Jefe | English Bulldog | Los Angeles, CA | In-Training
- Jose Ayala
- Oct 27, 2024
- 17 min read
Updated: Nov 16, 2024
Meet Jefe! He is a sixteen month old English Bulldog who has joined us for our Three Week Board and Train Program. Jefe is here for basic obedience, jumping to greet, and potty training. Jefe has a tendency of running and jumping on people that come over, and when he is overly excited, he does not listen to commands. Jefe does not understand personal space, and will also bite in a playful manner, as well as running through open doors and gates. Over the next twenty one days, Jefe will be working on his behavior and be set up for success with the hopes of becoming a well mannered pup. Check in to see his progress!
Jefe and I took the opportunity to establish a bond while walking together at a local park. This initial outing allowed us to familiarize ourselves with one another, which is essential for building a strong trainer-dog relationship. Throughout our walk, Jefe displayed commendable behavior, showing minimal pulling on his leash, however, he did exhibit some tendency to switch from left to right. To address this behavior and encourage better leash manners, I introduced Jefe to the heel. This technique involves having him walk closely by my left side, which promotes controlled movement and encourages focus on me as his handler. Whenever Jefe attempted to shift towards my right, I strategically turned and walked in the opposite direction, gently guiding him back to my left. Although it took some time for Jefe to fully comprehend the concept of heel, he gradually began to understand and respond positively. As we move forward, I am committed to consistently applying the heel command during every walk we take together, reinforcing Jefe's training and enhancing his overall behavior. Recognizing Jefe's breed characteristics, I have planned for our training sessions to be somewhat shorter than standard, ensuring that he remains engaged and comfortable. I will incorporate frequent water breaks to keep him hydrated, particularly during our more intensive practice sessions. Additionally, Jefe is adjusting well to his new home, and I am looking forward to making progress during the next three weeks of our training journey.
Today I engaged in training with Jefe focusing on his recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise requires Jefe to approach my right side, navigate behind me, and then settle down on my left. To facilitate this learning process, I employed leash tension as a guiding mechanism, which proved effective in helping him understand the desired behavior. Although Jefe demonstrated a good comprehension of the task, he exhibited some reluctance to sit on my left side. To address this challenge, I utilized upward leash tension in conjunction with a gentle push on his back end to encourage the sitting position. Additionally, I paired these physical cues with a verbal sit, complemented by a stimulation from his e-collar to reinforce the behavior. The training session was quite challenging, as Jefe tested my consistency and approach, but I was able to succeed in getting him to follow through with the command. It is evident that Jefe requires further practice to solidify his understanding, and I am committed to maintaining a consistent and repetitive training regimen to enhance his responsiveness. On another note, Jefe's first night in his crate was successful as he slept throughout the night without any accidents, indicating a level of comfort and adaptability in his new environment. Attached in today’s pupdate is an e-collar video tutorial explaining its many functions, as well as pictures of Jefe’s e-collar with its own serial number.
Jefe and I worked on place today. Place is a vital skill that not only enhances his obedience, but also instills confidence, particularly in social situations such as having guests in the home. Given Jefe’s size, I selected my front step as the initial training object. This choice allowed for a manageable and familiar environment, enabling Jefe to successfully engage with the command. With the use of gentle leash tension, I guided him onto the step, and he did very well showing his understanding of the command. Once Jefe exhibited consistency on the front step, I aimed to challenge him a little more by introducing him to a more complex object such as my place box. It is common for dogs to exhibit hesitation when confronted with unfamiliar items, and I recognized the importance of proceeding at Jefe’s pace to foster a positive learning experience. By maintaining a patient and encouraging approach, I applied controlled leash tension to assist Jefe in navigating this new challenge. When he successfully placed his front paws on the box, I released him with a "break,” followed by lots of praise as a reward, promoting a positive association with the command. Throughout the session, I emphasized the importance of repetition and positive reinforcement, as these elements are critical in building Jefe’s confidence and reliability in performing the place command. As we progressed through several repetitions with a few water breaks in between sessions, I observed an improvement in his willingness to engage with the place box, indicating that he was becoming more comfortable in his abilities to follow through.
