Duncan | Rott/Lab Mix | San Diego, CA | In Training
- gregoffleashsocal
- Nov 30, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 13, 2025
Say hello to Duncan!
Duncan is a Rottweiler/Labrador mix from San Diego California; and he is here for our two week board and train program.
Duncan‘s owners have noted that he does not follow commands, is a bit destructive around the house, and overall lacks most sense of obedience.
While he is in our care, we will build a strong training foundation and teach him how to follow the commands of his owners.
Keep following Duncan’s blog to watch his two-week transformation!
Duncan | Rott/Lab Mix | Pupdate 12/1/2025
Today was all about assessing Duncan’s training baseline. We put him through the paces, assessing in detail where he has strength and where he demonstrates a little bit of weakness.
He is wearing a muzzle, this is for his own safety, as well as the safety of those around him. Duncan has been known to bite here and there, although he is a very good boy, just a little bit intimidated.
Duncan has not eaten much since he’s arrived, but that is normal, especially for the first few days.
We spent sessions with Duncan muzzle-free several times throughout the day, he responded very well; accepting pets, treats, and coming into nuzzle regularly.
Over the next few days, we will instill the good behaviors that we want Duncan to demonstrate, and we will do so while having a great time!
Duncan | Rottie/Lab | Pupdate 12/2/2025
Today, we took Duncan out and about on the town!
One of our sessions was inside of a Home Depot, and we could not have been prouder with how Duncan handled himself.
We begin easy, teaching commands, such as heel, sit, down, place, and come to sit.
Duncan has already fallen into the rhythm of heeling pretty well and his sits are getting better and better.
We will slowly increase the level of distraction around Duncan while he works, as this will help us do away with his anxiety and help to soothe his insecurities.
Come back tomorrow for more of Duncan‘s training journey!
Duncan | Rott/Lab Mix | Pupdate 12/3/2025
Look at the progress Duncan has made in such a short time!
We keep the muzzle on him in public for his own safety; although, we work without the muzzle at home.
You can see that Duncan is very comfortable with heel, place, and sit. He’s still figuring out the come to sit, but that’s ok! We’ve got plenty of time to improve!
Duncan is still anxious and a bit unsure at times. Exposure and socialization such as you see here today are the best tools we can use to ease a nervous pup.
Stay tuned for more of Duncan’s shenanigans!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/4/2025
Would you have believed a week ago that Duncan would be able to hold positions in a place as busy as Home Depot? Seeing is believing!
We are so proud of the progress Duncan has made in such a short period of time.
When the day starts, this energetic pup is ready to go and ready to shine!
To say that Duncan has a “Fan Club” would be an understatement; everywhere we go folks can’t help but comment on how pretty and sweet this guy really is.
We are continuing to build his commands and increase distraction while aiding him in getting over social anxiety.
Keep it up Duncan!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/5/2025
Check out how well this little model is holding his down on place!
It is taking us a little bit to get Duncan comfortable with jumping up on things that we want him to relax on. Settling into this position and holding it like he is, Duncan is really showing his training progression.
We still have moments that can be a little bit difficult, but we adjust and adapt to Duncan’s learning style, and he impresses us every time.
Stay tuned!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/6/2025
Today, we did several sessions with Duncan; but, the session you are seeing here is extra special!
One of Duncan‘s parents primary concerns was how he behaved around other dogs.
This afternoon, we took Duncan with us to one of our favorite vet clinics in southern Orange County. Of course, we did not take him inside of the vet clinic, but we did practice all of his commands in front of it with all of the smells sounds and distractions that you can imagine.
We do this to desensitize Duncan to being around other dogs. This is what socialization actually looks like.
You can see, Duncan is doing very well! He’s following commands, and for the most part as a great attitude. Some of his positions still need some work, but that’s OK because Duncan is absolutely learning!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/7/2025
Look at Duncan go!
Would you have believed just a few weeks ago that this handsome boy would’ve been able to act so calmly with so many distractions and irritations surrounding him?
We slowly worked up to this level of distraction over the past week. Duncan is still uncertain at times, but he is pushing through, taking his cues from the handler.
While we practice our commands, Duncan is forced to focus on the handler and ignore everything going on around him. This is going to be critical for his owners moving forward once his training journey with us is complete.
Check us out again tomorrow for more of Duncan!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/8/2025
It’s easy to see how well Duncan is doing!
He’s following commands and holding positions like a good boy should.
We are still seeing reactivity here and there. This is why we are continuing to use the muzzle when we work in public.
Realistically, we will not be able to fix this behavior (eliminate his anxiety completely) before he goes back home.
We would suggest he spends a few more weeks in training; although, this type of behavior is deeply ingrained into a dogs psyche and can be very difficult to combat over a short period.
The more time we can spend with Duncan, the further we can get with this endeavor.
More to come!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/9/2025
Welcome back to Duncan’s blog!
We are nearing the final days of this guy’s training journey, and we are very proud with how far he has come.
Duncan is responding very well to direction, even in environments that he’s not necessarily comfortable in.
We see consistent improvement in all of his commands, as well as his overall obedience and comfort level.
We will continue pushing Duncan to being the best pup that you can!
Come back tomorrow for more!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/10/2025
Look how happy this boy is!
We swapped his muzzle for a more open-style and he’s definitely appreciating it.
Duncan still has some nerves and uncertainty around loads of people but you wouldn’t know it to look at him.
As far as Duncan’s training journey goes, he is very much in step and right on par with what we would expect from a dog at this point.
For the remainder of the week, we will work too perfect all of his commands and positions and continue to place him in stressful situations so that he can learn to soothe himself and trust his handler.
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/11/2025
As we turn into the last leg of Duncan’s time with us, we see so many improvements in his behavior and obedience.
We still practice with the muzzle.
Although Duncan has only shown a reactive and aggressive behavior once since we have had him, that singular incident is enough for us to take precautions.
Duncan seems to pick and choose who he is comfortable with and who he reacts to. The unpredictability of his behavior is something we have to stay on top of.
Aside from that concern, he’s such an impressive boy!
Stay tuned for the final days of Duncan’s training journey!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/12/2025
He came, he learned, he conquered!
We are so sad to say that tomorrow is Duncan’s last day with us.
We are so excited to get him back to his owners so that they can see how well behaved their pup is now.
We still need to be cautious when managing his reactivity, but as long as we play things safe, Duncan is prepped and ready to behave.
We will miss this guy!
Duncan | Rott/Lab | Pupdate 12/13/2025
Such a transformation Duncan has undergone in only two weeks!
Today is his last day of training. Tomorrow, Duncan begins the next step in his training journey by rejoining his family:)
We know they will be happy with the results if Duncan’s hard work.
Keep shining Duncan! It’s been an honor working with you!
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