Meet Lucky! She's a five year old Rottweiler from Los Angeles, California here for our Three-Week Board and Train Program! She's a great pup, but very strong willed. She is constantly pulling on her leash, demand barking, jumping, and barking at people out the windows. She knows some commands, but decides for herself when she wants to listen, and often has trouble sitting still for any amount of time. Over the next twenty one days, we will tighten up her obedience skills, work on her manners in and out of the house, help with her demand barking, and show her how to be best pup she can possibly be! Stay tuned for Luckys three week transformation!
Pupdate: 12/8/2024
After picking up Lucky, we headed home for a little bit to try to get her settled in. She's been quite friendly, albeit very excited to be in a new place. Lucky has been fairly responsive to her Sit command for me, although she doesn't want to hold it for more than a couple seconds. While walking, whether it's around the neighborhood or around the park, she is a very strong leash puller, and seems to want to decide where we go. When we went to the park, we managed to walk by some tennis matches, a baseball game, and some other dogs and people without Lucky showing too much interest. She seems to like me and so far I've enjoyed having her!
In addition to her pictures from the park this evening, I'm adding a video tutorial and picture of her new E-collar! Watching this will make the turnover process go more smoothly once she is ready to go home.
Pupdate: 12/9/2024
Today was one of those lively, action-packed days that reminds me why I love working with dogs like Lucky. We headed to the park to join a group of trainers and their dogs, creating a bustling environment full of energy, distractions, and opportunities for growth.
Lucky brought her usual enthusiasm to the session. While she knows several commands, her excitement often gets the best of her. So, we spent most of our time focusing on the Heel command, a crucial skill for a dog who loves to pull on the leash.
To say Lucky is a leash-puller might be an understatement! She has a powerful frame, and when her excitement peaks, it can feel like sheās training me rather than the other way around. But today, I could see moments of progress. With consistent practice, redirection, and plenty of positive reinforcement, she started to respond better, staying closer to my side and resisting the urge to charge ahead.
The parkās lively atmosphere was both a challenge and a blessing. Other trainers and their dogs offered real-world distractions, and while Lucky was eager to get her treats, it gave us plenty of chances to reinforce her focus. Every time she stayed calm and responsive, I could see her potential shining through.
By the end of the session, we both left a little more tired but a lot more in sync. Luckyās energy is a challenge, but itās also what makes her such a joy to work with. Training her is not just about teaching commandsāitās about channeling that excitement into trust, discipline, and connection.
Today was Lucky's first full day with me, and even though I can see the challenges, I'm confident we'll be able to work through them and succeed!
Yesterday, Lucky didn't eat her lunch, but I also offered it to her very soon after we arrived at home, so I think she was just a bit too excited. Today, she ate all of her food with enthusiasm!
Pupdate: 12/10/2024
Today was all about helping Lucky sharpen her skills and build on her training. We headed to Almansor Park with a plan to work on Heel, Come To Sit, and, most importantly, her ability to hold her Sit for better impulse control. Lucky is such a bright, energetic dog, and her enthusiasm makes training both rewarding and challenging.
We started with Heel, walking through the park and focusing on keeping her by my side. Lucky loves to explore and has a habit of pulling ahead, but today I saw real progress. With consistent cues and reinforcement, she stayed with me for longer stretches, even when other dogs and people walked by. Her excitement is infectious, and I could see she was trying her best.
Come To Sit was next, and Lucky really seemed to enjoy this one. Calling her to me and watching her dash over, then immediately sit, was a joy. This command asks Lucky to come to my right side, walk around my legs and sit at my left side with her ears at my knee, all in one motion. She's getting the hang of it, although her precise position still needs work, as she often wants to come all the way around to face me, rather than sit parallel to me. Itās clear she wants to please, which makes working on this command so much fun.
The Sit command, however, tested her patience and mine. Holding a Sit for longer periods of time is no small feat for a dog like Lucky. She struggled to resist the urge to preemptively come to me, but I could see small victories. She began holding her Sit for longer, even if just for a few seconds at first. When she breaks her Sit and comes preemptively, it is important to reset back to her original position. Even if she breaks, walks forward, then sits again, we want to bring her back to the start, so she knows she won't get away with slowly sneaking her way towards me.
Training Lucky is always a lesson in perseverance and celebrating the little victories. Sheās eager to learn and full of potential, and I can see her progress every time we work together. While holding her Sit remains a challenge, her improvement with Heel and Come To Sit shows me that sheās on the right track. With consistent practice, I know Lucky will get thereāitās all part of the journey!
