Henry | Mini Goldendoodle | Santa Monica, CA | In-Training
- wendyoffleashsocal
- Jun 22
- 13 min read
Updated: Jul 6
Meet Henry! He is a 10-month-old Mini Goldendoodle from Santa Monica, California, here for our two-week Board and Train Program. Henry is a sweet and adorable pup who has recently taken on the role of proud big brother to a human sibling! At 10 months old, Henry already knows some basic obedience but is still working on a few of those typical puppy habits — like picking up unwanted items during walks, jumping up to greet people, and trying to sneak a peek (and a snack) from the counter.
Over the next 14 days, Henry will be working on becoming a well-mannered, obedient companion through consistent guidance, clear communication, and balanced training—both at home and while exploring new environments, meeting people, and experiencing new places. With structure and consistency, Henry will show just how great of a pup he can be!
Stay tuned for Henry’s two-week transformation!
Pupdate 6/22/25
Today was Henry’s first day in our two‑week Board and Train program! After you left, we stayed at the park to assess what Henry already knows. As expected, he’s familiar with a simple “sit” command — which is a great starting point. That’s exactly why you found us, and we’re excited to help Henry learn to be a well‑mannered pup.
On the ride home, Henry was calm and relaxed. Once we arrived, I introduced him to Dottie. As mentioned during the pick‑up, he was a bit shy at first, but soon enough the tail wags came out and the two of them hit it off. We then went on a pack walk to build a bond and help Henry settle in.
Today was primarily about acclimation — allowing Henry to get comfortable with my home, my family, and with me — making sure this process feels fun and positive for him every step of the way. As you’ll see in the photos, he’s already starting to feel right at home.
During feeding time, we also introduced a valuable lesson in patience. I noticed that Henry was breaking his “sit” as soon as I placed the food bowl down, so I used a “food refusal” technique — picking the bowl up until he remained in a sit until I gave the release command. We repeated this a few times until he understood, and soon enough, Henry learned to wait patiently for his meal. He finished his entire dinner in one sitting, and it was a big win for the day!
Also, included is the video for you to familiarize yourself with the e-collar I will be using for Henry. Please do not hesitate to email me or ask questions during our turnover.
Hope you enjoyed today’s Pupdate!
Pupdate 6/23/25
Today’s session focused on introducing the “Place” command using treats and beginning the acclimation process to the e-collar. No stimulation was administered during this session; the goal was simply to help Henry get comfortable wearing the collar.
Henry was highly motivated by treats—he definitely has a nose for them! His enthusiasm was obvious, even giving a little excited leg shake at times. To introduce “Place,” we used a cot, which Henry was encouraged onto using positive reinforcement. While the cot is our current tool, we’ll be varying the object in future sessions depending on the training environment—it might be a bench, a step, or any surface where Henry can remain in a sit or down position for a few minutes.
As training progressed, I would release Henry from “Place” with a “Break!” and then ask for a “Sit” off the cot—a command he already knows well. From there, we would repeat the “Place” command, and Henry quickly began to make the connection. He showed great progress in a short amount of time!
By the end of the session, Henry required fewer treats and was beginning to understand the expectation of staying on “Place” more independently. He is off to a great start—so full of energy and eager to learn. What a good boy, Henry!
Pupdate 6/24/25
Today’s training focused on finding Henry’s e‑collar working level and introducing the “come‑to‑sit” recall command. As I worked to determine Henry’s sensitivity to the e‑collar, I noticed he was very stoic — offering almost no reaction at lower levels. I started at level 0 and gradually increased until I noticed a slight neck shake at level 17. This indicated that he felt the stimulus for the first time. Depending on Henry’s state of mind and the environment he’s in, this level may fluctuate slightly, so for now we’ll work within the range of levels 17–22.
With the e‑collar level established, we introduced the “come‑to‑sit” command — an essential part of recall training. A strong recall is vital for Henry’s safety and well‑being, allowing you to quickly call him back in distracting or potentially dangerous situations. Beyond safety, recall training strengthens your bond, gives Henry more freedom, and reduces stress for both of you. To help Henry understand this command, I used treats as a reward and combined “come‑to‑sit” repetitions with “place” and extended “sit” exercises. Henry found the body positioning challenging at first, but with consistent practice and repetition, he’ll soon master it.
