Gilly | Poodle Mix | Sherman Oaks, CA

Meet Gilly! She is a two-year-old Poodle mix currently enrolled in our Two Week Board and Train Program, focusing on enhancing her obedience and socialization skills. She displays a friendly disposition towards adults but exhibits skittishness around children. Gilly's primary areas of development include addressing leash pulling, jumping to greet, and reactive behaviors towards other dogs. During her training, we aim to improve her leash manners and establish a strong foundation in basic obedience. Over the next fourteen days, Gilly will engage in structured training sessions designed to help her manage her behaviors effectively, with the ultimate goal of transforming her into a well-mannered companion. Check in to see her progress!

Gilly and I spent the afternoon getting to know each other by going for a walk at the park. Our walk served not only as a leisurely outing, but also as an important training session focused on establishing a bond and enhancing Gilly’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Gilly exhibiting behavior where she would frequently pull ahead of me. To address this, I introduced her to the heel command, which requires her to walk beside me on my left side. This command is crucial for ensuring that she remains focused and close during our walks, thereby fostering a safer and more enjoyable experience for both of us. To reinforce the concept of heel, I employed a technique where I would stop walking whenever Gilly pulled away from my side. This method involved making a U-turn and guiding her back towards my left with appropriate leash tension. This approach not only helps Gilly understand the desired position, but also teaches her the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Gilly is still mastering this skill, I am committed to incorporating the heel command into every walk moving forward to solidify her understanding and compliance. She did really well in her crate on the ride home, and is adjusting to her new environment for the next two weeks.

Gilly and I concentrated on her recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Gilly approach my right side, navigate behind me, and then settle down on my left. To enhance her understanding of this sequence, I utilized leash tension as a guiding tool, which effectively helped her grasp the desired behavior. Gilly demonstrated a good comprehension of the task and quickly adapted to the instructions, showing her ability to follow through with the exercise. As Gilly gained consistency in executing the command, I introduced verbal cues, specifically “come,” and "sit," alongside gentle leash tension to further reinforce her behavior. The training session was notably successful, as she responded to leash pressure indicating her comfort and understanding of the cues being presented. In addition to the recall exercise, we have been working on improving her heel during our morning and evening walks, as well as throughout various training sessions during the day. This consistent practice is yielding positive results, contributing to her training progress. Moreover, I am pleased to report that Gilly did very well during her first night here, sleeping soundly in her crate. This transition illustrates her adaptability and readiness to embrace the training and routines we have established for the next two weeks. Overall, Gilly’s progress in both recall and heel commands, combined with her adjustment to her new surroundings, bodes well for her continued development and success in training.

Gilly and I worked on place. Place is an essential command that serves to establish boundaries and promote desired behaviors in various situations. This command instructs Gilly to go to a designated spot such as a bed, mat, or a specific area of your choosing, and remain there until given further instructions. Teaching Gilly place not only enhances obedience, but also contributes to a more organized and calm environment, making it useful in managing guests, meal times, or moments when she needs to be settled. To teach place effectively, it is important to focus on the principles of leash pressure and positive reinforcement. Initially, I used the leash to guide Gilly to the designated spot we practiced on which was a park bench. As I approached the bench with her, I applied gentle tension on the leash to encourage her to move forward. When Gilly stepped onto it, I immediately released the tension on the leash, signaling that she has made the correct choice. Timing here is crucial, so the moment Gilly made contact with the bench, she was immediately rewarded with praise and affection. Using a cheerful tone of voice, petting, and verbal affirmations like "good girl," helps reinforce this positive behavior. Once Gilly began to understand the association between the leash pressure and the verbal place, I gradually increased the duration she remained there. Consistency is key in this training process, so with regular practice sessions, combined with patience and positive reinforcement, it will help Gilly understand the command fully. Over time, I will introduce distractions gradually while she maintains the place command, ensuring that she learns to remain in position regardless of environmental changes. On another note, attached in today’s pupdate will be a video link explaining the e-collar and its functions so that you may familiarize yourself with it, along with pictures of her e-collar with its own serial number that she will be coming home with.

