Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Hermosa Beach, CA | In-Training
- Scott Hansen
- Dec 27, 2025
- 14 min read
Updated: Jan 8
Meet Clementine! Clementine is a 20-week-old Mini Bernedoodle here for our Two-Week Community Board and Train Program. Clementine is a sweet pup; however, she does display several unwanted behaviors. Clementine is shy around new people and things, but can be demanding when comfortable. Clementine has poor leash manners, will not recall, and can be quite vocal. Clementine can perform a command or two with proper motivation; however, she lacks structure and performs tasks inconsistently. Over the next fourteen days, Clementine 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. Clementine will also be taught proper potty training. Clementine will learn to perform all these things on leash through a positive and balanced training environment. Through structure and consistency, Clementine will demonstrate how great a pup she can be! Stay tuned for Clementine’s two-week transformation!
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 12/27/25
Today, Ms. Clementine, aka Ms. CeCe, joined me for her Two-Week Urban Community Board and Train Program. On the way home, we stopped at a local park to see what commands Ms. Clementine could perform. She did not do very well! But I think you know that, and that's why she's here. After I tested her skills, we had a mini photoshoot for her profile picture for her 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 Ms. Clementine's temporary residence for the next two weeks. Ms. Clementine did bark the entire way home and was quiet when the vehicle stopped.
Once we got home, I let Ms. Clementine smell Ms. Toji and Ms. Bevo through the front gate. Ms. Toji and Ms. Bevo were excited to see Ms. Clementine. Ms. Clementine was willing to sniff them but was a little apprehensive. Ms. Clementine had no issues coming to the house. I let her explore each room and meet everyone. Throughout the introductions, Ms. Clementine showed no adverse reactions. I took Ms. Clementine outside to meet Ms. Toji and Ms. Bevo. They had no issues. Ms. Clementine was slightly overwhelmed due to their sizes, but she did ok.
We then went on a long walk around the block so that she could get used to the sights, sounds, and scents of her temporary new neighborhood. She had no issues with walking around the block. She walked ok on the leash. She went ahead occasionally and lagged at times, but mostly stopped to investigate some dog “hot spots,” and was willing to keep walking. She mostly ignored all the other dogs in the houses that barked at us as we went around.
I gave her dinner and observed how much she eats. I keep track of her weight and will ensure that she maintains her weight while she is with me.
I've attached the e-collar familiarization video. Please review the video a few times before Ms. Clementine's turnover. We'll practice together to make sure you are comfortable with the system before using it with Ms. Clementine. I will introduce the e-collar for tomorrow’s training.
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 12/28/25
Today, we introduced the e-collar to Ms. CeCe. As you can see, I brought out Mr. Bowie 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. Ms. CeCe 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. I did have to adjust the e-collar a few times because the number was getting too high due to it not being snug enough and not making enough contact with her skin due to the fur.
We then went on to introduce and work on "sit", "down", and "place." We worked in conjunction with Mr. Bowie on these commands. They did ok. Ms. Bowie doesn't like to hold her commands too long.
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.
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 12/29/25
We continue to push forward with Ms. CeCe's training! Today we rolled into a backyard training session. The name of the game with Ms. CeCe is shaping, prompting, and fading. We start by shaping behavior by manipulating Ms. CeCe into the correct behavior while pairing it with our verbal commands. We use the leash pressure to assist us with this. We can even use the e-collar to pair at this stage. I did try the e-collar today, but it seemed to be a bit overwhelming for her, so I didn't force the topic. Ms. CeCe was quite responsive around 7-10, and that's extremely low. She might be overwhelmed as it's something she's never felt before, and it is clouding the message I am asking of her during our training.
Ms. CeCe is a clever and more stubborn one. The pups like this are usually quicker to get on board with the pressure, as they don't like being told what to do. We just have to be persistent and consistent. But most importantly, we must reward good behavior! Pressure helps us shape our behavior. The treats and verbal commands will help us prompt the pup into the appropriate behavior, and at the end of the training, the goal is to use as little pressure as possible and as few treats as possible as we fade them out. Another big however, is that we want the pressure and treats to be meaningful. We want the pressure up on the leash to signify a "sit", we want downward pressure to mean "down", and we want the appropriate pressure forward or backwards to mean adjust to the proper "heel".
The "heel" is tough right now. I did observe when you dropped her off that she was wearing a harness. Harnesses usually enable a pup to pull through and always want to walk ahead. This is called the opposition reflex. It is why sled dogs are willing to push through snow and run as far as they do because they are pushing through the harness, which is applying constant backwards pressure. Ms. CeCe has poor leash manners in the "heel," and that's why she is resistant to this command. It's a tough balance because when I take them out for potty breaks, I have been allowing them to walk freely.
For potty training, today's goal was no accidents in the house, which meant a little bit more structure. I applied this through less free time in the house and more free time outside. We wound up having a couple more accidents last night, even though I took them out twice within two hours before bedtime.
