Meet Denzel! A sweet and energetic seven month old Doberman Pinscher has joined Off Leash So Cal's Two-Week Board and Train Program to work on a few behaviors such as, pulling heavily on the leash whenever out on walks, reactivity towards people or dogs (especially when inside of the car), and inconsistency with commands. Denzel knows quite a few commands, however does not listen if distractions are present.
Over these next few weeks Denzel and I will be visiting plenty of new places as we gradually expose him to various distractions. We will build a solid foundation for our training as we establish a relationship built off mutual respect, structure and leadership with the ultimate goal of being Off Leash! Stay tuned for his Two-Week Transformation!
Denzel and I had the opportunity to become more familiar with each other as we roamed the park together, exploring our new environment. We tested what he knew as I cued a couple of different commands. Denzel responded to Sit, yet struggled to hold position. He tried to bulldoze his way out of the crate once we got to his new temporary home. I cued him to Sit before opening the kennel, closing the door on him if he tried to release himself. We then played in the backyard together to work on our bond, as we tapped into his prey drive, using the flirt pole. Denzel has a lot of drive! We can use this to channel it into his motivation to train!
Denzel and I started our day by introducing him to a few communication tools such as the 3.25 mm herm Sprenger prong collar and e collar. The prong collar is used to guide Denzel with directional changes of the leash. I apply leash pressure in the direction I want him to go and the second he follows the path created for him, I turn that pressure off. Any time I apply leash pressure, I apply stimulation from the e collar as well. Once I marked and rewarded the few steps he took in the direction I wanted him to go, he began to understand how to turn the pressure off. He responded to this quite well, and followed my lead.Ā
I introduced him to Come to Sit which is the action of Denzel coming around behind me to Sit on my left hand side ready to Heel. He was a natural at this and learned quickly that all of the good stuff came to him when he Sat on my left side. This is how I begin to build value with Denzel in a specific position. I Cued Denzelās name frequently, rewarding him when he offered me his attention. This is called the name game and is a great game to practice around distractions to build engagement during training. A focused dog is a dog that is ready to work!Ā
Denzel and I took a trip to the park today! We explored our surroundings as we Heeled together making frequent turns, having him Sit whenever I stop walking. We emphasized our work on his Extended Sit, and Come to Sit. After many repetitions he demonstrated consistency with holding his Sit for up to a minute and a half long, which is almost at our goal!
After working on what he has already learned, I then introduced him to a new command, Place. Place is great to use to help create a calm state of mind, builds confidence in a dog, prevents unwanted behaviors, and can essentially be practiced on top of any elevated surface. Dogs are naturally more confident while on elevated surfaces. I recommend purchasing an elevated dog cot to practice with both inside and outside the house. Having something familiar for Denzel to Place on while adapting to an unfamiliar environment helps bridge the transition much more quickly.
When practicing Place with Denzel, I chain the commands Place and Down together to help him voluntarily offer the behavior without much guidance needed from me. Denzel enjoyed this and fluently performed this behavior repetitively. We then built duration with this as he held it for a minute long. Now we will begin to build distance between us for his commands as we improve his commands near daily distractions.
Denzel and I focused on building a foundation for his Heel, Come to Sit, Extended Sit and Place with Down, while adding distance between us. At times he can be reluctant to work for longer than 30 minutes, laying Down not wanting to get up until I apply leash pressure towards me with added stimulation and encouragement. Once he follows the path created for him, I release the tension. Denzel appeared more engaged after a few repetitions, holding his Sit for longer periods of time. I then went out of sight as I created loud noises, desensitizing Denzel to distance and loud distractions from the trash can. Now that we have a foundation for distance and duration for his commands, our distractions will gradually increase as we keep building his confidence and motivation to work for longer periods of time.
Denzel and I focused our work today on proofing his commands in new environments, as we worked at the outlets! This was a great chance to work on building Denzelās confidence in new places, as we build duration, distance, and distractions for his Come to Sit, Down, Extended Sit and Place. All of our walks are structured, which means if Denzel is cued to Heel he is expected to maintain position on my left hand side. If I release him with the cue Break then he is free to sniff around and explore. Having a healthy balance between free time and Heel helps meet Denzelās needs as well as shows him what is expected of him.
When we are out in a busy environment, having Denzel check in frequently is essential in building engagement. If there is a big distraction present, I do not allow him to fixate. I cue his name and mark it with a Yes, rewarding him near big distractions to build value in our relationship.
