
Meet Cooper! He is a two year old Australian Shepherd who has joined us for our Three Week Board and Train Program. Cooper is here for basic obedience, leash pulling, and running through doors. He also gets nervous around new people which causes Cooper to react and bark excessively, but is very friendly once he warms up to someone. He is also easily distracted by the environment around him while on walks, which causes Cooper to pull on his leash. Over the next twenty one days, Cooper will be working on his behavior and be set up for success, with the hopes of becoming a well mannered pup. Check in to see his progress!
Cooper and I drove out to a local park and went for a walk to establish a bond. He was very distracted by the grass smells, and by people passing by. He was heavily pulling on his leash, so I introduced Cooper to Heel. Heel consists of having Cooper walk beside me on my left side. To teach him, anytime he moved ahead or pulled, I stopped, turned in the opposite direction, and gently applied tension on the leash to guide him back to my side. Teaching a Cooper to heel provides numerous benefits, including improved control during walks, enhancing safety for both you and Cooper. It fosters better communication, as he learns to respond to cues and body language. Walking in a heel position will reduce pulling, making walks more enjoyable. Additionally, it promotes good manners in public settings, allowing Cooper to navigate crowds calmly and confidently. He still needs practice, but I will continue to work on heel by applying it on every walk we go on from here on out. He did very well on the car ride home and he is warming up to me. He did not want to eat his dinner, which is normal in a dog coming into a new environment, so I will leave it in his kennel with hopes that he eats it throughout the night.




Cooper was introduced to place today. Place consists of having Cooper getting onto a designated object and remaining there in a sit or a down. With Cooper learning how to place on different objects, it becomes very useful when guests are over, or if there is a knock on your door. To teach Cooper, we worked on a park bench and used leash tension to guide him onto it. I began by using gentle tension on the leash to encourage him to move toward the bench. Anytime Cooper showed interest or made an intent to step onto the bench, I released the tension, released him with a “break,” and gave him lots of praise for attempting the task at hand. Once he was showing consistency, I assisted Cooper into fully getting onto the bench by giving his back legs a boost. Once he was fully on there, Cooper began feeling more confident and started to place on his own. By working with Cooper and using this approach, it will continue to strengthen his response to the command. When teaching a new command, it is important to work at Cooper’s pace, as dogs in general learn differently and may require varying amounts of time to grasp the concept. Remaining patient throughout the training process will not only enhance his confidence, but also strengthen the bond between Cooper and I, as we are still getting to know each other. By creating a positive and supportive training atmosphere, I can teach him to respond to the place command, leading to Cooper gaining my trust and performing the behavior effectively.


Cooper was introduced to his recall which is known as come to sit. Come to sit consists of having Cooper come towards my right, wrap around behind me, and sit on my left. To teach Cooper, I used leash tension to have him come towards my right. Once he was at my right, I took a step forward, guided him with his leash to wrap around behind me, and then asking him to sit once he was at my left side. It took some time for Cooper to understand what I was asking as he would come towards my front a few times during our session, but with repetition, he began to follow through the more he understood the concept. Teaching come to sit to Cooper promotes safety, and enhances overall training, as it ensures that he will return when called, which can prevent certain situations and allow for more freedom during outdoor activities. It also helps build trust, as Cooper learns to respond positively to commands, strengthening our leadership as owners. Overall, a solid recall contributes to socialization, as it allows for better control in public settings, making outings enjoyable and safe. As you may have seen in Bear’s pupdate blog, there is a tutorial for his e-collar, which will be the same one used for Cooper. Attached is a photo of his e-collar with its own serial number.




Cooper and I have been working on down. Down is a command recognized as one of the more challenging ones for dogs to learn. The difficulty lies in the command’s requirement for the dog to adopt a submissive position, which can make a dog feel vulnerable when positioned on all fours. To initiate the process, I began by asking Cooper to sit, which was followed by applying gentle leash pressure directed towards the ground. The slight leash tension served as both a physical guide and a cue for Cooper, helping him to comprehend the desired behavior. Whenever he showed any inclination to move into the down position, I promptly released the leash tension, which was accompanied by a verbal “break” and lots of praise. This encouraged Cooper to associate the down position with positive outcomes. Our session required time, patience, and repetition, but through consistent practice, Cooper gradually began to understand the expectations and successfully went into a down.