Today I had the opportunity to work with Jefe in a dynamic public environment designed to simulate real life distractions. Our primary focus was to strengthen his heel command while navigating through a setting filled with various stimuli, including people walking by and engaging with their surroundings. At the initial start of our session, Jefe exhibited a strong inclination to interact with passersby, frequently veering off in their direction in search of attention. This behavior indicated a need for consistent guidance and reinforcement to help him understand the importance of maintaining focus on me, his handler. To address this, I implemented a dual approach using leash tension paired with e-collar stimulation, which effectively redirected his attention back to my side. Throughout the session, I observed significant progress in Jefe's responsiveness. By applying the e-collar stim in conjunction with leash pressure, he quickly learned to associate the cue with the desired behavior of staying close to me. As a result, Jefe demonstrated self control and focus, successfully maintaining his heel position despite the distractions present in the environment. The outcome of this session highlights the effectiveness of combining positive reinforcement techniques with appropriate corrective measures. Jefe's ability to adapt and remain attentive during our interactions reinforces the importance of consistent training in diverse settings to enhance his obedience and social behavior. Moving forward, I plan to continue building on this foundation to further refine Jefe's training and ensure his success in various environments.
Jefe and I have been working on down. Down is a command that is often regarded as one of the most difficult for dogs to master due to the inherent vulnerabilities associated with the submissive position of lying down. Understanding the psychological dynamics at play, I recognized the importance of creating a supportive and non-distracting training environment with Jefe, which we established at home. This environment allowed him to feel safe and secure, facilitating his learning process. My approach involved the application of gentle leash tension, a technique that effectively guided Jefe towards the desired position without causing stress or anxiety. Throughout our session, I closely observed his body language and responses, allowing me to tailor my methods to his unique needs. Whenever Jefe made even the slightest effort to lower himself, I promptly released the tension on the leash and rewarded him with verbal praise and encouragement. This positive reinforcement strategy not only motivated Jefe, but also helped him associate the down command with a rewarding experience. By working at his pace, I aimed to build his confidence and ensure that the session was enjoyable. A positive learning atmosphere encourages Jefe to continue engaging with his training, and it also strengthens his willingness to follow through with the behavior.
Jefe and I have focused on strengthening the commands he has learned so far, and he has grasped onto them well overall. Throughout our sessions, Jefe has shown an understanding of them, demonstrating both intelligence and a willingness to engage in the learning process. However, I have observed that he still has some trouble with down. This particular command seems to present a challenge for him, not necessarily due to a lack of understanding, but rather as a result of his playful nature and desire to test boundaries. When faced with moments where Jefe hesitates to perform his down, I employ a structured approach to address the situation. I calmly reset the training process, allowing him to refocus and re-engage with the task at hand. This method not only reinforces his understanding of the command, but also encourages him to overcome his reluctance to comply. By systematically repeating the process, I am able to guide him through his challenges, ensuring that he gains confidence in executing the command. My experience with Jefe has underscored the importance of patience and adaptability in training. Each session serves as an opportunity for both Jefe and me to develop a deeper understanding of our communication, ultimately fostering a stronger bond built on trust and cooperation. As we continue to work together, I remain committed to tailoring my approach to suit Jefe's unique learning style, ensuring that he not only follows through with his down, but that he also enjoys the process of learning and growth.
Jefe and I have been working on come to heel. The objective is to teach Jefe to move into the heel position from a stationary state, which requires a combination of focus, responsiveness, and proper leash handling. To initiate this training, I would first ask Jefe to sit or down, ensuring he was in a calm and controlled position. Once he was settled, I would take a step forward, simultaneously tapping my leg to encourage him to follow. This approach is designed to create a clear visual and auditory cue for Jefe, helping him understand the desired behavior. Initially, Jefe encountered some challenges with this command, as he displayed a bit of hesitance, which is common in the early stages of learning new commands. However, by applying slight pressure on his leash and providing positive reinforcement when he made progress, Jefe gradually started to understand the concept of moving into the heel position. As a result of our focused practice, Jefe began to show improvement, demonstrating an increased willingness to respond to the heel command and follow my cues more effectively.
