Lou | English Bulldog | Los Angeles, CA | In-Training
- Jose Ayala
- Apr 27
- 14 min read
Updated: May 10
Meet Lou! He is an eighteen month old English Bulldog who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. Lou is here for basic obedience, jumping to greet, door manners, and reactivity towards other dogs. The goal for Lou is to respond on command, not jump on couches, and work on his reactivity towards other pups. 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!
Lou 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 Lou’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou understand the desired position, but also teaches him the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Lou 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.
Lou and I concentrated on his recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Lou 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, which effectively helped him grasp the desired behavior. Lou demonstrated a good comprehension of the task and quickly adapted to the instructions, showing his ability to follow through with the exercise. As Lou gained consistency in executing the command, I introduced verbal cues, specifically “come,” and "sit," alongside gentle leash tension to further reinforce his behavior. The training session was notably successful, as he responded to leash pressure indicating his comfort and understanding of the cues being presented. In addition to the recall exercise, we have been working on improving his 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 his training progress. Moreover, I am pleased to report that Lou did very well during his first night here, sleeping soundly in his crate. This transition illustrates his adaptability and readiness to embrace the training and routines we have established for the next two weeks. Overall, Lou’s progress in both recall and heel commands, combined with his adjustment to his new surroundings, bodes well for his continued development and success in training. In addition to Lou’s pupdate, I have also attached another video explaining the e-collar so that you may become familiarized with, as he will be coming home with one.
Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou 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.
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 when he may not be following through with a command, rather than allowing him to 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 Lou is given a command, such as come or sit, and chooses not to follow through, resetting him 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 release him, rather than allowing Lou 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 Lou back to his position strengthens his understanding of accountability and enhances his mental discipline. It encourages Lou 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, Lou may perceive his own choices as equally valid to our commands, which can erode obedience over time and create frustration for both Lou and ourselves. By calmly and consistently guiding him back into position, I teach persistence, patience, and respect for the training process. Ultimately, resetting Lou 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.
Lou 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 Lou, 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 Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou, 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 Lou to continue engaging with his training, and it also strengthens his willingness to follow through with the behavior.
Pack walks offer numerous behavioral, psychological, and social benefits that significantly contribute to a dog’s development and long-term success in obedience and socialization. When a dog participates in structured walks alongside other dogs, it is presented with a controlled environment where it can observe, learn, and adapt through social modeling. Dogs are highly social animals, and they often mirror the behavior of those around them. When in the presence of calm, focused dogs, an excitable or anxious dog can begin to mimic that composed energy, gradually learning to manage its own impulses. This observational learning is a powerful and natural method of reinforcing desired behaviors without the need for constant correction or command. Pack walks also reinforce the idea of coexistence and non-reactivity. By walking near other dogs without the expectation or opportunity to engage in play or conflict, Lou becomes desensitized to the presence of its peers. This helps curb leash reactivity, fear-based aggression, or overexcitement that can arise when he is confronted with other animals in less structured settings. Instead of seeing other dogs as threats or distractions, Lou learns to see them as neutral companions in a shared experience. Furthermore, pack walks provide an ideal environment to strengthen the dog’s bond with its handler. In a pack setting, we take a leadership role, guiding Lou with calm assertiveness and consistency. This dynamic reinforces trust and respect, two pillars of a successful training relationship. Lou learns to focus on us as handlers even amidst distractions, which enhances recall, leash manners, and overall responsiveness to commands.
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 Lou 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 Lou 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 Lou’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 Lou 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 Lou’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 Lou, as the physical challenge of remaining still on an awkward surface helps channel his energy into concentration rather than distraction.
Lou 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 Lou’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 Lou with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding his duration while I increased the distance between us. He responded positively to this initial framework 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 his down. Recognizing the need to give his down some reconditioning, I reset him and worked on a few repetitions to have Lou follow through. This modification proved effective, as he is showing improvement in his responsiveness to his down.
In my recent training session with Lou, I focused on leash dragging exercises at a local park. During the initial phase of our work, it became evident that Lou was struggling to respond to his come to sit consistently when called. Recognizing this, I implemented a strategy to reset his focus and enhance his understanding of the exercise. To facilitate his learning, I began by conducting multiple repetitions by using his leash for more guidance. This approach allowed me to monitor Lou’s behavior closely and reinforce positive actions while providing guidance and corrections as necessary. Consistency was key during these repetitions; I ensured that Lou received clear cues to reinforce the desired recall behavior. This transition aimed to encourage his independence while still retaining the structure we established during the initial exercises. With the leash dragging, I reiterated the recall command and encouraged him to execute the task without direct physical guidance. Through perseverance and continued practice, Lou gradually began to grasp the concept of recall. After several attempts, I noted an improvement in his ability to respond to my calls, demonstrating an understanding of the exercise. By the end of our session, he followed through with his come to sit and built a little confidence in his ability to engage and interact effectively. This experience underscored the importance of patience, incremental progress, and adaptability in training. By utilizing a structured approach and paying close attention to Lou’s behavior, we were able to achieve positive results that will serve as a foundation for his continued development in recall training.