Lastly, we worked on introducing Henry to “place” in the house — an essential tool for moments when he’s overly excited, jumping on counters, or begging for food. I’ve designated a cot as Henry’s “place” spot, and he’s learning to relax and settle calmly there. He’s already doing well, especially alongside Ms. Dottie, who he’s getting along with wonderfully. They’re enjoying each other’s company and making this training experience a positive one for him.
Pupdate 6/25/25
Today we focused on introducing the “heel” command, as well as reinforcing Henry’s growing food manners. During the heel introduction, I used treats to encourage Henry to stay on my left side, aligned with my knee, as we walked up and down the driveway. The leash was used to guide him when needed, especially when treats weren’t present. Even though Henry isn’t a strong puller, teaching him to heel is an important foundation. It encourages polite walking, minimizes pulling, and promotes safer, more controlled walks — especially now that you have a baby. The heel command also builds focus and improves overall communication between you and your pup.
Today was a bit of a wobbly start for heel, but this is just the beginning. We’ll continue practicing daily, and with consistency and patience, Henry will get there — one step at a time.
In addition, we worked on extending Henry’s “sit” and reinforcing the “come‑to‑sit” command. He’s making noticeable progress, showing more focus and holding longer sits with each session. Hooray, Henry!
I’ve also added a short clip showing Henry’s improvements with food manners. Today I only had to pick up the bowl once and gave a verbal correction at the 12–13 second mark of a 20‑second hold. This is a huge step forward, and soon we’ll be extending it closer to a full minute. Great job, Henry — let’s keep building on that focus and patience!
Pupdate 6/26/25
Today, we focused on practicing the “place” command in a new location — away from the regular cot Henry typically uses — to help generalize the behavior. We also worked on extending his “sit” duration and introduced the “down” command earlier in the day, which we continued reinforcing throughout the session.
We revisited the “heel” command as well, this time beginning to fade out the use of treats that had been helping guide him into position. Henry showed some resistance today — he wasn’t responsive to verbal cues or the e-collar stim at first, so we relocated to a quieter area with fewer distractions. Once back in the driveway, Henry was able to refocus, though he was still a bit stubborn during our practice.
After running through several commands, I gave him the “break” release to reward and celebrate his efforts. However, Henry wasn’t too interested — not even treats or a ball got much of a reaction. I suspect he was a bit disappointed that Dottie wasn’t included in today’s session. Sorry, Mr. Henry — this was a solo mission! Don’t worry, Dottie will join again soon once you’ve gotten your “heel” more consistent.
Despite the challenges, today was still a productive step in Henry’s training journey. We'll keep building on this foundation with patience and consistency.
Pupdate 6/27/25
Today’s focus was all about manners! We worked on Food Manners, Door Manners, and Car Manners to help Henry become an even more polite and reliable family companion.
We started with Food Manners, which we’ve been practicing since the beginning. As requested, Emily, I added the "Amen/Break" cue. At first, Henry was a little confused, but by the second try, he understood beautifully. He waited patiently until released — good boy, Henry!
For Door Manners, we’ve been working on this since day one. There are two types we focused on:1. The first is for everyday use when exiting or entering a room. We start by having Henry sit and give eye contact, waiting calmly for the next command. Once I see he’s settled, I give him an enthusiastic “OK” to move forward with me.2. The second type is for situations like greeting guests or grabbing the mail. In this case, Henry is put on a “sit,” “place,” or “down” a few feet from the door and remains there until released. As you saw in the video, he did great! The only correction needed was when he got momentarily distracted by Dottie — not because he wanted to bolt out the door. This is huge progress and shows he’s learning to wait patiently and build trust.
Next, we worked on Car Manners. Henry was hesitant about jumping into the back seat at first, so I used treats along with the “load up” command to encourage him. Once inside, he realized the crate was much cooler and more comfortable — and then he didn’t want to come out! Classic Henry. He’s such a smart, funny boy.