Jefe and I worked on send away to place which emphasizes the development of independent placement behavior in dogs. This method diverges from traditional positioning techniques that often involve direct guidance, allowing for a more dynamic interaction between Jefe and I. During our session, I initiated the training by selecting a designated object that was suitable for Jefe considering his size. The objective was to teach him to move to the specified location from a distance, enhancing his ability to respond to cues without physical assistance. I utilized a clear pointing gesture to indicate the target, effectively communicating my intentions to Jefe. To ensure a solid foundation for this exercise, we began with a series of placing drills that allowed Jefe to familiarize himself with the concept of targeting the place object. Initially, the distance was minimal, allowing him to build confidence and understanding of the task. As he demonstrated consistency and a keen grasp of the exercise, I gradually increased the distance from which I asked him to place. Throughout this process, I employed leash tension as a subtle form of guidance, reinforcing his movements without overshadowing the independence we aimed to foster. It took some time for Jefe to adapt to the new approach, but with repetition throughout our session, Jefe was able to follow through.
Jefe and I met with other trainers and their pups to work on his socialization around them. Training a dog to behave appropriately around other dogs is an essential skill for promoting socialization and ensuring safety in various environments. With the use of his e-collar, it can facilitate this training by providing a means of communication that allows for immediate feedback. Anytime Jefe displayed unwanted behavior upon seeing another dog, such as pulling towards them for interaction, I paired a verbal “off” with a low level stimulation from the e-collar. This approach helps Jefe understand that the behavior is unacceptable and that consistency with the command is the desired response. Over time, Jefe learns to associate the presence of other dogs with the need to focus on me, leading to improved behavior in social situations. Consistency is key in this training approach. It is important to remain calm and assertive, ensuring that commands and corrections are applied consistently. It is also important to monitor Jefe’s responses to the e-collar, adjusting the stimulation level as needed to avoid overwhelming him. Gradually, as he learns to respond appropriately, the intensity of the stimulation can be reduced, reinforcing the understanding that good behavior leads to a positive outcome.
Jefe and I have been working on under. Under consists of having Jefe go under a designated object such as a bench or a chair. Teaching a dog to go under an object is a process that requires patience and consistency. We worked in my backyard utilizing a chair as a designated object, and I let Jefe become comfortable with it by simply allowing him to investigate the chair freely. Once he was comfortable around the chair, the next step was to guide him to go under it. This was worked on by using a combination of leash tension and body positioning. I stood at the entrance of the space beneath the chair, holding the leash in a way that provides gentle but firm guidance. As Jefe approached the chair, I applied slight tension to the leash, directing his movement toward the desired location. If he hesitated, I gave him a gentle pull, and only released tension when he made an intent. It took a few attempts, but by remaining patient and working at his pace, Jefe was able to follow through.
Jefe and I began working on distance and duration with a long line. To teach Jefe, I applied a method of gradual increments, working with five second intervals corresponding to varying distances. For instance, moving one foot back required a five second wait, two feet back extended this to ten seconds, and so forth. This approach not only allowed Jefe to acclimate to the concept of distance, but also provided clear benchmarks for both of us to assess his progress. When Jefe followed through with what I was asking, I rewarded him by releasing him with a break and giving him lots of praise. Jefe showed consistency with the exercise, showing his ability to maintain his sit and place. However, when I attempted to increase the distance to about five feet when working on his down, he had trouble holding his position and would make his way towards me. To address this, I reverted back to a four foot distance, allowing Jefe to practice maintaining his down for longer durations before releasing him. This adjustment proved beneficial as Jefe adapted, worked through it, and I progressively increased the distance once again. As a result, I have established the ability to maintain a distance of five to six feet from Jefe without him breaking his position. Moving forward, I will continue working on distance and duration with Jefe, and gradually add distractions.
Jefe and I have been working on a longer recall. Just like his stationary positions, Jefe is also learning how to do a come to sit from a distance. Gradually increasing the distance of the recall command instills a sense of reliability and trust in Jefe. As he learns to respond to the recall at varying distances, he becomes more confident in his ability to return to you when called, regardless of distractions in the environment. Additionally, this training method encourages mental stimulation and physical exercise. Dogs in general are naturally curious and energetic animals, therefore by practicing recall at increasing distances, we as owners can engage our pups in a stimulating activity that challenges them mentally while also allowing them to expend energy. This dual benefit can lead to a healthier, more balanced pup, reducing the likelihood of behavioral issues stemming from boredom or excess energy. Moreover, it can significantly improve Jefe’s focus and impulse control. As I gradually increase the distance, Jefe learns to filter out distractions and maintain attention on me. This skill not only aids in recall, but also translates into other areas of training and everyday life, making Jefe a more well behaved companion in various situations.