Denzel and I worked on proofing all of the commands he has learned while at the mall. We began to drag the leash when in appropriate areas, as we are weaning him off leash pressure. We are working more on utilizing visual cues paired with footwork to help him into position by my left hand side. Denzel is doing great with following my guidance, yet at times needs help to not Sit behind me for his Come to Sit. When he sits behind me, I guide him forward with my hand signal guiding him into a forward position before I cue him to Sit. We then worked on his Extended Sit and Down which he held for a minimum of two minutes. Great work Denzel!Ā
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Denzel and I continue to work towards our off leash goals as we drag the leash for his commands, utilizing the leash only when needed to guide him closer towards my left hand side. As we clean up his Heel and Come to Sit, we ventured out to different parts of the mall where plenty of distractions were present. He did well with these distractions, checking in with me frequently. His ability to train for longer periods of time has improved. We are gradually pushing past his threshold for the duration of his training sessions, as we are now able to reach an hour long of training before he begins to lay down. We then focused on building his impulse control at home as he held Sit while waiting to play with the flirt pole, his favorite toy!Ā
Denzel and I started our day with working on his Food Manners. He is expected to hold his Sit or Down while being fed. After the food bowl is placed on the floor, that is not his cue to get up. His cue to eat is when I release him with the Cue Break. Although tempted, Denzel was able to hold his sit while I eventually went out of sight.Ā
We then went on a trip to the park today shortly after where we proofed his commands some more. It was very busy which was great exposure for Denzel to work through the changes of distractions. Initially he was intrigued by it but after about 5 mins of Heeling he was fluently performing everything he has learned with little to no leash pressure!
Denzel and I ventured out to the park where we worked on proofing his commands as we worked near other trainers and their pups. There were plenty of dogs to train near, some even reactive. Denzel managed to check in with me while the dogs were present, however it was very difficult for him at first, as he was whining excessively. Once we walked around, he acclimated to his environment. The whining wasnāt as excessive, and he held his commands for up to two minutes.Ā Any time a dog is within close vicinity, I effectively communicate with Denzel by reminding him to Heel, as I apply slight leash pressure towards me to guide him in the direction I want him to go. Walking with him helps prevent any sort of reactivity, as it diffuses overstimulation.Ā
Ā At times he will try to veer off the side of me. When he is in the Heel it is important to hold him accountable at all times, until released. During the Heel he should not be sniffing the floor, pulling ahead or outwards. He should match his handlers pace, and check in frequently when he hears his name. If he needs help with engagement, I grab his attentionĀ with light stimulation from the e collar as I cue his name.
I cue Heel before we move forward from a stationary position, and anytime there is a change of direction or pace. I pop the leash in a backwards motion if he pulls ahead, as I cue Heel with a few taps of stimulation. Stimulation from the e collar is always paired with leash pressure, as I give verbal cues simultaneously. By holding Denzel accountable for every unwanted action, and giving him an alternate behavior to perform such as Heel or Place, we diffuse the situation and prevent unwanted behaviors from reoccurring.Ā
It is important to realize that reactivity can stem from a place of insecurity in a dog. We must not react before Denzel even has a chance to react. Being proactive instead of reactive (meaning giving Denzel a job to do before he even notices a dog is nearby) is essential in preventing Denzel from being reactive.Ā Ā If a dog is not given proper structure or guidance in a scenario they feel unsure of, they will take matters in their own hands in hopes of scaring away whatever it is they are unsure of. Often times the leash creates added tension to an already nervous pup, which causes them to feel trapped, with nowhere to escape. We can use the leash as a communication tool to guide Denzel, instead of pulling him into a state of uncertainty. By remaining consistent and applying clear communication, Denzel will be set up for success in these scenarios, as he will feel more confident with following clear instructions from his leader.
Denzel and I started our morning session at home, working on his manners in an environment he is very familiar with. He can be very unsure of new people entering in close vicinity of his environment, which is why we are working on counter conditioning Denzelās reaction to new people.Ā I cued Denzel to Place & Down while a family member walked past us. I called Denzelās name a few times when he would fixate for too long, rewarding him for checking in with me after looking at the new person in the backyard. Denzel did not react, however he did appear stressed, panting heavily and trying to fixate. The fixation was interrupted when I would call his name. If he needed help, I stimulated him with the e collar at a level he responded to help grab his attention. By conditioning Denzel to check in whenever people are near, he will seek guidance from his handler instead of making the decision to bark.Ā
We then went on a trip to Home Depot where Denzel was able to Heel by my left hand side as we walked by people throwing wood pallets around, loud machines, and carts rolling past us. Once we explored our new environment, we brushed up his commands as we worked on desensitization to these big distractions. Although Denzel was alert, he followed directions as I offered extra guidance while near crowds. The longer we were there, the more I saw Denzelās confidence improve. Denzel can be quite itchy when working, stopping to scratch his fur. I encourage him to keep walking with me when he does this, popping the leash in a forward motion which helps him get right back to the task at hand.