Exposing Gilly to public settings during training is a critical aspect of her development and socialization, leading to numerous benefits that extend well beyond the training sessions themselves. One of the primary advantages is the opportunity for her to encounter a variety of stimuli, including different environments, people, sounds, and other animals. This exposure helps to build Gilly’s confidence and adaptability, which are essential traits for a well rounded pet. When dogs are regularly introduced to public settings, they learn to navigate through distractions that might otherwise cause anxiety or fear. For instance, the sights and sounds of streets, parks, or shopping centers present challenges that can help a dog become more resilient. This resilience is crucial in preventing behavioral issues that stem from fear or anxiety, such as excessive barking, aggression, or withdrawal in unfamiliar situations. Moreover, socialization in public spaces fosters positive interactions with people and other dogs. Dogs that are well socialized are more likely to exhibit friendly and calm behavior around strangers, making them more enjoyable companions. This not only enhances Gilly’s quality of life but also contributes to a better relationship with you and the community. We as owners can take pride in having a dog that is comfortable and well behaved in various social situations, which can lead to increased opportunities for bonding and shared experiences. Training in public settings also reinforces the commands and behaviors taught in more controlled environments. The presence of distractions in public can serve as a real world testing ground for obedience and focus. For instance, a dog that successfully follows commands in a noisy park is demonstrating a higher level of training and responsiveness than one that only follows commands in a quiet home. This reinforces the learning process for Gilly and strengthens our ability to communicate effectively with her. Additionally, exposing Gilly to public settings can help identify any behavioral issues early on. If she shows signs of fear or aggression in certain environments, I can address these issues proactively, using targeted strategies to improve her comfort and behavior. By doing so, I can ensure that she develops a positive association with public spaces rather than a fearful or reactive one. On a different note, I would like to express my concern regarding the ongoing fire situation. I want to assure you that Gilly and I are safe, and I sincerely hope that you are also safe during this challenging time.

A structured walk with Gilly serves as a fundamental aspect of training and behavior management, particularly in addressing leash reactivity. Leash reactivity often manifests as aggressive or overly excited behaviors when a dog encounters other dogs, people, or even environmental stimuli while on a leash. This reactivity can stem from fear, frustration, or the inability to express natural social behaviors due to the constraints of being on a leash. By implementing a structured walking routine, we as owners can significantly mitigate these issues and foster a more relaxed and confident dog. The essence of a structured walk lies in establishing a clear framework that promotes focus and obedience. During these walks, Gilly learns to pay attention to us rather than becoming distracted by external stimuli. This is achieved through consistent practices such as using a specific walking pace, maintaining a designated position (such as heel), and incorporating regular training exercises. Such structure not only reinforces her training but also builds a stronger bond between you and her, as she comes to understand her role during walks and develops trust in your guidance. Moreover, your demeanor during structured walks plays a crucial role in shaping Gilly’s behavior. In general, owners should embody calmness and assertiveness, projecting confidence that helps a dog feel secure. This demeanor can be cultivated through mindful practices, such as being aware of one’s body language, tone of voice, and emotional state. When we remain composed in the face of potential triggers like other dogs or loud noises, Gilly is likely to mirror this calmness, reducing the likelihood of reactive behaviors. Conversely, if an owner exhibits anxiety or frustration, the dog may perceive this as a cue to become alert or defensive, exacerbating leash reactivity. Furthermore, during these walks, make sure to prioritize positive reinforcement, rewarding Gilly for calm behavior and successful focus on the walk rather than distractions. This approach not only reinforces desirable behaviors but also helps her associate walks with positive experiences, further reducing anxiety and reactivity. By regularly practicing structured walks, we can instill a sense of discipline and predictability in our pups, leading to more enjoyable outings and a decrease in leash reactivity over time.

Pack walks offer a multitude of benefits for dogs, enhancing their physical, social, and emotional well-being. One of the primary advantages of pack walks is the opportunity for dogs to engage in natural socialization. In a pack setting, dogs are able to interact with their peers in a controlled environment, allowing them to develop essential social skills and learn appropriate behaviors. This interaction can help reduce fear and anxiety around other dogs and humans, ultimately fostering a more balanced and confident dog. In addition to socialization, pack walks provide significant physical exercise, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and overall fitness. The combination of walking in a stimulating environment alongside other dogs can often lead to increased energy expenditure compared to solitary walks. This physical activity not only helps combat obesity but also promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and joint flexibility. Regular exercise through pack walks can also mitigate behavioral issues associated with pent up energy, such as excessive barking, digging, or destructive behavior. Furthermore, pack walks offer mental stimulation that is often overlooked in traditional walks. The diverse sights, sounds, and smells encountered during a group outing can engage a dog's senses and encourage natural exploration and curiosity. This mental engagement is essential for a dog's cognitive development, helping to prevent boredom and the subsequent behavioral problems that can arise from it. The dynamic nature of a pack walk allows dogs to process new experiences and learn from their interactions, further enriching their lives.

Gilly and I began working on distance and duration with a long line. During this session, I utilized a long line to facilitate our work on these critical skills, ensuring safety and control while promoting Gilly's confidence in her abilities. To establish a baseline for distance and duration, I implemented a systematic method whereby each foot I stepped back translated into an increment of five seconds. This approach provided Gilly with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding her duration while I increased the distance between us. Gilly responded positively to this initial framework, demonstrating proficiency in her sit, which underscored her ability to understand and execute commands in a controlled environment. However, as is often the case in training, some challenges arose, particularly with Gilly's down. Recognizing the need for a more tailored approach, I adjusted my method from five seconds per foot to three seconds per foot, which allowed for a more gradual increase in duration that matched Gilly's learning pace. This modification proved effective, as Gilly showed improvement in her responsiveness to her down.

