Link | Mixed Breed | Lakewood, CA

Meet Link! He is a two year old mixed breed who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. Link is here for basic obedience, jumping to greet, and leash pulling. Link does well with other dogs inside the home, but will bark at other dogs outside. The goal for Link is to have him come on command, not jump on people, and improve his leash manners. Over the next fourteen days he 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!

Link 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 Link’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Link exhibiting behavior where he would frequently pull ahead of me. To address this, I introduced him to the heel command, which requires him to walk beside me on my left side. This command is crucial for ensuring that he 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 Link pulled away from my side. This method involved making a U-turn and guiding him back towards my left with appropriate leash tension. This approach not only helps Link understand the desired position, but also teaches him the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Link is still mastering this skill, I am committed to incorporating the heel command into every walk moving forward to solidify his understanding and compliance. He did really well in his crate on the ride home, and he is adjusting to his new environment for the next two weeks.

Patience is one of the most critical attributes we as dog owners can possess, and working at a dog’s pace is essential to fostering a healthy, respectful, and productive training environment. Training a dog is not a one-size-fits-all process, nor is it something that can be rushed. Each dog is an individual with its own unique temperament, background, learning style, and emotional needs. For training to be successful and sustainable, it must be guided by understanding, empathy, and timing that matches the dog’s capacity to absorb and respond to new information. Working at a Link’s pace ensures that he is not overwhelmed or pushed beyond its cognitive or emotional limits. Dogs, like humans, learn through repetition, positive reinforcement, and gradual exposure to new challenges. When we rush the process or expect too much too quickly, we risk creating confusion, anxiety, or even fear in our pups. These negative emotional responses can lead to resistance, behavioral regression, or a breakdown in trust—ultimately undermining the entire training effort. Patience allows Link to form positive associations with tasks and commands, ensuring that the learning is deeply rooted and more likely to be repeated reliably. With that being said, Link and I concentrated on his recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Link approach my right side, navigate behind me, and then settle down on my left. To enhance his understanding of this sequence, I utilized leash tension as a guiding tool, and although Link is a little stubborn and likes to challenge me into not following through, I was able to effectively help him grasp the desired behavior. He demonstrated a good comprehension of the task and it took him a while to adapt to the instructions, but he is showing ability to follow through with the exercise. As Link gained consistency in executing the command, I introduced verbal cues, specifically “come,” and "sit," alongside gentle leash tension to further reinforce his behavior. In addition to the recall exercise, we have been working on improving his heel during our morning and evening walks, as well as throughout our training sessions during the day. This consistent practice is yielding positive results, and although he falls behind at times, he is beginning to pull less on his leash. Moreover, I am pleased to report that Link did very well during his first night here, sleeping soundly in his crate.

Link 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 Link 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 Link 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 he 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 Link to the designated spot we practiced on which was a concrete stage at a local park. As I approached the stage with him, I applied gentle tension on the leash to encourage him to move forward. When Link stepped onto it, I immediately released the tension on the leash, signaling that he has made the correct choice. Timing here is crucial, so the moment Link made contact with the stage, he was immediately rewarded with praise and affection. Using a cheerful tone of voice, petting, and verbal affirmations like "good boy," helps reinforce this positive behavior. Once Link began to understand the association between the leash pressure and the verbal place, I gradually increased the duration he remained there. Consistency is key in this training process, so with regular practice sessions, combined with patience and positive reinforcement, it will help Link understand the command fully. Over time, I will introduce distractions gradually while he maintains the place command, ensuring that he learns to remain in position regardless of environmental changes.

During our recent training session, I focused on enhancing Link's heel, come to sit, and place commands at a local park. It became apparent during pickup that Link exhibited reactive behaviors, including lunging and barking at other dogs in the vicinity, even when they were at a distance. This reactive tendency indicated the need for a more structured and controlled training environment to help him manage his impulses and improve his focus. To address this behavior, we conducted our subsequent training session outside of a traditional dog park to ensure a more manageable setting. Throughout this session, Link demonstrated improvement in his responsiveness to commands and showed a remarkable ability to remain calm in the presence of other dogs. His capacity to adhere to the commands I provided, such as heel and place, was commendable, reflecting his growing understanding and obedience. As we continue to progress in Link's training program, I plan to gradually introduce him to increased distractions, specifically involving other dogs. This approach will allow us to systematically desensitize him to his triggers and reinforce positive behaviors in a controlled manner. With consistent training and exposure, I have hopes that Link will make remarkable strides, leading to improved social interactions and reduced reactivity over time. By tailoring each session to address his needs, it will be instrumental in his development as a well adjusted canine companion.

Link 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 Link, 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 Link 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 Link 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 motivates Link, but also helps 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 Link to continue engaging with his training, and it also strengthens his willingness to follow through with the behavior.

