Luella | Doberman | Santa Monica, CA | In-Training
- Jose Ayala
- Mar 25
- 20 min read
Updated: Apr 12
Meet Luella! She is an eight month old Doberman who has joined for our Two Week Board and Train Program as well as an additional five days of boarding. Luella is here for basic obedience, jumping to greet, leash pulling, counter surfing, and lunging at people and other dogs for playful interaction. Luella is a friendly pup who becomes easily distracted, causing her to not listen when dogs and other people are around. Over the next fourteen days, she will be working on her behavior and be set up for success with the hopes of becoming a well mannered pup. Check in to see her progress!
Luella 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 Luella’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Luella exhibiting behavior where she would frequently pull ahead of me wanting attention from other people. To address this, I introduced her to the heel command, which requires her to walk beside me on my left side. This command is crucial for ensuring that she 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 Luella pulled away from my side. This method involved making a U-turn and guiding her back towards my left with appropriate leash tension. This approach not only helps Luella understand the desired position, but also teaches her the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Luella is still mastering this skill, I am committed to incorporating the heel command into every walk moving forward to solidify her understanding and compliance. She did really well in her crate on the ride home, and is adjusting to her new environment for the next two weeks.
Luella and I worked on her recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Luella approach my right side, navigate behind me, and then settle down on my left. To enhance her understanding of this sequence, I utilized leash tension as a guiding tool, which helped her grasp the desired behavior. Luella understood the task and adapted to the instructions, but still had some trouble as she would not sit when she came to my left, or she would sit sideways behind me. To work her through it I utilized slight leash tension by pulling up, and slightly pressing on her lower back to guide her into the sit position. Once Luella began showing consistency in executing the command, I introduced verbal cues, specifically “come,” and "sit," alongside leash tension to further reinforce her behavior. She still needs more practice but the training session went well, as she is learning to respond, indicating her understanding of the cues being presented. To keep her from sitting behind me, I used my back leg to slide her into the desired position, and after a few reps, I was able to have her follow through. She did very well sleeping through the night in her crate, and she is eating all of her breakfast and dinner during meal time.
Luella 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 Luella 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 Luella 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 she 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 Luella to the designated spot we practiced on which was my place box. As I approached the box with her, I applied gentle tension on the leash to encourage her to move forward. When Luella stepped onto it, I immediately released the tension on the leash, signaling that she has made the correct choice. Timing here is crucial, so the moment she made contact with the box, she was immediately rewarded with treats, praise and affection. Using a cheerful tone of voice, petting, and verbal affirmations like "good girl," helps reinforce this positive behavior. Once Luella began to understand the association between the leash pressure and the verbal place, I gradually increased the duration she remained there and rewarded her with her treats. Consistency is key in this training process, so with regular practice sessions at a park or in the home, combined with patience and positive reinforcement, it will help Luella understand the command fully. Over time, I will introduce distractions gradually while she maintains the place command, ensuring that she learns to remain in position regardless of environmental changes.
Transitioning from treat based rewards to verbal praise and affection during training is a highly beneficial strategy that fosters a deeper bond between the dog and its owner while promoting long term behavioral consistency. While treats can be incredibly effective for initially teaching new commands or behaviors, relying solely on them can lead to several challenges, including dependence on food rewards and a decreased response to cues when treats are not available. By gradually fading out treats, we can help dogs understand that positive behaviors are not solely linked to food but rather to the enjoyment of interaction, affection, and praise. One significant benefit of this transition is that it encourages the development of intrinsic motivation in dogs. When Luella learns to associate her good behavior with praise and affection, she can start to perform tasks and obey commands for the sake of pleasing us as owners, rather than for a food reward. This shift helps reinforce a deep connection based on trust and mutual respect, allowing for a more engaged and attentive canine partner. Additionally, verbal praise and physical affection can come in forms that are more readily available and contextually appropriate, allowing for training opportunities to occur in various environments without the need to carry treats. Moreover, the social nature of dogs makes them particularly responsive to praise and affection. Dogs are instinctively attuned to human emotions and social cues, thus, verbal communication and loving gestures can be incredibly motivating for them. This form of reinforcement not only strengthens the bond between Luella and yourself, but also enhances her overall responsiveness to commands. As training progresses and treats are reduced, the verbal praise and affection serve as a powerful signal that she has successfully completed the desired action, further solidifying her understanding of the behavior. Another vital aspect of this approach is the increased durability of learned behaviors. Training that relies heavily on treat rewards may lead to behaviors that are context specific and conditionally dependent on the presence of treats. In contrast, behaviors reinforced through praise and affection often prove to be more resilient over time, making Luella less likely to diminish once training concludes or when rewards are removed. This sustainability is particularly beneficial in ensuring that she maintains her trained behaviors throughout her life, even in situations where food rewards are not feasible.