Cooper and I had a training session with Bear, focusing on managing reactivity in a controlled, low distracting environment. During our walk, we encountered a small dog, which prompted a reaction from Cooper. However, it is important to note that his response was not aggressive. To correct this unwanted behavior, I applied e-collar stimulation in conjunction with a verbal command of "off." This approach successfully redirected Cooper's attention and allowed him to return to his heel position. In addition to working on his reactions to other dogs, we also focused on Cooper's response to people passing by. I am pleased to report that Cooper demonstrated a calm and composed behavior without any signs of reactivity as individuals walked past him. Moving forward, I plan to continue exposing Cooper to various public settings while gradually increasing the level of distractions he encounters. This progressive exposure is essential to strengthen the skills he has developed and to further reduce any reactivity in more stimulating environments.




Cooper and I worked on a session that consisted of placing on objects of different textures and surfaces. He was a little hesitant initially given the size and shape of the objects, but with leash guidance and verbal encouragement, Cooper was able to follow through. By teaching him to place on different surfaces, it helps him become more adaptable and confident in his environment. Dogs in general often encounter a variety of textures and surfaces in their daily lives, from grass and gravel, to tile and carpet for example. By exposing them to different conditions during training, we as owners prepare our pups to respond reliably to the place command regardless of the setting. This adaptability is beneficial in real life situations where Cooper might need to settle in unfamiliar or challenging environments, such as a visit to a friend’s home, at a park, or in a busy public area. Using different textures can improve Cooper’s focus and concentration, which can contribute to his physical coordination, as navigating different surfaces requires Cooper to adjust his movements and balance, enhancing his overall body awareness.

Cooper and I focused on enhancing his socialization and behavior in public settings. Our session took place at a local shopping center where I aimed to familiarize Cooper with distractions and interactions that are characteristic of such spaces. This exposure is crucial for his development, as it helps him adjust to the sights, sounds, and movements of people, thereby reducing anxiety and improving his overall confidence in public settings. During our walk, I implemented structured training techniques to promote calm and controlled behavior. I was pleased to observe that Cooper demonstrated composure while heeling, maintaining focus and not reacting to individuals passing by. This progress indicates a positive response to the training methods employed and suggests that Cooper is gradually becoming more comfortable in bustling environments. However, it was noted that Cooper experienced some difficulty with his come to sit command, primarily due to the new and distracting surroundings. Understanding that this was his first attempt at this particular command in such an environment, I approached the situation with patience and consistency. Through repeated practice, I guided Cooper in successfully executing the command, allowing him to gain confidence and improve his responsiveness. Looking ahead, my objective is to continue exposing Cooper to a variety of public settings throughout his training program. This exposure will not only enhance his social skills but also build his adaptability to different environments and reduce any potential behavioral issues stemming from unfamiliarity.




Cooper and I worked on under. Under is the opposite of place that consists of having Cooper go under an object rather than placing on top of it. To teach Cooper to go under using leash tension involved a gentle and patient approach. By selecting a bench, I used the leash to guide him toward the object, applying slight tension to encourage Cooper to lower his body. As he showed interest and attempted to go under the object, I rewarded Cooper with praise when following through. It is important to be patient and allow Cooper to explore at his own pace, offering guidance through the tension of the leash without forcing him. Gradually, Cooper will learn to associate the object with the action of going underneath it, building his confidence and understanding of the task. By continuing to practice regularly, it will help solidify the behavior over time. Teaching Cooper under an enhances both his physical and mental capabilities. This skill improves his agility and coordination, helping Cooper navigate various environments more effectively. It also promotes confidence and problem solving abilities, as he learns to assess his surroundings and make decisions based on the task at hand.

Cooper and I worked on send away to place, which is a targeted exercise designed to enhance Cooper’s object placement skills. This exercise involves instructing Cooper to place himself on an object that I indicate from a designated distance. To teach Cooper, I initiated the session at shorter distances, allowing Cooper to build confidence and consistency in his responses. As Cooper demonstrated consistency, I gradually increased the distance from the starting point, aiming to challenge him further while also monitoring his performance closely. During one of the transitions to a greater distance from the bench, Cooper encountered some difficulty in placing as expected. To help him work through it, I strategically reset our session by bringing him back to a closer proximity. This adjustment allowed me to reiterate the exercise through repetition. After a few reps at the adjusted distance, I felt confident in Cooper's ability to perform the task. We then gradually moved back to the initial distance, and Cooper successfully followed through with the exercise, demonstrating much improvement and understanding of send away to place. This session highlighted Cooper's capacity for learning and adaptation, and also emphasized the importance of patience and strategic adjustments in his training.