Denzel and I ventured out to the mall where we proofed his commands in a crowded environment. Whenever we arrive somewhere new, we explore our new environment by Heeling together, to help him acclimate to his surroundings, as we take a few breaks in between. We practiced Place on top of new surfaces, which was great for Denzel to practice as he can be weary of new objects at first. He struggled to jump onto the bench initially, not knowing how to balance himself on top of the surface. After I praised him for placing his front paws on top of the surface, he built enough confidence to jump up all on his own. Denzel is building trust and confidence daily as that has been his biggest challenge in unfamiliar places. If other dogs are reactive, I make frequent 180 turns with Denzel to prevent him from reacting which has helped him remain consistently by my side, not lunging. He has improved with this, not whining nearly as much as he was before. If he does begins to whine, I call his name, stimulating him with a few taps until he looks my way. Now that we have worked through his biggest challenges, we will begin to work on his commands Off Leash!Ā
Denzel and I ventured out to the mall where we began to work on his Off Leash obedience. When first arriving anywhere new it is important to expose Denzel to his new environment to help him acclimate to his new surroundings. Since he can be very hyper vigilant over his environment, rewarding him for checking in is essential in preventing any reactivity. Once we made a few laps around the mall, Denzel demonstrated engagement, consistently performing his Come to Sit, Heel, Extended Sit, Place & Down. I then removed the leash, as we Heeled around the mall, practicing Place on top of different surfaces. He said hi to a few friendly people, as I encouraged him to say hi, rewarding him for a few interactions. It is best to only have Denzel say hi to people when he appears comfortable, wanting to approach on his own. Forcing any unwanted interactions may make him more nervous, which is why reading his body language is important. Since he approached on his own, I rewarded him for this, as he eventually received some chin scratches happily. Great job Denzel!
Denzel and I had the opportunity to film content for his final video as we work on his manners both on and off leash. He did well with remaining reliable as he performed his Come to Sit from a distance of 6 ft or more. He held his Extended Sit for a minimum of two minutes, however held it for a record of 3 minutes while out at the mall. There were a few other dogs present, which he did well with due to their calm demeanor. Once we passed a few reactive dogs, Denzel and I worked through this by making frequent 180 turns to help capture his attention. He is improving with offering his attention, fighting the impulse to react. We must be proactive at all times when reactive dogs are present, as that is a trigger for Denzel. Creating distance while Heeling in a circular form helps diffuse any unwanted encounter with other dogs. He has improved in crowds, and has not barked at any new people in quite some time; however he does find certain people to fixate on, which I quickly break by calling his name. The name game is recommended to practice daily with Denzel, consistency paired with engagement is key!Ā
Denzel has learned boundaries, not jumping on the door to open it anymore. He has learned that when he sits and waits patiently, the door will open. If he releases himself, the door closes on him. The door is an important threshold to remain consistent with so Denzel wonāt have a habit of being the first one out.Ā
After Heeling together around the neighborhood and working on his Manners, we played together in the backyard with the other pups. Playtime is a great outlet for Denzel to release his energy. Since he is a very energetic pup, this is highly recommended.
We emphasize our work on distance away from each other, which I recommend keeping up with to prevent any separation anxiety from escalating. It is best to never make it a big deal when you come and go so Denzel doesnāt see it is a big deal either. Crate training also greatly helps with separation anxiety, especially when at home with Denzel. Periods of time alone throughout the day helps prepare him for time apart.Ā
Denzel has overall become more confident, can hold his Place and Extended Sit for a minimum of two minutes, and can Come to Sit from about 15 ft away. I recommend constantly taking Denzel to new environments where dogs are present. Since he can be a nervous boy at times, desensitization to new places along with implementing daily structure will help work him through any reactivity towards reactive dogs. Reactive dogs are a trigger for Denzel, which is why it is important to be proactive with Denzel in these situations. He is a loving boy who needs a lot of guidance, structure and leadership to thrive and follow instructions. He has come a long way and we can not wait to show you what he has learned. Thank you for trusting me with Denzel!Ā
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