Luella 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 Luella, which we established at home. This environment allowed her to feel safe and secure, facilitating her learning process. My approach involved the application of gentle leash tension, a technique that effectively guided Luella towards the desired position without causing stress or anxiety. Throughout our session, I closely observed her body language and responses, allowing me to tailor my methods to her unique needs. Whenever Luella made even the slightest effort to lower herself, I promptly released the tension on the leash and rewarded her with verbal praise and encouragement. This positive reinforcement strategy not only motivated Luella, but also helped her associate the down command with a rewarding experience. By working at her pace, I aimed to build her confidence and ensure that the session was enjoyable. A positive learning atmosphere encourages Luella to continue engaging with her training, and it also strengthens her willingness to follow through with the behavior.
Training a dog involves a nuanced understanding of their learning processes and the environment in which they are conditioned. One pivotal aspect of effective dog training is the implementation of a structured approach to distractions during the learning phases. Working a dog around minimal distractions initially plays a critical role in fostering a stable foundation for their training. This process is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, beginning training in a distraction free environment allows Luella to focus entirely on our commands and cues. Dogs, particularly those that are still in the early stages of training or are easily distracted, can struggle to process multiple stimuli simultaneously. By minimizing external distractions, we as trainers can ensure that Luella learns to associate specific commands with consistent responses. This clarity is paramount because it lays the groundwork for future learning; when a dog comprehensively understands basic commands without competing stimuli, they are more likely to perform consistently as training progresses. Moreover, initiating training in a distraction-free zone builds confidence in Luella. Learning is inherently tied to her ability to succeed in her tasks. A calm environment cultivates positive reinforcement as she is more likely to respond correctly to commands, reinforcing good behavior and boosting her self-esteem. This confidence is crucial; as she begins to master commands in a controlled environment, she becomes more resilient and adaptable to incrementally challenging situations. Once a solid foundation is established through training in minimal distraction settings, gradually introducing greater distractions can be incredibly beneficial. This step-by-step approach mirrors real world scenarios that she will encounter outside of training environments. It allows her to learn how to maintain her focus and composure, developing her ability to engage in tasks despite external stimuli. Such exposure must be managed carefully; if distractions are introduced too quickly or in overwhelming amounts, Luella may become frustrated or confused, leading to setbacks in her training progress.
Luella 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 Luella’s confidence in her 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 Luella with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding her duration while I increased the distance between us. Luella responded positively to this initial framework, demonstrating proficiency in her down, which underscored her ability to understand and execute commands in a controlled environment. However, as is often the case in training, some challenges arose, particularly with Luella’s sit. 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 her learning pace. This modification proved effective, as Luella is showing improvement in her responsiveness to her sit.
Luella and I have been working on a longer recall. Just like her stationary positions, Luella 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 Luella. As she learns to respond to the recall at varying distances, she becomes more confident in her 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 Luella’s focus and impulse control. As I gradually increase the distance, Luella 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 Luella a more well behaved companion in various situations. On another note, I have increased Luella’s meal intake by adding half a cup to her breakfast and dinner, and I continue to give her snacks throughout the day.
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 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 Luella’s training regimen is the positive impact it has on her motivation and enthusiasm. Dogs are naturally playful creatures, and incorporating enjoyable activities into training sessions can make learning more appealing. This approach encourages Luella to be more engaged and responsive, allowing her 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 Luella’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 pup during training sessions. This can lead to improved concentration and a more conducive learning environment.
Luella 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 Luella, we moved our session to a local park with minimal 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 Luella to get accustomed to the sensation of a leash dragging can help diminish any anxiety or resistance she 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, Luella 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 she feels secure and willing to engage with me more. Moreover, it provides an opportunity for me to observe and understand Luella’s natural behaviors and tendencies. It allows her to explore her surroundings while still being connected to me, offering a chance to see how she reacts to various stimuli in her environment. This observational period is invaluable, as it reveals Luella’s comfort levels, distractions, and potential areas for improvement in her training. In addition to fostering understanding, the use of a dragging leash enhances the development of recall commands and other essential obedience skills. With Luella learning to respond to commands while the leash is dragging, she is more likely to carry those skills over when she is off leash due to her becoming conditioned to respond to cues without the immediate physical guidance of the leash. The gradual transition helps ensure that Luella understands expectations, leading to a more reliable and obedient pup.