Jefe and I worked on some leash dragging exercises. We began in my backyard since it is an enclosed area, and once I saw consistency with Jefe, we moved our session to a local park with no distractions. Training a dog with a leash dragging before transitioning to off-leash training is a crucial step in ensuring a well behaved and responsive canine companion. This method serves several important purposes that foster a deeper bond between the dog and the handler, while also promoting safety and effective communication. Allowing Jefe to get accustomed to the sensation of a leash dragging can help diminish any anxiety or resistance he may feel when the leash is eventually applied. Often, dogs can perceive a leash as a restrictive device, leading to stress or confusion during training sessions. By using a dragging leash, Jefe can learn to associate the leash with positive experiences and freedom, rather than confinement. This gradual introduction helps to create a more relaxed training environment, where he feels secure and willing to engage with me more. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for me to observe and understand Jefe's natural behaviors and tendencies. It allows him to explore his surroundings while still being connected to me, offering a chance to see how he reacts to various stimuli in his environment. This observational period is invaluable, as it reveals Jefe's comfort levels, distractions, and potential areas for improvement in his training. In addition to fostering understanding, the use of a dragging leash enhances the development of recall commands and other essential obedience skills. With Jefe learning to respond to commands while the leash is dragging, he is more likely to carry those skills over when he is off leash due to him becoming conditioned to respond to cues without the immediate physical guidance of the leash. The gradual transition helps ensure that Jefe understands expectations, leading to a more reliable and obedient pup.
In the ongoing leash dragging exercises conducted with Jefe, a notable focus was placed on enhancing his obedience and responsiveness in a controlled environment. During a recent training session at a local park, Jefe was exposed to minimal distractions, primarily from pedestrians passing by. This setting provided an ideal opportunity to assess his progress in maintaining focus and composure. Throughout the session, Jefe demonstrated commendable behavior overall, however, he encountered a slight challenge when it came to maintaining a down position as someone approached. Recognizing this moment as an essential learning opportunity, I promptly intervened by resetting him back into the down position. This strategy not only reinforced his training, but also emphasized the importance of consistency and discipline in overcoming distractions. As Jefe approaches the final week of his training program, he is showing readiness to transition to off leash work. This next step will allow him to further refine his skills and demonstrate the behavioral improvements achieved during our sessions. The focus will remain on solidifying his commands and ensuring he can maintain control even in more dynamic environments.
A well structured training program for dogs is essential for their development and well being, and incorporating regular playtime into this program offers numerous benefits that enhance the overall effectiveness of training. Playtime serves as a fundamental aspect of a dog's daily routine, providing not only physical exercise but also crucial mental stimulation. Engaging in play helps to strengthen the bond between the dog and the handler, fostering trust and cooperation, which are vital components of successful training. One of the primary advantages of integrating play into Jefe’s training regimen is the positive impact it has on his motivation and enthusiasm. Dogs are naturally playful creatures, and incorporating enjoyable activities into training sessions can make learning more appealing. This approach encourages Jefe to be more engaged and responsive, allowing him to absorb commands and behaviors more effectively. When dogs associate training with fun, they are more likely to participate actively and retain the information being taught. Playtime serves as an excellent outlet for Jefe’s energy. Many behavioral issues stem from excess energy that has not been properly channeled. By providing regular play opportunities, we as owners can help prevent undesirable behaviors such as chewing, barking, or digging, which often result from boredom or frustration. Additionally, play can significantly reduce anxiety and stress, creating a calmer and more focused dog during training sessions. This can lead to improved concentration and a more conducive learning environment.
Over the course of his training program, significant progress has been made in enhancing Jefe's door manners, which has resulted in a marked improvement in his overall behavior during door transitions. Initially, Jefe exhibited impulsive behavior, attempting to rush through the door the moment it was opened. This behavior not only posed safety concerns, but also highlighted the need for structured training to foster patience and self control. The training commenced with a focus on establishing foundational commands, particularly sit and down. By consistently reinforcing these commands, Jefe learned to associate his sitting or lying down with the appropriate behavior expected when a door is opened. This initial phase involved repeated practice sessions, where I would intentionally open the door while monitoring Jefe's response. If he displayed any signs of excitement or attempted to move from his position, the door would be closed, and the exercise would be restarted. This method emphasized the importance of patience and waiting for a cue before proceeding. As Jefe became more accustomed to the training routine, I began to gradually increase the distance and duration of the waits, which further solidified his understanding of the desired behavior. This approach not only helped Jefe develop better impulse control, but also instilled a sense of discipline that is essential for any pup. The patience he has learned is now evident as he waits calmly and attentively before being given the signal to go through any door.