Pupdate: 12/11/2024
Today, I took Lucky on a training expedition to Home Depot. While it might seem like an unusual choice, the store's diverse environment provided the perfect opportunity to challenge and reward Lucky's behavior.
Given Lucky's excitable nature, we focused on impulse control and calm demeanor. The aisles filled with various tools and materials presented a tempting distraction, but with consistent commands and reinforcement, she was able to maintain focus.
We practiced her basic commands near enticing items like gardening gloves and pet supplies. Every successful command was rewarded with lots of praise. She did much better than I expected at staying calm while we walked through the store.
Beyond obedience, we worked on socializing Lucky with other shoppers and store employees. While she initially showed excitement, with gentle guidance and exposure, she gradually calmed down and behaved appropriately.
The experience at Home Depot was not only a training session but also a bonding moment. It was heartwarming to see Lucky progress and overcome challenges.
Pupdate: 12/12/2024
Today, Lucky and I spent time indoors working on her door manners. For a dog as enthusiastic and full of energy as Lucky, staying calm and patient near an open door can be a real challenge. However, door manners are a crucial skill for her safety and overall behavior, so we spent some extra time today on it to help her improve.
We started with the basics: sitting and waiting before approaching the door. Lucky was excited at first, but with a bit of guidance, she quickly understood the task. As we progressed, I introduced small challenges. With the door closed, I practiced walking up to it while Lucky stayed seated. If she moved, we simply reset and tried again. When she became consistent, I opened the door slightly, rewarding her when she remained calm. Lucky picked up on this quickly, and her focus was getting impressive.
By the end of the session, she was waiting patiently with the door wide open, only crossing the threshold when I either asked her to Heel through with me, or when I gave her the release cue, āBreak!ā
Pupdate: 12/13/2024
Today, I took Lucky to the park for a new phase in her training. Weāre beginning to work on commands with the leash draggingāa step that bridges the gap between on-leash control and true off-leash reliability. Itās a great way to assess her responsiveness and behavior while still keeping safety in mind.
Our primary focus for the session was the Place command. I brought along her cot and chose different spots around the park to practice. This command has been a key part of Luckyās training, as it can act as a home base both out in the park, and back at home!
The biggest test came when a flock of very loud birds decided to make a scene nearby. It was those green parrot-looking birds. Normally, Luckyās energy and curiosity might have gotten the better of her, but she surprised me by staying in Place. While she was definitely intrigued (she kept looking over at them), she didnāt try to chase them or break her position. I made sure to reward her for this self-control, reinforcing that staying calm and focused is always the right choice.
This session reminded me just how much Lucky is maturing. The leash-dragging exercise gave her a sense of independence, and she handled it well. It also allowed me to step back and observe her responses, giving me confidence in how she might perform off-leash in the future. She has a lot of work to do, but she is progressing quite well!
Weāll continue practicing this approach, gradually increasing the level of distraction and duration of commands. Iām excited to see Lucky progress and am proud of the strides sheās already made. Sheās proving that with consistency and patience, even the most excitable dogs can master their impulse control.
Pupdate: 12/14/2024
Today, Lucky and I had a productive outing to the park! Weāre making steady progress with her training, and todayās focus was leash dragging. I swapped out her usual leash for a smaller, lighter one, to further replicate the sensation of being off leash and Lucky took to it well.
Of course, the park was bustling with activity, which gave us plenty of real-world distractions to work through. A large flock of geese wandered across the grass, honking and flapping as they went, while a lively pickup basketball game unfolded nearby. Despite these temptations, Lucky stayed composed for most of our session. She still has her moments of excitement, but today she showed a lot of promise in redirecting her focus.
Afterward, we headed home, and Lucky got to enjoy some well-earned relaxation on her place cot. Itās so satisfying to see her settled and calm after a good training session. Iām proud of the progress weāre making together and canāt wait to see how much more she can achieve.
Pupdate: 12/15/2024
Today was another great day spent with Lucky! We started the morning with a trip to Maple Park, where she did well despite a birthday party with lots of children and dogs around.
Back at home, we turned our attention to food manners. If thereās one thing Lucky loves more than anything, itās food. Her enthusiasm at mealtime can sometimes make it a challenge to get her to slow down and wait patiently. Today, I decided to really focus on teaching her better self-control when it comes to eating.
At first, she struggledāher tail wagging furiously as she tried to inch closer to her bowl. But Lucky is a smart girl, and by the end of the session, she was sitting calmly, waiting for the release word. Watching her succeed at something thatās so difficult for her was a proud moment, and I could tell she felt it too.