In a collaborative training session with fellow trainers and their canine companions, we focused on enhancing Gilly's skills in managing distance and duration amidst distractions. This session provided a valuable opportunity for Gilly to practice remaining in a designated position while surrounded by other dogs, which is crucial for her overall training progress and socialization. Throughout the session, Gilly demonstrated impressive stability and focus, successfully maintaining her position even as other pups moved around her. Her ability to remain calm and composed in the presence of distractions is a testament to her growing confidence and the effectiveness of our training regimen. Additionally, as we maneuvered around the other dogs, Gilly exhibited no signs of reactivity, showing her improved social skills and adaptability in dynamic environments. This experience not only reinforced Gilly's training but also highlighted her potential for further development in obedience and social interactions. The positive outcomes from this session will serve as a foundation for future training endeavors, emphasizing the importance of exposure to various environments and situations for enhancing a dog's behavioral responses.

Teaching a dog door manners is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership that has far reaching benefits for both the dog and its owner. Door manners refer to the behaviors and etiquette a dog should exhibit when approaching or exiting a doorway, and instilling these manners is crucial for ensuring safety, fostering good behavior, and enhancing the dog-owner relationship. Firstly, teaching door manners significantly contributes to the safety of both Gilly and the people around her. A dog that bolts through an open door can easily find itself in dangerous situations, such as running into traffic or getting lost. By training Gilly to wait for permission before entering or exiting, we can prevent accidents and ensure that she remains within a controlled environment. This practice not only protects Gilly, but also helps to avoid potential conflicts with other animals or people that may be outside. Moreover, instilling door manners promotes a sense of discipline and structure in Gilly's behavior. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations, and training them to wait at the door teaches them patience and self control. This discipline can extend beyond just door manners; it often influences Gilly’s overall behavior, making her more responsive to commands and less prone to impulsive actions. A well-trained dog is generally easier to manage in various situations, leading to a more harmonious living environment. In addition to safety and discipline, teaching door manners can enhance the bond between you and Gilly. Training sessions provide an opportunity for positive interaction and communication, allowing you to establish yourself as a leader while fostering trust and understanding. When a dog successfully learns to exhibit good manners at the door, it creates a sense of accomplishment for both the dog and the owner, strengthening their relationship. Furthermore, good door manners are beneficial in social settings. Whether at home with guests or in public spaces, if Gilly understands how to behave around doorways, she is less likely to create disturbances or exhibit anxious behaviors. This can lead to more enjoyable experiences for everyone involved, as well-behaved dogs are often welcomed more readily in social situations.

In the course of Gilly’s training program, I have been dedicated to enhancing her greeting manners, a crucial aspect of her socialization and overall behavior. Initially, Gilly exhibited a common challenge among dogs by jumping up on individuals who approached her for a greeting. This behavior, while often well intentioned, can be perceived as overwhelming and inappropriate in various social contexts. To address this, I implemented a structured training approach aimed at teaching Gilly more acceptable greeting behaviors. The focus of our sessions has been on reinforcing the concept of maintaining a sit or down position prior to receiving affection or attention from others. This foundational training not only promotes better manners, but also fosters a sense of calm and control in Gilly during interactions. Throughout the training process, Gilly demonstrated some initial difficulties in maintaining her sit or down position, occasionally breaking them when excited. However, with consistent and positive encouragement, she has begun to grasp the concept effectively. Over time, the frequency of her breaking the commands has decreased, indicating her growing understanding and compliance. This progress highlights Gilly's capacity for learning and adaptation. As she continues to refine her greeting manners, we can expect to see marked improvements in her interactions with people, enhancing her social skills and making her a more well mannered companion.