Establishing a potty training schedule for Jefe offers numerous advantages that enhance effective training and foster a harmonious living environment. A routine helps Jefe anticipate bathroom breaks, thereby minimizing accidents indoors. It also supports the development of his bladder control, increasing his reliability in holding it until outdoor opportunities arise. Additionally, a consistent schedule promotes better hygiene and reduces stress for both the owner and the pet, creating a more structured setting. Typically, dogs require bathroom breaks approximately 30 minutes to an hour after eating or drinking. For Jefe, who is fed in the morning between 7:00-8:00AM and in the evening between 5:00-6:00PM, the recommended outside times are around 8:30-9:00AM after breakfast and 6:30-7:00PM after dinner. Water intake is restricted after 7:30PM following an evening walk, with a final outside trip before bedtime. Overall, Jefe should be taken out at least four times a day: once upon waking, after meals, and before bed. Maintaining this routine has proven effective, as Jefe has shown progress with no accidents reported.
Jefe and I have been working on his off leash conditioning by utilizing my enclosed backyard as a controlled environment for our training sessions. This initial phase has allowed Jefe to develop a foundation in obedience and responsiveness, crucial for successful off leash work. Throughout our sessions, Jefe has demonstrated consistency in performing commands, which has been pivotal in building his confidence and reliability. Recognizing the importance of transitioning training to more dynamic environments, I took Jefe to a public setting. This step was essential to assess his ability to maintain focus and execute commands amidst various distractions. I am pleased to inform that Jefe performed very well in this context, showing his adaptability and effectiveness of our training regimen. As a result of his progress, Jefe will now continue to work off leash for the remainder of his training program. This shift not only reflects his growing competence, but also allows us to further refine his skills in diverse environments, ultimately enhancing his overall obedience and responsiveness.
Throughout my engagement with Jefe, I have been focusing on his greeting manners, which initially presented an overly enthusiastic response to visitors. Jefe's tendency to jump on individuals as they approached indicated a need for behavioral adjustment, particularly in how he interacted with others. Recognizing the importance of fostering a calm and composed demeanor in social situations, I implemented a structured training exercise aimed at redirecting his energy and reinforcing appropriate behavior. The core of my approach involved teaching Jefe to maintain a relaxed state when encountering new people. This was achieved through consistent practice and positive reinforcement, where I guided him to sit calmly as a preferred greeting behavior. Each time Jefe exhibited his previous jumping behavior, I would gently reset him back into the sitting position, emphasizing the importance of patience and composure. This repetitive exercise not only helped Jefe understand the desired behavior, but also allowed him to develop a sense of self control during interactions. Over the course of his program, Jefe has shown improvement in his greeting manners. His ability to remain calm and composed when approached by others has increased, demonstrating his understanding of the new behavior expectations. As a result of our work together, Jefe is now successfully executing his greeting manners, providing a more pleasant and controlled interaction for both himself and those he meets.
In my recent session with Jefe, I focused on refining his under and come to heel commands. Jefe did very well in these areas, showing his ability to respond positively and maintain focus on the tasks at hand. However, I observed some challenges with his down. On multiple occasions, Jefe exhibited behaviors such as going into a sit position and scratching, as well as breaking his down and wanting to approach me. This behavior is indicative of Jefe testing boundaries, a common trait in dogs as they seek to assess the consistency of their training and the authority of their handler. Such challenges are normal and can be viewed as opportunities for reinforcing training principles. It is essential to recognize that these moments are part of the learning process, where Jefe is not only learning commands, but also understanding the importance of following through. To address these unwanted behaviors, it is crucial to implement a consistent training strategy such as repetition to strengthen desired actions while discouraging challenges. Establishing a firm, positive approach will help Jefe learn to follow commands reliably, which is a process that requires patience and persistence, ensuring that Jefe understands the expectations set for him.
Jefe has completed his Three Week Board and Train Program and is ready to come home. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity in being his trainer, and for trusting me while he was under my care. Jefe has come a long way and has learned so much throughout his program. He was a great companion and he will truly be missed. His final video will be up soon, but in the meantime here is a sneak peek at Jefe showcasing what he has learned. Thank you Jefe!
Comments