Bevo | Bernedoodle | Pupdate 12/29/25
Another backyard session for Ms. Bevo and me today! Apparently, there's another rainstorm coming this week! Why is Mother Nature fighting us?!? Ms. Bevo loves to run around and play with Ms. Toji. Ms. Bevo loves the little pups that I have here as well. She can be a little overwhelming for the little ones, but as a puppy herself, she does not know how big she appears.
For today's training, the goal was to give Ms. Bevo as little input as possible from me. I left the leash on, but I let the e-collar stimulate her into the appropriate behavior and then reward it with a treat when she performed the task. I was not surprised that she was resistant to some of the commands, as she can be stubborn at times. Once again, it is important to be consistent and persistent. I really only had to use the leash for the come-to-sit. It's ok to let her make some mistakes, but for this command, she was way off without the pressure. I had to make sure that she was more consistent with this before allowing her enough freedom to perform the task without the leash pressure.
We continue to move closer to being off-leash, but with the impending rainstorm, I hope we don't fall too far behind. We must keep challenging Ms. Bevo and see how far she can go before going home!
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 12/30/25
Ms. CeCe and I had headed over to Rynerson Park in Lakewood, CA, to continue reviewing her commands. Ms. CeCe, the apparent more free spirit, stubborn one, is coming along nicely. I wanted to get the pups out to a park before the rain comes and forces us inside for a few days. Overall, pretty good day for Ms. CeCe. Ms. CeCe is easily motivated by the treats, and her commands are coming along nicely. I didn't use the e-collar today, as I want to make sure everything is nice and clear for her prior to bringing it back. The only command I have left to introduce is the "come-to-sit." That command is pretty complicated as it requires multiple steps. I want to see Ms. CeCe perform the current tasks more consistently. They don't need to be perfect, but more consistent with command recognition.
Once again, very managed interactions and time inside. Ms. CeCe is more shy when it comes to going potty. She is able to hold it better than Mr. Bowie. However, when we go out for potty breaks, she doesn't like to poop right away and will go somewhere far away or out of sight. With the rain coming, I'll be watching her closely while indoors to do my best to avoid any accidents. I have yet to catch her going inside, and she is responsive to the "go potty" command when let out after a few hours. I have been letting both of them run around outside during potty breaks to have playtime. As I stated before, Ms. CeCe enjoys hanging out with Ms. Bevo and playing with Mr. Bowie. It's the puppy energy party with all three. Ms. Toji can't be bothered by them and minds her own business.
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 12/31/25
Today I took Mr. Bowie and Ms. CeCe to Petco in Lakewood, CA. With the rain being persistent for the next few days, I wanted to pick up some things to keep them busy, such as more bully sticks. I was able to pick up a few more toys for them to play with.
We practiced their extended "sit" and "down" while in the store. We also practiced their "heel," but that was not very good. There wasn't anything to "place" on in the store, but getting them to perform the extended "down" on the floor and not needing the dog cot was good progress.
Ms. CeCe is doing well with her potty training. She responds well to the command "go potty," and as a typical female/lady, she doesn't like to poop in front of anyone, so she will go around a corner or somewhere where I can't see her to go. I'll keep managing her and Mr. Bowie's break schedule to try to find more regularity.
I'm also going to go to 2 feedings daily. This will also help spread out when they need to go poop.
Have a safe and Happy New Year!
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 1/1/26
Today, Ms. CeCe and I visited Liberty Park in Cerritos, CA. Ms. CeCe is making really good progress. I only need the flat collar and treats to get her to perform all her tasks. Not much to update for her today, as it went really well.
Tomorrow, I will introduce "come-to-sit" for Ms. CeCe, and then she will be caught up on all her commands.
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 1/2/26
Rain, rain, rain, go away, Mr. Scott the Trainer wants to train pups! Whelp, we were able to work on Ms. CeCe's door manners. I even had some extra help today from my mini-trainer!
What I displayed for you today are the two types of door manners. As a reminder, the door manners are highly structured and are on leash. This does not mean that your pup will not run out of an open door. The first one is to stop at the door, put the pup in a "sit", and then go through the door first. The pup should never go through the door first. The second type of door manners is to put the pup in a "place" and "down." You could even put your pup in a "down" at the door and then go in and out. If the pup gets up, we need to reset them and start over again.
I was able to have the pups perform the tasks, then I had my mini-trainer perform the same tasks to display that it isn't just me that they respond to. They are actually responding to the commands and the training.
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 1/3/26
The rain continues to disrupt my training plan. Sounds like I need to come up with a rain contingency training plan for pups! I could build an indoor training facility! I digress, it only rains a few times a year here in So-Cal. We must adapt and overcome on the infrequent times that the rain disrupts my training. I went ahead and just practiced everything indoors, where I had as much space as possible to practice and introduce the "come-to-sit". We only have one week left, and I need to teach this one as it is the most complicated, and we will be practicing all commands non-stop while also balancing the e-collar use.
