Meet Enzo! A sweet and shy 9 month old Lab/Bernese Mountain Dog from Hermosa Beach, CA who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. It takes Enzo some time to warm up to new people and new environments. He tends to hide behind his handler whenever trying to avoid something or someone he is unsure of, Alert barks, and only comes when called whenever he desires. When overly excited, Enzo does not seem to know his own size and will bulldoze his way through places to get to where he wants to be. Over these next few weeks, we will work on proper socialization in new environments, confidence building exercises, and provide structure with the ultimate goal of being Off Leash! Stay tuned for his Two Week Transformation!
Pupdate 12/26/2022
Enzo and I spent the day together getting him all settled in at his new temporary home. We went for a stroll around the block together then let him explore the backyard as he warmed up to me and a few of my family members. He took treats from everyone which was a great start for him working through his anxiety in a completely new setting. We will begin to work on some obedience tomorrow!
Pupdate 12/27/2022
Enzo and I ventured out to The Brea Mall today to focus our work on introducing him to communication tools such as the e collar and slip lead. We also focused our work on proper socialization and exposure to new environments. Initially Enzo was a bit unsure of his environment, needing encouragement and leash pressure to help work him through a reactive dog barking at him. Once I guided him with the leash and the e collar stimulation paired together, he responded well to it and followed the path I created for him without much resistance. We then worked on his Heel which is the action of him walking by my left hand side, sitting when I stop walking and checking in with me frequently. I marked it with a Yes and rewarded him whenever he checked in with me to build engagement and work him through crowded areas. Shortly after, he began to voluntarily check in with me and even said hi to a new friendly face. I let Enzo approach on his terms as he took a treat from them. Good job Enzo!
Pupdate 12/28/2022
Enzo and I worked on introducing him to new commands today while out at the park near plenty of distractions like other dogs. Enzo was curious of his environment initially as I let him explore his new environment before working on obedience. We then Heeled around the park as we worked on his Come to Sit. Come to Sit is the action of Enzo coming around behind me to Sit on my left hand side ready to Heel. I marked and rewarded him frequently by my left hand side to build value in that position and build our relationship.
Enzo was a bit nervous around strollers that passed by him and bicycles. I call for his attention before he gets the opportunity to fixate on what captures his attention. He worked through this. We will emphasize more of our work on him holding his Extended Sit and Down while distractions are present.
Pupdate 12/29/2022
Enzo and I worked on introducing him to a new command today as we Heeled towards the park together. We worked on his Place command which is the action of Enzo jumping onto a new surface and staying there until released with the cue Break. It helps create a calm state of mind, builds confidence, and prevents unwanted behaviors like jumping or reactivity. Enzo was a natural and jumped onto plenty of new surfaces! Now that he knows all of the cues, we will begin to build distance as well as proof all of his commands near more distractions, utilizing less leash pressure on a 15 ft leash.
Pupdate 12/30/2022
Enzo and I worked on proofing the commands he has learned so far in a highly distracting environment today while at the mall. He acclimated to his surroundings fairly quickly and performed a nice Heel, checking in with me frequently as we walked around together. Whenever I call Enzo’s name he is expected to offer eye contact. When he does, I reinforce it by marking it with a Yes and reward him on an intermittent ratio reinforcement schedule to keep him guessing when his next reward is without being reliant on the treats. His come to Sits are consistent and he enjoyed jumping on plenty of new surfaces! He is learning to hold his Extended Sit in crowded areas as well, as I create distance between us. Excellent work Enzo!
Pupdate 12/31/2022
Enzo and I spent the day working on all of his commands with added distance and duration. He is appearing more confident when in crowded areas, checking in with me for guidance and and encouragement in those uncertain times he feels overwhelmed. Adding distance was a challenge for
him initially as he wanted to follow me when I walked away from him. I took a few steps back then forward to reward him for holding his position. I was able to walk about 8 feet away while he held his Extended Sit consistently. We will emphasize our work on building his confidence away from me at a distance.
Pupdate 1/1/2023
Enzo had a fun day working on proper socialization with another pup that I have in training, Snoopy. They chased each other around the backyard together as I practiced his recall during playtime. At first it was difficult for him to stop playing and Come to Sit. After some guidance and repetitions, he began to check in with me frequently. We then went on a stroll around the neighborhood to work on proofing his commands with the leash dragging.
Pupdate 1/2/2023
Enzo and I took a trip to the park where we worked on introducing him to a new command as well as further proof all of his other commands. We worked on him coming to my left side to Heel from a distance which he was a natural at, coming right to my left hand side where I reward him frequently. We then Heeled with the leash dragging and worked on his Extended Sit and Down while I was at a distance.
Enzo said hi to new people and took treats from them as well to build a positive association. He does get a bit spooked when we are walking through crowds, freezing at times due to a lack of confidence. He works through it and does it less frequently which leads me to believe that through constant exposure and desensitization, Enzo will overcome this.
Pupdate 1/3/2023
Today Enzo and I took a trip to the mall where we worked on his Come to Heel, Extended Sit and Down, Place, and Heel. The mall was quite crowded and although Enzo was very alert he remained consistent with his commands. He had the chance to take treats from friendly new people that wanted to say hi as he stayed seated while being pet. When he began to display more confidence in his new environment, I dropped the leash and worked on his Heel around the mall. Whenever he seemed too curious of his environment, I stimulated him with the e collar and reminded him to Heel as I tapped my left hand side. We added distance to all of his commands, and he absolutely killed it. Now we will work on cleaning everything up and further proofing his commands.
