a well-behaved and polite pup that people can't help but admire.
Our trip to the Santa Anita Mall was a testament to Charlie's progress. As we walked through the crowded mall, I could see people's eyes lighting up as they caught a glimpse of Charlie walking by my side. Many stopped to ask about him and complimented his good looks. But what truly amazed me was how well-behaved he was despite the distractions around him.
As we passed by a group of children running and screaming, Charlie only needed a few reminders before he remained calm and focused on his heel command. He didn't bark or pull towards them, which was a common behavior for Charlie. Instead, he looked up at me with his big brown eyes as if asking for permission to greet them.
I couldn't help but feel proud of the little pup as I gave him the Break command to go socialize with the children. He wagged his tail happily as they petted him and played with him. I could see that he was enjoying himself but still maintained a relatively calm demeanor.
We then made our way to a busy area where there were many people walking in different directions. This can be a challenging situation for Charlie, as he tends to get excited and want to greet everyone. But Charlie stayed by my side and ignored the people passing by for about half the time. His focus was on me and the commands I gave him.
Our trip to the Santa Anita Mall was not just about showing off Charlie's good behavior but also about reinforcing his training. It was an opportunity for him to practice his skills in a real-life setting and for me to see how he handles different distractions. I couldn't be more pleased with how well he did, and it only motivates me to continue his training and help him reach his full potential.
I also want to give credit to the Santa Anita Mall for creating a dog-friendly environment where well-behaved dogs like Charlie are welcomed. It's heartwarming to see more and more public places becoming dog-friendly, as it allows us to spend more quality time with our furry companions.
Pupdate: 2/25/2024
Charlie and I went to Almansor Park today for our normal outing. It's also important, however, to work on puppies' household manners!
Take for example, when your furry friend excitedly greets you at the door after a long day at work. It warms your heart to see their tail wagging and their face full of joy, but it can also be a bit overwhelming when they jump all over you and try to rush out the door before you can even step inside. This is a common issue faced by many dog owners, but it's one that can easily be addressed through proper training and teaching of door manners.
First and foremost, teaching your dog proper door manners is a matter of safety. We all know how curious and adventurous our furry friends can be, and if they are not trained to sit politely at doors and gates, they may dart out and potentially put themselves in harm's way. This is especially important for homes near busy streets or areas with high foot traffic. By teaching your dog to wait for your command before exiting through a door or gate, you can prevent any potential accidents or injuries.
Moreover, having good door manners also reflects positively on your dog's overall behavior and obedience. It shows that they are well trained and respectful of boundaries. This can come in handy in various situations, such as when guests come over to your home or when you take your dog out in public. A well-behaved dog is always a pleasure to be around and can make your life as a dog owner much easier.
But how exactly do you teach your dog proper door manners? The key is consistency and repetition. As mentioned earlier, Charlie and I actively practice this behavior by playing a game where I open the door and he sits patiently until I give him the command to come out. We also do this passively by having him sit every time we enter or exit through a door at home. It may take some time and patience, but with consistent training, your dog will soon understand that sitting politely at doors is the expected behavior.
In addition to doors, it's also important to teach your dog proper manners at gates, fences and other thresholds. This includes waiting for your command before entering or exiting through a gate, whether it's at a park or in your own backyard. This will not only prevent any potential accidents but also instill good habits in your dog when it comes to respecting boundaries.
Charlie has a lot to learn with his manners, but with consistent reminders and patience, he has already come a long way!
Pupdate: 2/26/2024
Today, Charlie and I went to Almansor Park for his training session and I must say, he did exceptionally well.
As we were walking around the park, Charlie suddenly spotted a squirrel darting up a nearby tree. As any curious puppy would, he wanted to chase after it. Utilizing our Off command, as well as a gentle reminder to Heel, Charlie decided to stay next to me and only gave a few squeaks as he watched the squirrel run away. At this point, we turned to walk in the other direction. I repeated the Off command a few more times when Charlie wanted to look back at the distraction. The Off command can be used in a variety of circumstances. Whether Charlie is trying to jump on me, or simply hyperfocused on a fluffy rodent nearly his size, when I say, "Off" I want Charlie to reset his brain and try to calm down and focus on me!
We continued on our walk and came across a pond with geese and ducks swimming around. Surprisingly, Charlie seemed much less interested in the birds than that pesky squirrel. He managed to perform each of his commands relatively easily around the water and the geese, some of which you can see in his pictures!
At a certain point in the afternoon it started to drizzle and I wasn't sure if the rain was about to pour down, so we went home! We've been spending the rest of the day playing and working inside!
Pupdate: 2/27/2024
Charlie and I went to Los Angeles State Historic Park for some training! As soon as we arrived, I could tell that Charlie was excited to be around so many other trainers and their dogs. He was wagging his tail and eager to meet everyone!