The rain does make the potty training extremely complicated. We need regular breaks and intervals to make sure they are on a schedule. They need to know that they will be allowed to potty outside. Ms. CeCe is not a fan of the rain and does not like to go potty in the rain. As stated yesterday, I will continue to monitor and manage their water intake, especially during the rainy times, because I can't let them out as much.
Starting tomorrow, the e-collar will be on for all of our training. I've given each of them plenty of time to learn the commands with only the leash pressure. I've earned their trust (mostly for Mr. Bowie), and that helps build a good relationship with them when it comes to training and ensuring there are positive and negative consequences for wanted and unwanted behavior.
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 1/4/26
There is light at the end of the tunnel! And when I say light, I mean that I finally saw a break in the clouds with the long-lost sun! I missed it so much. With that being said, it did make for another rainy day today, and apparently, everyone decided to go to the Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos, CA. It was about as busy as the holiday rush.
Ms. CeCe did great! She is so brave and is coming along so nicely! Her "heel" was good for about 75% of the time until she started getting overwhelmed. I had her perform a "sit" and "down" to take in the environment. These kinds of trips are perfect for the pups and allow them to have positive experiences in these heavy distraction environments. We practiced her "down", "sit", "come-to-sit", and "heel" while there. She likes going out and exploring new places and is right on track to passing her training with flying colors!
No issues with going potty inside the house today as I continue to monitor their breaks.
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 1/5/26
Ms. CeCe and I hit the ground running today! She has been consistently more consistent with her performance of commands than Mr. Bowie. However, this is because Ms. CeCe does not like adversity. This can be beneficial to us, but also detrimental in some aspects. The benefits are that when we address unwanted behavior with her, it should be effective. She can learn and assess quickly to be on board, or there are negative consequences. Conversely, she likes being rewarded for good behavior. This makes for a highly trainable pup that we have to be sensitive towards in regular commands. She was moving around behind me and was not sure what to do when we first started because we had not been using the e-collar very much. Even at a 7, she was highly reactive. I tried using the vibration feature, but she was being jumpy with this also. I'll continue to condition her over the next few days to get her more used to it and to make sure that it is not a negative. It's a brand new sensation that she is not used to feeling.
Ms. CeCe has been quite the mischievous pup recently. Maybe it's too much time inside, maybe it's her free spirit, or her independent behavior. Either way, she can get into quite a bit. She has urinated on this silicon mat that I have. It goes under the food and water bowls. Now that the e-collars will be in effect for the remainder of her training, I'll be able to give a consequence to this behavior. The only problem is that I don't want her to go inside again, but I also need to let her know that it's not ok. She also likes to go after socks and play rough with sweet Mr. Bowie. Everything you'd expect from a puppy!!
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 1/6/26
As of today, we are finally all caught up from where the rain put us behind! I finally had the opportunity to introduce the pups to their car manners. Their car manners are that they "sit" and wait until we tell them "load up," and they board the vehicle.
I start these manners by introducing my ramp to the pup. We walk over the ramp so they can get used to the grippy surface. It's flat on the ground, so there are no other variables. Then we practice going up the ramp and jumping onto my front porch. Then I put the ramp half on the porch and slightly raise it into the vehicle. Next, I pull the vehicle forward and have them "load up" from the ground.
I switched the e-collar contact points over to the comfort pads. This is 4 smaller contact points that are rounded and spread out to provide the stimulation. With the comfort pads, I was able to work with Ms. CeCe between 10 and 20. This is much better and more reliable. We want the pressure of thecollar to mean something, and we need the e-collar to get their attention in the same way; however, the pressure is being applied by the e-collar and not the flat collar. Ms. CeCe doesn't need too much stimulation to carry out her tasks, but we want to use the e-collar for accountability purposes. She can sometimes still pop up or want to do small Ms. CeCe things. When I press the e-collar, and she responds to the sensation with the verbal command, you can see a big difference in how locked in she is. If I ask her to perform a command and I don't use the e-collar stimulation, she is much more likely to get up early or not perform the command at all.
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 1/7/26
Today, Ms. CeCe and I headed over to Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos, CA, to practice all of her commands around medium distraction. Ms. CeCe overall did great! She started at about a 20 on the updated comfort pads, but once I got them in a better place, she was actually back down to about a 10. As you can see in the video, she has no issues jumping up onto things for her "place." Her "come-to-sit" was a little disjointed, so we practiced that a few extra times. Other than that, she handled being in the "heel" and "sit" with my mini-trainer.
I let both pups roam around for at least two hours yesterday after ensuring they had adequate time outside and after really cleaning the few spots that they had urinated in the house previously, and we had no accidents!
Good job today, Ms. CeCe!
Clementine | Mini Bernedoodle | Pupdate 1/8/26
Ms. CeCe and I headed over to Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos, CA, for another trip to a medium distraction environment. Mr. Bowie did so well! We have come so far and made up for those rainy days! I am super happy with Ms. CeCe. We were able to practice his greeting manners, and those went well!
Good job, Ms. CeCe!
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