Cooper and I worked on come to heel. The objective of this exercise is to ensure that Cooper can maintain a stationary position before seamlessly transitioning into a heel position from a distance when cued. To teach this process, I used a structured approach that involved several key steps. Initially, I directed Cooper to either sit or down, establishing a controlled environment for the exercise. I then used slight tension on the leash while positioning myself approximately one foot in front of him. This strategic placement allowed me to maintain a clear line of communication with Cooper. I paired a gentle tap on my left leg with the verbal command "heel," effectively linking the physical cue with the desired action. As Cooper responded, I guided him towards me using the leash, establishing the connection between the verbal command and the required movement. Throughout our session, Cooper demonstrated an impressive ability to grasp the concept quickly. After successfully executing several repetitions, I gradually increased the challenge by stepping up two paces and repeating the exercise. This progressive approach not only strengthened his learning, but also built his confidence as he began adapting to the increased distance. In the coming days, Cooper and I will be working with a fifteen foot long line, as he is introduced to distance and duration.




Cooper and I began working on distance and duration with a long line. Our initial sessions took place in a controlled, non distracting environment, specifically my backyard, which was essential for maintaining Cooper's focus and engagement throughout the training session. To build Cooper's skills, I employed a method of gradual increments, working with five second intervals corresponding to varying distances. For instance, moving one foot back required a five second wait, two feet back extended this to ten seconds, and so forth. This approach not only allowed Cooper to acclimate to the concept of distance, but also provided clear benchmarks for both of us to assess his progress. Every time Cooper followed through with what I was asking, I rewarded his behavior by releasing him with a break and giving him lots of praise. Cooper showed consistency at the two feet distance, showcasing his ability to maintain his sit with minimal distraction. However, when I attempted to increase the distance to three feet, Cooper had trouble holding his position and often moved towards me. To address this, I reverted to the two foot distance, allowing Cooper to practice maintaining his sit for longer durations before releasing him. This adjustment proved beneficial as Cooper quickly adapted, worked through it, and I progressively increased the distance once again. As a result, I have established the ability to maintain a distance of four to six feet from Cooper without him breaking his sit. Moving forward, I will continue working on distance and duration with Cooper, and gradually add distractions.

Cooper and I continued working on his distance and duration capabilities by practicing in a public setting characterized by minimal distractions. Throughout his training program, Cooper has progressed well, demonstrating a firm grasp of the commands practiced, and has shown no signs of reactivity. During our session, Cooper's natural curiosity was evident as he became distracted by various scents in the environment, particularly a nearby planter as you can see in the clip. This behavior was addressed promptly through the use of a corrective stim from his e-collar, paired with a verbal “off.” This approach redirected his focus back to the task at hand, allowing us to maintain the momentum of our walk. Additionally, there were moments when Cooper attempted to stop during our session, which could have hindered our progress. However, by reminding him to heel and applying gentle leash tension, I was able to guide him back into walking position. Looking ahead, I plan to gradually increase the level of distractions by challenging Cooper in more stimulating environments, as he further develops his capacity for focus in diverse scenarios.

Cooper and I worked on distinguishing send away to place from under. Understanding the difference between placing on an object and going under an object is essential for Cooper’s behavior, as this distinction plays a significant role in how he navigates his environment. For instance, knowing to go under a table rather than attempting to leap over it can prevent accidents and promote safer movement through various spaces. Additionally, this understanding enhances his training and responsiveness to commands. Dogs that can differentiate between placing on objects and going under them are typically better at following directions, which leads to improved obedience. This capability is particularly beneficial in training scenarios where precise actions are required. By learning to tell the difference between these actions, it encourages Cooper to develop his problem solving skills, and as you can see in the video, he might have been confused initially, but with repetition during our session, Cooper was able to figure out the task at hand, and was able to follow through.




Cooper and I worked on his commands in a public setting full of distractions. Our session commenced with a walk around the pier, allowing Cooper to acclimate to the bustling surroundings. This initial phase was critical for establishing his comfort level and readiness to engage in more structured exercises. Once Cooper appeared settled and confident in his environment, we transitioned to practicing his stationary positions. This phase of the training was strategically designed to start with short distances, allowing Cooper to maintain his focus while gradually increasing the distance as he demonstrated proficiency. Throughout this process, I observed Cooper's remarkable ability to remain in position, showcasing his training and even in the face of potential distractions presented by the public setting. Notably, Cooper exhibited no signs of reactivity during the entire session. His ability to maintain composure and focus is indicative of both his training and his temperament. Overall, this experience showed the importance of gradual exposure in dynamic environments for Cooper, and is a testament to his capabilities and the potential for continued development in his training.

Cooper and I have been working on some leash dragging exercises in my backyard, which provided a controlled and secure environment with no distractions. During our session, Cooper did very well displaying a willingness to learn and adapt to the leash dragging technique. Once I saw consistent performance from Cooper in the backyard setting, I deemed him ready to transition our training to a local park. Cooper was having a little trouble with his come to heel, but with a few repetitions I was able to guide him through it. Looking ahead, Cooper and I will be continuing to build on the progress we have made by gradually introducing more distractions during our sessions. This approach aims to prepare him for his off leash experience, where his ability to stay focused and responsive will be critical.