Every day with Lucky is an opportunity to strengthen our bond and help her grow into an even more amazing dog. Itās not always easy, but the hard work pays off, especially when she looks at me with that big Rottweiler smile, knowing sheās done a good job.
Weāll keep working on those food manners, but for now, sheās earned some well-deserved restāand maybe a belly rub or two.
Pupdate: 12/16/2024
Today was a milestone for Lucky and me. We spent the day at the park, meeting up with other trainers and their dogs. It was a great opportunity for Lucky to work on her manners around other pups, and Iām thrilled to share how far sheās come.
Weāve been focusing a lot on leash control lately, especially since Lucky gets so excited. Seeing her around other dogsācalm, focused, and responsiveāfelt like a huge win. She was curious, of course, but I could tell the practice weāve put in was paying off. She didnāt pull as much as she used to and checked in with me frequently.
The real highlight of the day came when Lucky was allowed to be off-leash for the first timeājust for a few minutes, but what a difference those moments made! I admit I was nervous at first. Luckyās energy can be contagious, and I wasnāt sure how sheād handle the freedom. But she surprised me. She stayed close, responded when I called her name, and followed her commands when asked. It wasnāt perfectāthere were a few distractions she found very interestingābut for her first real off-leash experience, I couldnāt be prouder.
As we wrapped up and headed home, Lucky seemed as proud of herself as I was of her. Days like this remind me that training isnāt just about commands or perfectionāitās about building a bond that lets your dog feel free, confident, and safe at the same time.
Pupdate; 12/17/2024
Lucky and I spent the afternoon at Almansor Park, working on and off leash!
We started with some off-leash training to build on her focus and responsiveness. Lucky has been doing well with her Heel command, but today we took it to the next level by introducing Come To Heel. This new command involves her coming to my left side and seamlessly falling into a Heel position as I continue walking. Itās not an easy concept, but Lucky quickly grasped the basics. By the end of our session, she was confidently positioning herself at my side with minimal prompting. Her enthusiasm and willingness to learn made me so proud.
We also worked on refining her Send Away To Place command. This command challenges her impulse control and focus because she needs to move to a designated spotāusually her place cotāon cue and from a distance. Lucky has been practicing this for a bit, but today I pushed her boundaries by increasing the distance and frequency. Despite the challenges, she did really well. There were a few moments when she hesitated, but with some encouragement and repetition, she nailed it. Seeing her confidently run to the cot and settle was incredibly rewarding.
Throughout our session, Luckyās energy and excitement were contagious. She thrives in an outdoor environment like Almansor Park, where she can focus on training while also enjoying the fresh air and open space.
Days like this remind me how far Lucky has come and how much potential she has. Training isnāt always perfect, but the progress we make together is what matters most. Luckyās determination, combined with her natural intelligence, makes every moment of training worth it. Iām excited to keep building on these skills and watching her grow into an even more confident and well-behaved dog.
Pupdate: 12/18/2024
Today was one of those training days that made me so proud of Lucky. We headed to the park for a training session, but this time we had companyāRemy, a small dog who's new to my home and still settling in. While I wasn't sure how Lucky would react to working alongside a new dog, she exceeded all my expectations.
The focus of the session was a "double heel," walking both Lucky and Remy side-by-side. At first, I was prepared for a bit of chaos. Lucky can be very excitable, and Remy is still learning how to behave calmly around other dogs. But to my surprise, Lucky adjusted quickly to the new dynamic. She stayed focused, matched her pace to Remyās, and maintained excellent leash manners.
We also worked on polite interactions during playtime. Remy is a bit smaller and not as robust as Lucky, but she was incredibly gentle with him. They took turns playing with me, and Lucky seemed to instinctively know when to dial back her energy and lay down and wait. It was such a joy to see her being so considerate and calm, even in a stimulating environment.
The real test came when we moved to the busier parts of the park. With other dogs, strollers, and joggers passing by, both Lucky and Remy stayed composed. There was a meeting of small dogs, which you can see in the far background of one of the pictures. Those dogs are crazy and have chased me before, so I steer clear of them, but we got close enough for both dogs to see them. Lucky didnāt pull or lunge once, and her polite behavior set a great example for Remy.
Watching them together, I couldnāt help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Training is a journey, and seeing Lucky thrive in situations that would have been challenging a few months ago reminds me of how far sheās come. Iām also excited for Remyās potentialāworking alongside Lucky will undoubtedly help him build confidence and learn faster.
Today was a win for both of them. Seeing their teamwork grow makes me excited for more adventures and training sessions together. Itās moments like these that remind me why I love working with the dogs.