As we walked around the park, Charlie did a great job behaving around the other dogs. He performed his commands fairly well, and even sat politely when greeting a few people! Usually, if the person gets too excited to see Charlie, he will break his sit and feed off of their energy. He still needs a little more practice with his greeting manners, but he's doing a great job!
One of the other trainers at the park offered to hold and walk Charlie for a bit while I observed. When I started to walk away, Charlie started to squirm and whine, wanting to come back to me. This behavior is a clear sign of separation anxiety, which is common in many dogs. For Charlie, this was a surprise for me, since he's done so well with his crate training, and I'm able to walk away from his crate without him showing any signs of anxiety. At first, he would whine and bark if I walked away, but now he's happy and comfortable in his crate. We'll be working more on this other separation anxiety now, by having the other trainers hold him or sit with him and me gradually walking short distances away. He did so well with this while crate training, that I'm sure he'll get comfortable in no time!
Pupdate: 2/28/2024
Today, Charlie and I embarked on a new adventure in our training journey - a trip to Citadel Outlets. We are always looking for new and challenging environments to continue Charlie's training and development. And let me tell you, the outlet mall did not disappoint.
As we walked through the entrance, I was immediately impressed by Charlie's calm demeanor. He stayed by my side and followed my lead, showing no signs of fear or anxiety. Charlie has always been a confident little pup, but he usually shows some signs of being overly excited. His exposure thus far to all the people of the world seems to be working with regards to his training!
When we entered the Adidas store, I could see Charlie's curiosity kick in. The colorful displays and loud music were all new to him. He managed to stay in his Heel position, and Sit when asked nonetheless!
Pupdate: 2/29/2024
Charlie and I went to the Santa Monica Promenade today for training!
As we walked through the streets, Charlie was wagging his tail and taking in all the sights and sounds. We even got to see a few other trainers with their dogs, who were also out enjoying the mostly beautiful day.
We found a good spot for Charlie to practice his Place command, which isn't always easy since he's so small. He performed his command next to a fountain, where there were plenty of people walking by and lots of distractions for Charlie. When we first approached the fountain, Charlie was a little hesitant to hop up near the water, but after a few tries, he started jumping up with ease and confidence!
As we continued with our training session, a couple of dogs walked by barking at each other. This could have easily caused Charlie to become distracted or even react in a negative way, but he did an amazing job ignoring them. He looked their way several times, but we started walking the other direction, and Charlie followed me without issue!
However, there were a few instances where Charlie's puppy brain took over and he got too excited. It happens to all dogs, especially puppies, and it's important to remember that they are still learning and developing self-control. In those moments, I remained calm and redirected Charlie's focus back to his training. Even these instances only lasted mere seconds compared to how great Charlie's commands went for the other parts of the day!
Pupdate: 3/1/2024
Charlie and I spent most of our day at Almansor Park! He's come to know this park well, and tends to do a great job there. Today was more of a relaxed day for Charlie, and he got tons of playtime with me. We continued to work on all of his commands, with which he had very little issue.
After the park, Charlie and I headed home where he got a nice nap before we worked more on his manners around the house!
Pupdate: 3/2/2024
Charlie and I went to the park today when it wasn't raining in the morning! After that, we spent the rainy day working on his household manners. The one in the above video is his food manners!
Food manners are an issue that seem to be a common struggle for most dogs, and let me tell you, it's not just about making dinner time less chaotic, but it's also a matter of keeping your beloved dog safe from accidentally eating something they shouldn't.
The first step in training Charlie was to teach him a little bit of impulse control. This is the ability to resist immediate gratification and instead wait for a cue or command from their owner. It's an essential skill for any well-behaved dog and can be applied in various situations, not just during meal times. Charlie is a little puppy, so it's more difficult for him than some adult dogs, but he's doing a great job!
To start, I used the Sit command and gently reminded Charlie whenever he tried to go for the bowl. This may seem simple, but it takes a lot of patience and consistency to teach a dog impulse control. I made sure to reward Charlie with his kibble and praise every time he waited for my command.
After several repetitions, Charlie finally understood that he had to wait for my cue before getting the food, which you can see in his video above!
Proper food manners not only make mealtimes more manageable, but they also keep your dog safe from eating dropped food or anything they shouldn't be eating. Dogs are curious creatures, and they tend to put everything in their mouths, so teaching them impulse control is a must for their safety.
Pupdate: 3/3/2024
Charlie and I spent the day at the park since it wasn't rainy! He had a fun time as usual, but he did a really great job behaving himself around the basketball courts. They were packed, as they usually are on weekends, and we took that opportunity to get Charlie working and playing around all those bouncing balls! He was a little more excited there than he would typically be, but I tried to use his excitement to my advantage to get him moving, and simply guide him into his correct positions with as little leash tension as possible!
Charlie is going home tomorrow, and I think I can speak for the whole team when I say we will all miss his adorable, energetic nature!
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