A dog’s meal time is not just a moment for nourishment; it is also a crucial aspect of their behavioral development and overall well-being. Establishing good food manners offers a multitude of benefits, not only for Gilly, but also for you and the household environment. Firstly, good food manners contribute to a dog’s socialization skills. When a dog learns to exhibit polite behavior around food, such as waiting patiently for their meal or not jumping up at the table, it fosters a sense of discipline and respect. This behavior translates into other social situations, making the dog more adaptable and less prone to aggressive behaviors, especially in settings where food is present, such as during gatherings or visits to dog parks. Moreover, teaching Gilly to have good manners at meal time can significantly enhance the bond between Gilly and yourself. The training process requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, which ultimately builds trust and strengthens the relationship. When a dog understands what is expected of them during meals, it leads to a smoother and more harmonious interaction, reducing stress for both the pet and the owner. This mutual understanding is essential for a healthy companionship. In addition to behavioral benefits, good food manners can play a vital role in Gilly’s health. Dogs that are taught to eat calmly and at a controlled pace are less likely to experience issues such as choking or digestive problems. By encouraging Gilly to take her time during meals, we as owners can help prevent overeating, which is a common problem that can lead to obesity and associated health issues. Furthermore, instilling good manners can also prevent resource guarding, a behavior where a dog becomes aggressive over their food. By teaching Gilly that meal times are structured and that she can trust you around her food, it reduces the likelihood of developing this undesirable trait. Additionally, fostering good food manners can make meal times more enjoyable for everyone involved. When a dog behaves appropriately during meals, it creates a pleasant atmosphere where the owner can relax and enjoy their own food without distractions or concerns about their pet's behavior. This peaceful environment can extend to family members or guests, ensuring meal times are a time for connection and enjoyment rather than chaos and worry.

Gilly and I worked on her final video. Gilly demonstrated impressive growth and understanding by effectively piecing together the skills she has acquired throughout her training. To create a conducive learning environment, we traveled to an indoor shopping center, which provided a dynamic backdrop for her to adapt to varied stimuli. To begin, we took a leisurely walk around the area, allowing Gilly to familiarize herself with her surroundings. This initial acclimatization was crucial in setting a positive tone for the session. Following this, we engaged in several off-leash repetitions to assess her responsiveness and focus. Gilly exhibited consistency during these exercises, which underscored her capacity for learning and adaptation. Once I observed her steady performance, we transitioned to filming the session. Gilly is an exceptionally intelligent pup who has shown that she is capable of achieving even more than what we have accomplished so far. Her ability to learn rapidly is a testament to her potential, and she has made significant strides in the relatively short time we have worked together. It is vital to maintain consistency in her training regimen moving forward. This will not only reinforce the skills she has learned but also facilitate her continued improvement and success in future challenges. Gilly's progress is commendable, and I am confident that with ongoing dedication and structured training, she will achieve even greater results.

Creating a fun and engaging environment during training sessions with your dog is not just a strategy; it is a fundamental approach that can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the learning process and improve the overall relationship between the dog and its owner. When training is infused with elements of enjoyment, it transforms what could be a monotonous or stressful experience into an exciting opportunity for growth, bonding, and positive reinforcement. One of the primary benefits of making training sessions fun is the increased motivation it instills in Gilly. Dogs, like humans, thrive in environments where they feel excited and engaged. This heightened motivation leads to better learning outcomes, as dogs are more likely to participate actively and willingly when they associate training with enjoyment rather than obligation. Furthermore, a positive emotional state during training enhances Gilly’s ability to absorb new information, making her more receptive to learning commands and behaviors. Additionally, fun training sessions promote a deeper bond between you and her. The shared experience of play fosters trust and affection, which are fundamental components of a healthy human-animal relationship. When we engage in playful training, we communicate to our pups that we are not only teachers but also companions who enjoy spending time together. This camaraderie is essential for developing a secure attachment, which can lead to improved responsiveness and cooperation from Gilly in both training and everyday situations. Moreover, incorporating fun into training helps to alleviate stress and anxiety. Training can sometimes be a source of tension if the focus is solely on achieving perfection or correcting undesirable behaviors. By shifting the emphasis to playfulness and enjoyment, the pressure is reduced, allowing both parties to relax and enjoy the process. This relaxed atmosphere can lead to more effective training sessions, as Gilly is less likely to shut down or become anxious. Instead, she can approach challenges with curiosity and eagerness, knowing that you are there to support her in a positive manner.

Gilly has successfully completed her Two Week Board and Train Program, and she is now ready to return home. Over the past two weeks, it has been an absolute privilege to serve as Gilly’s trainer, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust you placed in me during this process. Throughout the program, Gilly demonstrated remarkable progress and enthusiasm. Her eagerness to learn and engage in training sessions made our time together not only productive but also incredibly enjoyable. We worked on essential commands, socialization skills, and positive reinforcement techniques, which I am confident will contribute to her development as a well behaved and happy companion. The bond we developed during this training period was truly special, and I will cherish the moments we shared. Gilly’s playful spirit and affectionate nature brought joy to each day, making it evident why she holds such a special place in your heart. As she prepares to return home, I want to highlight that she will be greatly missed. Her unique personality and zest for life have left a lasting impression on me. I am excited for Gilly to reunite with you and to see how she integrates the skills she has learned during our time together into her daily life. Thank you once again for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of Gilly’s journey. It has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to hearing about her continued growth and happiness in your home. Thank you Gilly!

Gilly | Poodle Mix | Sherman Oaks, CA | In-Training

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