Lastly, we did some practice with the baby’s pacifier on the floor. Henry approaches it to investigate but does not attempt to pick it up. Before he even has a chance to think about grabbing it, I give him the “off” command to reinforce that it’s off-limits. He’s doing a great job respecting that boundary.
I’m so happy with his progress today — Henry is really starting to understand and embody these important manners. Way to go, Henry!
Pupdate 6/28/25
Today we took Henry back to Constitution Park, where you originally dropped him off, to continue working on his “heel” skills and to give him some socialization time with other pups (not just Dottie!). Henry is such a sweet boy and very polite with other dogs. However, I did limit his interactions because I noticed he would much rather have fun playing with other pups than focus on me — smart little guy!
Henry is definitely clever and understands that training requires structure, which isn’t always his idea of fun. He has certainly tested me, but I’m not letting him get his way. I’ve been using treats and lots of affection to reward his “wins” during training, but I know that his ultimate reward is playtime with Dottie.
In the beginning, Henry was highly motivated by treats during “heel” training, but as he started understanding what was expected, we began phasing out the constant food rewards. Naturally, Henry didn’t love this change and started “pouting” a bit, trying to get his way. This is where the stim (e-collar) comes in. Today, I increased his stim level from 25 up to 30, and at times even 35, depending on his level of stubbornness. Who would have thought this sweet guy had such a strong will? Oh, Henry!
With time, patience, and lots of repetition, Henry is learning that we always finish on a positive note. We put in a solid stretch of work on his “heel” today, and he has made tremendous progress. I’m so proud of how far he’s come in just a few days — he’s truly maturing before our eyes.
On top of that, Henry is now able to hold his “sit” for over a minute, even with outdoor distractions around him. Way to go, Henry!
Pupdate 6/29/25
Today we took a field trip to Home Depot to expose Henry to new noises, sights, and the general hustle and bustle of the store environment. I was so impressed with how quickly he settled in! He drew a lot of attention from customers (everyone thought he was adorable, of course!), and a few volunteers even helped us practice his greeting manners. Henry did an excellent job being a little gentleman and avoiding jumping on people — big win!
During our “heel” practice through the store, I started with a loose leash and led him all the way to the lumber section. There, we worked on “place,” “sits,” and extended “downs.” One of the “place” spots was higher than Henry was used to, and at first, he didn’t want to jump up. But with some encouragement and support, he conquered it — and after that, he was excited to keep trying! Way to go, Henry! The world is your oyster, little dude.
Later, we found an empty aisle and practiced “heel” without the leash. Henry is beginning to follow beautifully on his own. While he’s not always thrilled about it (he’d still rather be exploring!), with some gentle encouragement and patience, he gets it done.
I’m so proud of how far he’s come. We’re not giving up, Henry — you’ve got this!
Pupdate 6/30/25
Today’s adventure took us to Westfield Century City , where we introduced Henry to a new kind of social and environmental setting—perfect practice for future family shopping outings. To my surprise, Henry did amazing! He strutted confidently through the mall, taking it all in stride.
I gave him a few "place" commands at different spots and tested his focus with some extended "sits"—and he nailed them. Way to go, Henry!
I even pushed things a bit further and walked him off-leash, as you can see in the video. With just a little motivation, Henry really showed how far he’s come.
With consistent training, Mr. Henry is proving he’s well on his way to becoming a well-balanced, confident pup. I’m so proud of the dog he’s becoming!
Pupdate 7/1/25
Today, Dottie joined us for the training session, adding an exciting new challenge for Henry. He’s been progressing so well that it was time to test his focus with a “Dottie distraction”—and he absolutely rose to the occasion! Henry showcased his skills beautifully, walking on one side of me while Dottie walked on the other. They even switched sides seamlessly during turns—an impressive display of teamwork and training.
To challenge Henry a bit further, I added a pause and asked him to sit. He nailed it most of the time, and although I had to make a few corrections, he handled it like a pro. I couldn’t help but feel a burst of pride watching his progress. Amazing work, Henry—keep it up!