Training a dog to respond reliably to commands is a foundational element of responsible pet ownership, and the process must be approached with careful structure and intention. One of the most effective methods for ensuring long-term success in obedience training is to begin teaching commands in an environment free from distractions. This controlled approach allows Link to focus solely on learning the desired behavior, without the interference of external stimuli that may compromise his ability to concentrate, understand, and retain new information. Dogs, like people, learn best in environments where they can give their full attention to the task at hand. When commands are introduced in a quiet, distraction-free setting, Link is better able to make a clear association between the verbal cue and the action he is expected to perform. This clarity is crucial in the early stages of training, when he is still forming connections between cues, behaviors, and rewards. Without distractions, I can capture his attention more easily, provide timely and consistent feedback, and reinforce correct responses with greater accuracy. This leads to a faster and more solid understanding of each command, which becomes the foundation for more advanced training. Moreover, starting in a distraction-free environment minimizes frustration for both Link and I. When distractions are present too early in the training process, Link is more likely to become overwhelmed or confused, leading to inconsistent responses or failure to comply. This not only slows his progress, but can also damage the trust and communication between him and I. On the other hand, by gradually introducing challenges only after Link has demonstrated reliable performance in a calm setting, I can continue to set Link up for success. This incremental approach builds his confidence and resilience, as he learns to generalize his training to different environments and increasing levels of distraction.

Training Link around different distractions is one of the most valuable investments you can make in his long-term behavior, confidence, and reliability. While teaching obedience and manners in a quiet, controlled environment is an important first step, real-world success depends on a dog’s ability to maintain focus and respond to commands amid the inevitable distractions of everyday life. By intentionally exposing Link to these kinds of challenges during training, including the presence of unfamiliar people, other dogs, and the many unpredictable sights, sounds, and smells of public spaces, I am helping him develop emotional resilience, impulse control, and social confidence. Dogs are highly social creatures, and their natural curiosity or excitement around people and other dogs can easily override their training if they are not properly conditioned to handle such encounters. Structured training in these scenarios teaches Link to remain calm, attentive, and responsive even when his environment is stimulating or unpredictable. This level of self-control not only enhances his obedience but also significantly reduces the likelihood of unwanted behaviors such as jumping, pulling, barking, lunging, or showing signs of anxiety. Moreover, working around distractions strengthens the communication between Link and I. It gives him clear guidance on what is expected of him in real-world scenarios, which leads to more consistent behavior and fosters a strong, reliable partnership. This is especially important for safety, as an untrained dog that becomes overstimulated in public can place both themselves and others at risk. In addition, training around distractions helps prevent reactivity and overexcitement, which are common sources of behavioral issues. Rather than shielding Link from these situations, controlled exposure allows him to process and adjust to his surroundings in a positive, structured way. Over time, this builds a dog that is not only obedient but also well-balanced, adaptable, and capable of navigating a wide range of environments with confidence. In essence, distraction training bridges the gap between basic obedience and real-world reliability. It sets Link up for success by teaching him how to manage his impulses, stay connected to you, and remain composed no matter what the world throws at him.

Incorporating a variety of textures and surfaces into a dog’s training environment plays a critical role in developing well-rounded, confident, and adaptable behavior. Practicing place on different objects, extends beyond basic obedience and enters into the realm of canine confidence building, environmental desensitization, and cognitive development. When Link is introduced to and asked to maintain position on a range of surfaces such as rubber mats, wooden platforms, metal grates, soft cushions, slick floors, or uneven objects, he is learning far more than just the place command. This approach challenges his proprioception, which is his ability to understand body positioning and movement in space. As Link learns to stabilize himself on various surfaces, his balance, coordination, and overall body awareness improve. These physical challenges engage his mind and muscles simultaneously, resulting in a mentally and physically stimulated pup. From a behavioral standpoint, exposure to unfamiliar and varied textures can greatly reduce Link’s sensitivity to new environments and novel stimuli. Dogs who are only trained on consistent, predictable surfaces may develop hesitation or even anxiety when confronted with something unfamiliar underfoot. By intentionally introducing a variety of surfaces during training, I am helping Link build resilience and flexibility. This environmental confidence carries over into real-world scenarios, making him more composed and responsive in new or unpredictable situations, whether that be in urban areas or vet offices for example. Additionally, training with different surfaces fosters a deeper level of focus and impulse control. Unusual or unstable textures demand Link’s attention and effort to maintain position, making him more likely to stay mentally engaged and tuned in to my cues. This is especially valuable for high-energy or easily distracted dogs like Link, as the physical challenge of remaining still on an awkward surface helps channel his energy into concentration rather than distraction.