Cooper and I had the opportunity to collaborate with fellow trainers and their dogs to enhance Cooper’s training experience. This session was designed to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment, utilizing distraction techniques to challenge and strengthen desired behaviors. During our session, we continued to focus on Cooper’s leash dragging exercises, in which he demonstrated progress in his ability to remain calm and composed in the presence of other dogs, showcasing his growing confidence and self control. Additionally, Cooper had the chance to work with Bear which was beneficial, as they practiced their skills in a social context. Together, they navigated the distractions present in the environment, demonstrating effective communication.

Cooper and I drove out to a local park and worked on his commands off leash with minimal distractions. He did very well, and his capability with off leash commands highlights the effectiveness of his training, as well as his growing confidence. As Cooper advances through his training program, he will continue to work off leash, further honing his skills as he begins preparation for his final. Working with Cooper off leash can enhance a sense of trust and communication. It allows for greater freedom and exploration, enabling him to engage naturally with his environment, which can lead to improved physical and mental stimulation. Additionally, the benefits of off leash training create a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience for both you and Cooper, as it can provide opportunities for enjoyable outdoor activities, making walks and playtime more enriching for the both of you.

Cooper and I have been working on his door manners. During the initial phase of his program, Cooper exhibited a strong inclination to rush through doors without waiting, so to address this behavior, I introduced a systematic method that required Cooper to adopt a down position whenever we approached a door. This technique was designed not only to establish a clear boundary for his behavior, but also to strengthen the importance of waiting for a designated cue before proceeding. During each training session, I monitored Cooper's responses to the door opening, ensuring that he remained in his position until given permission to move forward. In instances where he attempted to sit up, I utilized a resetting strategy that involved closing the door, returning him to the down position, and repeating the exercise diligently. Throughout the course of his training program, I saw improvements in Cooper's understanding of the desired behavior. His ability to remain calm and patient while waiting for my cue, demonstrated a marked enhancement in his door manners. By fostering an environment of consistency and patience, Cooper has successfully learned to wait for my signal before going through any door.




Cooper and I have been working on his greeting manners. Our primary focus has been on ensuring that Cooper maintains a calm demeanor when interacting with others, which has proven to be highly effective. Throughout this process, I have seen progress in Cooper's ability to remain composed in the presence of various individuals, demonstrating no signs of reactivity or anxiety, which is crucial for positive interactions. When approached by individuals wishing to say hello, Cooper is trained to maintain a stable position, allowing for calm and respectful interactions. In instances where he becomes overly excited, I reset him back into his designated position, instructing the person to take a step back, and reiterating the exercise until Cooper successfully demonstrates the desired behavior. This consistent practice has not only improved his self control, but has also instilled in him an understanding of appropriate social boundaries.

Cooper and I have been working on his food manners. Teaching him to wait patiently for my cue offers a multitude of benefits for Cooper. By instilling the habit of waiting for my cue, I encourage impulse control, which translates into better behavior in various situations beyond mealtime. Another advantage of this practice is the promotion of a calm and relaxed demeanor during feeding times. Many dogs can become overly excited and anxious when it comes to food, leading to undesirable behaviors such as jumping, barking, or even aggression. Training Cooper to wait patiently has helped alleviate these tendencies, creating a more serene atmosphere during meals. This calmness can extend to other areas of his life, improving his overall behavior, as it enhances his attentiveness and responsiveness to commands. He learns to focus on me, strengthening the idea that I am the source of guidance and that obedience leads to rewards.

Cooper has successfully completed his Three Week Board and Train Program. I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as his trainer and for the trust placed in me during this time. He has an additional day of boarding with me which I am looking forward to. Cooper has proven to be an exceptional and intelligent companion, and I will miss our training time together. I am excited to be demonstrating the progress he has made and encourage you to continue his training with consistency to ensure his ongoing success. Thank you Cooper for the wonderful experience!




Cooper and I drove out to a local park and had a little playtime. Playtime is essential for a dog's physical and mental well being. It provides an outlet for natural behaviors, such as chasing and retrieving, which can prevent boredom and reduce the likelihood of behavioral issues. Play also encourages exercise, promoting a healthy weight and overall fitness, while stimulating the mind through problem solving and interaction. It can be a great way for dogs to socialize with other animals and people, enhancing their adaptability and reducing anxiety. Overall, playtime is a vital component of a dog's quality of life, contributing to their happiness and health.

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