Pupdate 7/2/25
Today we took a trip to Whittier Narrows, where Henry and I met up with other OffLeash trainers and their pups. Henry had the special opportunity to work with some of our newer trainers, which gave him a chance to practice following commands from someone other than me.
At first, Henry kept looking back at me, unsure why I wasn’t the one giving the cues. But once he built some rapport and trust with Trainer Heather, he began to feel more comfortable and started responding beautifully to her commands. It was a great exercise in flexibility and confidence for him.
I have to say, even though Henry still likes to test boundaries from time to time, I’ve seen so much growth in him. Watching this little guy push past his limits and succeed has been so rewarding.
When we got home, we reinforced all his manners — this time, without a leash. Henry is now confidently holding his “sit” at the door for over a minute, and I truly trust that he will stay put and not run out. He’s also doing an excellent job with his food manners, waiting patiently until he hears the release word “Amen” before moving toward his bowl.
As a reminder, please continue using “Amen” along with tapping on the bowl so he clearly understands when he’s been released from his “sit” or “down.” This consistency will help solidify his progress.
Henry continues to make me incredibly proud. He’s working so hard and showing just how capable and determined he is. Way to go, Henry!
Pupdate 7/3/25
For today’s training, we focused on putting all of Henry’s commands together and fine-tuning any small deficiencies he was showing me. One area we worked on was his “come-to-sit” — at times, he tends to overshoot the position, but with a quick stim correction, he was able to adjust and find the right spot.
Mr. Henry has truly come such a long way. We successfully combined all of his commands, and he was able to hold both “sit” and “down” beautifully. He’s also growing more confident when jumping onto or climbing up to new “place” spots, especially with some reassurance that he is safe.
With continued exposure, consistency, and ongoing practice, Henry is well on his way to becoming a polite, well-mannered pup — and a wonderful example for his little human brother!
I’m so proud of all the progress he’s making. Way to go, Henry!
Pupdate 7/4/25
Today, Henry and I took a fun and educational field trip to the local pet store! This outing gave him the chance to experience a variety of new sounds, smells, and sights—all great for his socialization and confidence-building. Right away, Henry was curious and engaged, happily sniffing and exploring everything the store had to offer.
As we made our way through different aisles, we stopped to practice several commands including “come-to-sit,” “sit,” and “place.” He did a great job staying focused, even with all the distractions around him.
Along the way, Henry made a few new friends and drew lots of attention from fellow shoppers who admired both his adorable looks and how well-behaved he was. Henry really soaked in the compliments like a star.
Way to go, Henry—you’re becoming a true superstar!
Pupdate 7/5/25
Today’s training session was all about reintroducing Henry to the mall environment—and maybe checking out some summer sales… just kidding! Our real focus was continuing to expose Henry to the hustle and bustle of a busy public space and helping him grow more comfortable in that setting. As you previously mentioned Henry is familiar with Westfield Century City and is already thriving here—totally unfazed by the crowds and noise. He walked off-leash like a pro, confidently showing off all the commands he’s mastered over the past two weeks. He’s made incredible progress, and I couldn’t be prouder of him!
Pupdate 7/6/25
Today was Henry’s final full training day with me, and he had a very special role: mentor! Henry got to help guide my new board-and-train pup — a St. Bernard who’s twice his size. Henry was so gentle and patient during their introduction, showing just how far he’s come.
We started the day with a pack walk so they could get comfortable with each other, and Henry handled it beautifully. Afterward, he and I had a one-on-one training session in a street setting to review all of his commands.
Henry has truly come such a long way. While he’s still the same sweet, timid little guy I first met, he now has a quiet courage that shines through. We’ve taken him to busy, distracting areas, and he’s stayed focused and unfazed.
I’m so proud of the well-mannered, confident pup Henry has become. He’s truly a joy to take out — he gets lots of attention everywhere he goes, and he handles it all with such polite charm.
It has been an absolute pleasure to be Henry’s trainer and to watch him mature into the amazing dog he is today. Way to go, Henry! You’ve made us all so proud.
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