Pupdate 1/4/2023
Enzo and I spent the day Heeling together around the mall, desensitizing him to crowds of people and loud noises. It takes him about 15 minutes to appear more confident in a new setting. I mark any engagement he offers with a Yes and reward on an intermittent ratio reinforcement schedule to keep him guessing when he will be rewarded. I reward most often for his Come to Sit to build value with coming when called and value on my left hand side where he Heels. I cue Heel whenever I move forward from a stationary position and whenever I am about to change direction to give him a heads up to turn with me. If he takes his time to turn with me, I then stimulate him with the e collar to remain by my side. As we Heeled around the mall friendly kids wanted to say hi to him. Enzo was very unsure of the kids and avoided them. I then released him to say hi to them on his terms and he chose not to. I didn’t pressure him to say hi as this is very important not to do when socializing a timid pup. I will keep bringing him around kids and reward whenever he shows the slightest interest. Once he is ready we will see if he is willing to take a treat from them.
Pupdate 1/5/2023
Enzo ventured out to the local mall today with me to work primarily on commands with the leash dragging, desensitization to crowded environments and building fluency for everything he has learned. He is able to Come To Sit fluently from about 8 ft away. We are working on building distance between us with his recall, and getting him used to coming in crowded environments.
He is able to Down from a Heel position, and comes to my side to Heel from more of a distance without passing right by me.
When we got home he ran around and played in the backyard with my other board and train pup Snoopy. Good work Enzo!
Pupdate 1/6/2023
Enzo and I went on a trip to the indoor mall where we introduced him to a new command, Under. Under is great to utilize when out in public with Enzo and is the action of Enzo placing himself in the Down position underneath a surface such as a chair, table, etc. until released with the cue Break!
I applied leash pressure towards the chair and guided him with hand signals as well. Once he laid down I marked it with a Yes and rewarded him as held his position. We will keep working on this while weaning him off leash pressure but he was a very quick learner with this cue!
Pupdate 1/7/2023
Enzo 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, Enzo was able to hold his position while I eventually went out of sight.
After working on Food Manners we went on a stroll around the neighborhood where we worked on all of his commands Off Leash. Enzo is displaying more confidence while we are out and about not taking nearly as long as before to become acclimated to his surroundings.
Pupdate 1/8/2023
Enzo and I spent the day working on all of his commands Off Leash as we walked around the local park to work on his Under, Come to Heel, Send Away to Place and Come to Sit from a distance of 15ft away or more. He has remained consistent with his recall, even while distractions are present. There was a baseball game going on and he did well with walking with through the crowd. He checks in frequently, especially when uncertain of his environment. We practice Greeting Manners with whoever Enzo appears comfortable with. He took a few treats from friendly new faces and is taking less time to approach.
Pupdate 1/9/2023
Enzo and I had the opportunity to work on all of his commands Off Leash at the park today! There were distractions like other dogs playing with frisbees Off Leash and Enzo did well with staying by my side, even while on Break he naturally gravitates to my left hand side. We worked on his Under command with no leash and he transitioned to this quite nicely! Following my hand signal with my left hand towards the bench. Enzo hardly needed any stimulation from the e collar, performing behaviors the first time asked. Great fluency Enzo!
Pupdate 1/10/2023
Enzo and I spent the day working on filming for his Final video at the mall! There were plenty of distractions to work around and Enzo did well. He needed the most help with his Under command as it was his first time performing Under with a chair, Off Leash. There was a water fountain we worked on Place with. At first Enzo was unsure of the noise and movement from the fountain. After some guidance with the leash, he gained confidence and was able to do it Off Leash. Great work Enzo!
Pupdate 1/11/2023
Enzo and I ventured out to Hollywood today where we filmed for his Final video! After Heeling around The Walk Of Fame together to expose him to his new environment we began to film and were able to get his video in one take! Hollywood was a great place to expose Enzo to, as it can be a noisy place with a variety of crowds and scents for him to work near. It is important to communicate to Enzo and remind him if needed, what we expect of him during questionable scenarios. I cue his name and place him back into position if he gets up, which you can see he did when a loud noise was nearby him at the mall yesterday. I placed him back into an Extended Sit and released him with the Cue Break! Today he was very alert but worked through it and did not break position until released. He appears much more confident in different settings and checks in for reassurance from me which demonstrates to me he is seeking guidance and reinforcement.
Pupdate 1/12/2023
Enzo and I worked on all of the commands he has learned so far, as we ventured out to the local park. We Heeled around the park together Off Leash as we worked on his Extended Sit, Down, Place, Come to Heel, Come to Sit, and overall manners with Greeting friendly new people and jumping into the kennel to load up on cue. Enzo is very engaged as we are out and about, choosing to stay near me even while on Break. Once we got home, I introduced him to the new board and train that I have and he did well with being playful yet mindful of his size.
Pupdate 1/13/2023
Enzo 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 gets up, the door closes on him. The door is an important threshold to remain consistent with so Enzo won’t have a habit of being the first one out.
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 Enzo to release his energy. Since he is a very energetic pup, this is highly recommended.
Pupdate 1/14/2023
Enzo and I enjoyed our day together working on everything he has learned so far while playing with the other pups. He has improved with his commands during playtime and has learned to Come when called no matter the scenario. Enzo is a sweet and patient pup who is pretty gentle when playing with the other dogs that are smaller than him. If I cue Off he immediately stops anything he is doing and checks in with me. Excellent fluency with commands Enzo!
Pupdate 1/15/2023
Enzo has demonstrated consistency with all of his commands while at a distance and in very distracting environments. He has overall become more confident, can hold his Place, Down and Extended Sit for a minimum of two minutes, and can Come to Sit reliably from about 15 ft away or more. He can perform Under for a minimum of a minute and Heel right by your left side while checking in frequently. I recommend constantly taking Enzo to new environments. Since he can be a nervous boy at times, desensitization to new places will only further improve his training. 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 Enzo!