Pupdate: 12/19/2024
Today, Lucky and I headed to the park to work on her long-distance recall skills. With her natural energy and excitement, I knew this would be a fun challenge for both of us.
We started by finding an open space with minimal distractions, perfect for practicing. I began with shorter distances, reinforcing the recall when she came running back to me. Luckyās enthusiasm was evidentāshe would bolt toward me at full speed. However, she had a habit of overshooting me, zooming right past instead of stopping in the proper Heel position. Lucky is a fast learner, but her excitement often gets the better of her. With patience and repetition, she started to grasp the idea of slowing down as she approached.
By the end of our session, Lucky was nailing her recalls more often than not, and I couldnāt have been prouder. Watching her improve in real time reminded me why I love training sessions with herātheyāre as much about strengthening our bond as they are about teaching skills.
Weāll continue to refine her recall, but today was a big step forward. Lucky is always up for a challenge, and I canāt wait to see her master this completely. For now, sheās curled up at home, dreaming of her next adventure.
Pupdate: 12/20/2024
Today, Lucky and I ventured to the Santa Anita Mall for a training and bonding session. We focused on reinforcing her focus in a high-distraction environment, and overall, she did great!
We mostly explored the outdoor sections of the mall, which provided plenty of opportunities for her to practice staying calm around people, sounds, and other stimuli. The highlight for Lucky was definitely the fountain area. She was absolutely captivated by the fish and turtles swimming around. Her eyes lit up with curiosity, and I could tell she wanted to get a closer look.
Despite the excitement, Lucky did a fantastic job staying focused on me. She heeled nicely for most of our walk and responded well to commands. A few distractions caught her attentionāunderstandable given the bustling atmosphereābut she quickly refocused when I called her name.
These little outings are such a valuable part of her training. They help her learn to navigate the world while staying connected with me, and they give us both a chance to enjoy some fresh air and new experiences. Lucky handled the day beautifully, and I couldnāt be prouder of her progress.
Pupdate: 12/21/2024
Today, Lucky and I made some great strides in her training. We had a fun outing to the park, where she showed just how much sheās been improving. Despite the tempting distractionsābirds, squirrels, and other park-goersāLucky stayed focused and engaged with me. Itās always rewarding to see her hard work paying off in such a busy environment.
Back at home, we tackled a different kind of challenge: greeting manners. To help Lucky practice calm greetings, I asked my girlfriend to come over. Lucky was on her place cot, and the goal was for her to remain calm while my girlfriend entered and greeted her. I was so proud of Luckyāshe stayed on the cot and didnāt get overly excited! Her ability to control her impulses in these situations has come a long way.
These small wins remind me of why consistency and patience are so important in training. Lucky is not only learning; sheās thriving, and Iām excited to see her grow even more.
Pupdate: 12/22/2024
Today was a more relaxing day with Lucky. After a few exciting outings recently, I decided to take her to a quieter park for a more peaceful experience. The setting was perfectājust a few families enjoying the day, with kids running around here and there, but overall, the environment was calm and serene.
Lucky seemed to appreciate the change of pace. With fewer distractions, she was able to fully enjoy her surroundings without feeling overwhelmed. She walked beautifully at my side, her manners impeccable. Even with the occasional bursts of energy from kids playing nearby, she stayed composed and focused, showing off her growing maturity.
It was such a pleasant dayāblue skies, a gentle breeze, and plenty of time to simply enjoy being outdoors together. Lucky took it all in stride, proving once again what a wonderful companion she is. I'm so proud of how far sheās come in her training and behavior.
These quieter moments remind me just how rewarding it is to have a well-mannered, happy dog by my side. Looking forward to more relaxing adventures like this one with Lucky!
Pupdate: 12/23/2024
Today, I took Lucky to the park to work on her Under command, and she did an amazing job! This command teaches her to lay quietly under a table or chair, which is incredibly useful for outings to outdoor cafƩs or restaurants. We used the picnic tables at the park as our training ground, and despite the lively atmosphere with dogs, kids, and all sorts of distractions, Lucky stayed focused and eager to learn.
To teach the command, I started by luring her under the table with a treat and encouraging her to lay down. Once she was settled, I rewarded her with praise. After a few tries, I introduced the verbal cue āUnderā and gradually increased the duration she stayed in position. Lucky caught on quickly and even started crawling under the table on her own when she heard the command.
By the end of the session, she was calmly laying under the table like a seasoned pro. This level of composure is a big step forward, and Iām so proud of how well she handled herself. Training sessions like these not only teach practical skills but also strengthen the bond we share.