Link 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 Link’s confidence in his 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 Link with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding his duration while I increased the distance between us. Link responded positively to this initial framework, demonstrating proficiency in his sit, which underscored his ability to understand and execute commands in a controlled environment. However, as is often the case in training, some challenges arose, particularly with Link’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 Link’s learning pace. This modification proved effective, as Link is showing improvement in his responsiveness to his down.

Consistency and follow-through are fundamental components of effective dog training, particularly when it comes to teaching and reinforcing commands. One of the most critical aspects of this process is resetting your pup back into its original stationary position when he breaks a command, rather than allowing him to self correct or move on without accountability. This practice plays a significant role in shaping reliable obedience, building clear communication, and maintaining the integrity of the training process. When Link is given a command, such as sit or down, and chooses to break that position prematurely, resetting him back to his original spot sends a clear and consistent message that the command was not optional, nor was it completed correctly. This simple yet powerful action reinforces the expectation that the command is to be maintained until I releases him, rather than allowing Link to determine when the exercise is over. Allowing him to break position without resetting often leads to confusion and inconsistent behavior, as he learns that he can self-dismiss or disregard commands without consequence. Additionally, resetting Link back to his position strengthens his understanding of accountability and enhances his mental discipline. It encourages Link to think critically and remain engaged, as he realizes that success is measured not just by executing the command initially, but also by holding that position until instructed otherwise. Follow-through and resets help prevent the development of stubbornness, selective listening, and impulsivity — all common challenges in dogs. Without clear correction and redirection, Link may perceive his own choices as equally valid to the our commands, which can erode obedience over time and create frustration for both Link and ourselves. By calmly and consistently guiding him back into position, I teach persistence, patience, and respect for the training process. Ultimately, resetting Link when he breaks a command is not about punishment, but about reinforcing structure and clarity. It is one of the most effective ways to ensure he fully understands what is being asked, remains focused, and develops into a reliable and well mannered companion.

During today’s training session, Link and I focused on leash-dragging exercises as part of his progression toward reliable off-leash behavior. At the start of the session, Link demonstrated promising focus and responsiveness, maintaining good engagement while navigating the neighborhood environment. However, as the walk progressed, Link attempted to break away and run on three separate occasions. Each time, I was able to safely manage the situation by stepping on the leash, effectively preventing him from creating additional distance or reinforcing the unwanted behavior. While Link has shown early signs of understanding and success with the leash-dragging exercises, these instances highlight that he is not yet fully prepared for the transition to off-leash reliability. For his safety and to ensure consistency in his training, Link will continue to work on-leash for the remainder of his program. Ongoing focus will be placed on reinforcing his impulse control, improving his response to handler direction, and ensuring that he can reliably remain under control in a variety of environments and situations before progressing further.

During today’s training session, I worked extensively with Link on refining all of his commands as he prepares for his final video. Overall, Link performed very well and demonstrated a solid understanding of his commands. However, he experienced some difficulty maintaining his down position, particularly when transitioning between the down and place commands. Throughout the session, Link showed a tendency to break his down, especially while working on place. Toward the end of our session, he broke position once more and appeared ready to flee. To address this behavior and reinforce consistency, I remained patient and methodical — resetting him back into the correct position each time he broke from it. Through repetition and clear guidance, I was able to help Link work through the challenge, and he showed improvement in his ability to hold position and follow through on his commands.

Throughout my engagement with Link, I have been focusing on his greeting manners, which initially presented an overly enthusiastic response to visitors. Link’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 Link to maintain a relaxed state when encountering new people. This was achieved through consistent practice and positive reinforcement, where I guided him to sit or down calmly as a preferred greeting behavior. Each time Link exhibited his previous jumpy behavior, I would gently reset him back into position, emphasizing the importance of patience and composure. This repetitive exercise not only helped Link understand the desired behavior, but also allowed him to develop a sense of self control during interactions. Over the course of his program, Link 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, Link is now successfully executing his greeting manners, providing a more pleasant and controlled interaction for both himself and those he meets.

Link has completed his Two Week Board and Train Program, and he is now ready to return home. Over the past two weeks, it has been an absolute privilege to serve as Link’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, Link demonstrated progress and enthusiasm. His 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 his 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. Link’s playful spirit and affectionate nature brought joy to each day, making it evident why he holds such a special place in your heart. As he prepares to return home, I want to highlight that he will be greatly missed. His unique personality and zest for life have left a lasting impression on me. I am excited for Link to reunite with you and to see how he integrates the skills he has learned during our time together into his daily life. Thank you once again for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of Link’s journey. It has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to hearing about his continued growth and happiness in your home. Thank you Link!

Link | Mixed Breed | Lakewood, CA | In-Training

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