During today’s session, Lou and I continued to focus on his leash dragging exercises, building on the foundational work from previous training. Lou is demonstrating improvement in his come to sit, responding more promptly and with increased accuracy. His engagement level appears to be growing, and he is beginning to show a clearer understanding of what is being asked during recall and sit commands. However, we encountered some difficulty with his down. Initially, Lou showed hesitation and seemed uncertain about following through, particularly without leash guidance. To address this, I implemented a series of structured repetitions using the leash to guide him into the down position. By gradually reducing the tension and allowing Lou to process the command more independently, we were able to encourage a more confident response. After a few guided attempts, we transitioned to repetitions without any leash tension, and Lou successfully completed his down. This progression indicates that while Lou may still need reinforcement and confidence-building around the down behavior, he is capable of performing it with minimal assistance when given appropriate support and encouragement. Continued practice with reduced physical prompts will help reinforce this behavior and promote long-term consistency.
Establishing good food and door manners offers a multitude of benefits, not only for Lou, but also for you and the household environment. Firstly, food and door 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 parks. 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. Door manners are also 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 Lou and the people around him. 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 Lou to wait for permission before entering or exiting, we can prevent accidents and ensure that he remains within a controlled environment. This practice not only protects Lou, 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 Lou’s behavior. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations, and training them to wait at the door or for their food teaches them patience and self control.
In the process of addressing the socialization and developmental needs of canine companions, I recently engaged in a walking session with Lou alongside my dog. This experience underscored the significant advantages of facilitating interactions between dogs in a controlled setting. Socialization is a fundamental aspect of a dog's development, and walking with another dog presents an ideal opportunity for Lou to learn essential skills related to interaction and communication with his peers. The controlled environment of a shared walk allows Lou to observe and adapt to appropriate behaviors through imitation, which is a critical component of canine learning. This not only enhances his ability to navigate social situations but also helps him to reinforce positive behaviors that can be beneficial in various contexts. Furthermore, these walks contribute to making the exercise more enjoyable and stimulating for Lou, prompting him to be more active and effectively dissipating excess energy that might otherwise manifest as anxiety or behavioral issues. The interaction with another dog serves a dual purpose; not only does it provide physical exercise, but it also plays a vital role in mental and emotional development. Engaging with peers can significantly bolster a dog's confidence and promote a more relaxed demeanor in social environments. The benefits of this shared activity extend beyond immediate enjoyment, laying the groundwork for improved social skills and a healthier emotional state.
Transitioning a dog from on-leash to off-leash freedom is an exciting prospect for many dog owners, especially after investing time and resources in professional training. However, it is crucial for owners to spend a couple of weeks working with their dogs on a leash before allowing them to roam freely. This process not only reinforces the training the dog has received but also builds a stronger bond between the owner and their pet, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for both. First and foremost, practicing on-leash commands allow us as owners to review and reinforce the behaviors learned during training. Simply having a dog trained for off-leash obedience does not guarantee that it will respond flawlessly in every scenario encountered in the real world. By continuing to work with Lou while on a leash, you can ensure consistent execution of commands such as sit, stay, and come. This repetition serves as a form of practice for him, solidifying his understanding of what is expected when off-leash. Additionally, this on-leash period creates an opportunity for you to gauge his responsiveness in various environments and situations. Dogs can be unpredictable, and exposure to new stimuli—such as other animals, people, or unfamiliar surroundings—may affect Lou’s behavior. By maintaining a leash during this acclimatization phase, you are better equipped to correct any lapses in obedience before granting him the full freedom of off-leash status. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of potential reinforcements of negative behaviors that could arise if he is allowed to run free without adequate supervision or control. Building a robust communication framework is another critical aspect of this process. When Lou is accustomed to working with you while on a leash, he becomes more attuned to your signals and responses. This ongoing interaction fosters trust and a deeper understanding of each other's cues. It is essential for dogs to learn that their owner's commands remain valid regardless of whether they are attached to a leash or roaming freely. Strengthening this line of communication can drastically improve a dog's ability to respond positively to commands when off-leash, thus enhancing overall safety. In conclusion, it is imperative for dog owners, even those who have completed off-leash training, to spend a couple of weeks practicing with their pups on a leash before permitting them to roam without restraint. This practice reinforces training, enhances communication, addresses potential behavior issues, and fosters a stronger bond between you and Lou. Taking these cautious steps ultimately sets the stage for a safe and enjoyable off-leash experience, ensuring lasting benefits for the both of you.
Lou 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 Lou’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, Lou 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. Lou’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 Lou 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 Lou’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 Lou!
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