Pupdate: 12/24/2024
This morning, Lucky and I headed to the park to work on her commands. There were plenty of distractions, including families enjoying picnics and other dogs around, but Lucky stayed focused and did really well. It was great to see her composure in a busy environment!
Later, we did our usual walks at home, joined by Freddie. Freddie is super friendly and playful, but Lucky kept her cool and stayed gentle with him. While she didnāt seem particularly interested in playing, she was calm and composed the entire time. On our walks, she set an excellent example for Freddie, who is still learning his Heel command. Luckyās steady and polite demeanor was a big help for Freddieās training progress today!
Another great day for Luckyāsheās really stepping up as a role model!
Pupdate: 12/25/2024
Today was all about continuing to build trust and understanding between Lucky and Freddie. As Freddie settles into his new environment, Iāve been focusing on helping both dogs feel comfortable with each other, while also maintaining the structure and training they need.
We started the day with some time together in the house, reinforcing calm behavior. Lucky has been excellent about tolerating Freddieās presence. While she doesnāt seem particularly interested in playing with him yet, sheās handling the new dynamic with grace. Itās clear she values her personal space, but sheās not reactive or aggressiveājust calmly indifferent. When Freddie is away, her more playful side comes out.
Later, we leashed up and headed out for a walk around the neighborhood. Lucky stayed in her usual groove, walking politely by my side, while Freddie worked on his Heel. Heās still learning, but with Lucky as an example, heās picking up on whatās expected. Itās great to see how Freddieās curiosity and energy balance against Luckyās calm demeanorātheyāre almost like yin and yang.
From the neighborhood, we made our way to the park. The fresh air and open space gave both dogs a chance to relax and stretch their legs. Freddie was eager to explore, while Lucky kept her composed pace, occasionally glancing at him as if to say, āI see you, but donāt get any ideas.ā
Though Lucky hasnāt warmed up to playing with Freddie just yet, Iām not rushing the process. These things take time, and her tolerance is already a big win. For now, Iām focusing on creating positive, stress-free interactions between them.
As the day wrapped up, I couldnāt help but feel proud of both dogs. Lucky continues to show her maturity and calm nature, and Freddie is proving to be a quick learner with a lot of potential. With consistency and patience, Iām confident these two will find their rhythm.
Building bonds takes time, but today was another step forward. And Happy holidays from Lucky!
Pupdate: 12/26/2024
Lucky had a great day at the park today! We dedicated time to reinforcing her commands both on and off leash. Sheās getting better at maintaining focus, even when there are distractions around. Her responsiveness has been impressive, and Iām seeing real progress in her confidence and ability to follow through in various environments.
The big focus for this outing, however, was her interactions with Freddie. Lucky has been a little hesitant around him, so Iāve been gradually introducing them in different settings. At the park, they had more opportunities to interact while still working on their individual training. Lucky started to show signs of curiosity and comfort around Freddie, which was wonderful to see.
It feels like sheās starting to like him, and their bond is slowly developing. Seeing this progress is really exciting, and Iām hopeful theyāll grow to be great companions for one another. For now, Iām thrilled with how well Lucky is balancing her training and her growing social skills!
Pupdate: 12/27/2024
Lucky had a great training session at the park today, accompanied by Freddie. We concentrated on her Send Away To Place command, using benches and other objects as targets. This command requires a lot of focus and precision, and while it's one of the tougher ones, Lucky is showing steady improvement. Sheās learning to respond promptly to the cue and navigate to the designated object, which is impressive given the distractions at the park.
After the park, we continued working on the Send Away To Place command at home. Practicing indoors allows for more control and reinforces her understanding of the skill in a familiar setting. My goal is for Lucky to reliably go to Place from anywhere in the house when asked. This command is incredibly valuable for managing her excitement and helping her settle when needed. Lucky is making good progress, and Iām excited to see how much further she can go!
Pupdate: 12/28/2024
Lucky and I went to Santa Anita Mall today for some off-leash training, and I couldnāt be prouder of how well she handled herself. The mall was lively and full of distractions, from bustling shoppers to families with kids darting around. Despite all the commotion, Lucky stayed calm and focused, which is a testament to how far sheās come in her training.
At one point, a group of children ran past us playing tag, and Lucky stayed right by my side without reacting. This was a significant moment, as situations like these can be highly stimulating for dogs. Her ability to tune out the chaos and stay engaged with me shows her growing confidence and trust in what Iām asking of her.
Training in environments like the mall is challenging but rewarding. Luckyās off-leash work is really coming together, and todayās outing was a perfect example of that progress. Itās always exciting to see her excel in real-world scenarios!
Comments