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 Luella 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, she is learning far more than just the place command. This approach challenges her proprioception, which is her ability to understand body positioning and movement in space. As Luella learns to stabilize herself on various surfaces, her balance, coordination, and overall body awareness improve. These physical challenges engage her 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 Luella’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 Luella build resilience and flexibility. This environmental confidence carries over into real-world scenarios, making her 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 Luella’s attention and effort to maintain position, making her more likely to stay mentally engaged and tuned in to my cues. This is especially valuable for high-energy or easily distracted dogs like Luella, as the physical challenge of remaining still on an awkward surface helps channel her energy into concentration rather than distraction.
Training your pup around other dogs from a distance offers a wealth of benefits, both for your pup’s behavioral development and for your own success as a handler. This method provides a controlled environment that allows Luella to gradually acclimate to the presence of other dogs without becoming overwhelmed or reactive. By maintaining distance, I create a buffer zone that helps reduce stress and prevents her from going over her threshold—a point at which she can no longer focus, learn, or remain calm. This is particularly critical for dogs who are excitable, anxious, fearful, or reactive, as close proximity to unfamiliar dogs can quickly escalate to barking, lunging, or other undesirable behaviors. Distance based training enables Luella to observe and process other dogs in a calmer, more neutral state of mind. It creates a foundation for desensitization and counterconditioning, helping to shift her emotional response from one of arousal or anxiety to one of calmness and neutrality. Over time, this approach fosters better impulse control, improved focus on us as handlers, and greater resilience in distracting environments. Dogs learn more effectively when they feel safe, and distance provides the psychological safety they need to absorb training, retain information, and make better choices. Working at a distance allows for consistency and repetition without triggering negative behaviors. It gives me the opportunity to reward calm, attentive behavior in real-time and to gradually decrease the distance as she becomes more confident and responsive. This step-by-step process builds a stronger communication channel between us, leading to enhanced trust, engagement, and obedience even in the presence of other dogs.
Ensuring that your pup consistently follows through with commands, especially in the presence of people and other dogs, is essential for both her safety and the well-being of those around her. In a world filled with unpredictable distractions, a well-trained dog who reliably responds to cues demonstrates not only obedience but also emotional control and social awareness. This level of training helps foster a sense of security and trust between Luella and I, as well as with the public. It allows us as handlers to maintain control in high-stimulation environments, preventing potentially dangerous or embarrassing situations such as jumping on strangers or reacting to other animals. Beyond safety, consistent command response in distracting environments reflects a deep level of communication and trust. It reinforces the idea that the our voice and direction remain a constant source of guidance, even when she is tempted or overwhelmed by external stimuli. This is especially important in public spaces such as parks, trails, outdoor cafés, or even neighborhood sidewalks, where unexpected interactions are inevitable. A dog that ignores distractions and listens to its owner creates a calm, predictable presence, reducing the risk of conflict or confusion with others. From a behavioral standpoint, following through with commands under distraction helps prevent the reinforcement of bad habits. Dogs are contextual learners; if they are only expected to listen in quiet, controlled environments, they may struggle or fail completely in real-world situations. Consistent reinforcement of obedience, even when distractions are present, helps solidify Luella’s training and ensures that her behavior is dependable across settings. This type of conditioning builds mental resilience in her, encouraging focus, impulse control, and a stronger bond with you.
In our recent training session, Luella and I worked on off-leash exercises during a neighborhood walk. This activity was designed to enhance her focus and obedience in a more stimulating environment. Throughout the walk, Luella demonstrated progress and an understanding of the commands. Although she exhibited a natural curiosity, occasionally trying to veer off to explore her surroundings and smell the grass, I employed effective techniques to keep her on track. By utilizing a firm yet encouraging verbal cue of “heel,” I was able to redirect her attention and maintain her focus on our walking path. Additionally, the strategic use of her e-collar proved beneficial in reinforcing the command without creating a negative experience for her. Luella’s performance during our session highlighted her ability to navigate distractions while still responding positively to guidance. Her willingness to engage with the training underscores her potential for further development in off-leash skills. This experience fosters her confidence, laying the groundwork for more advanced sessions with more distractions. Continuous practice will further enhance Luella’s obedience and responsiveness, ensuring that she can enjoy her off-leash experiences while adhering to necessary commands.
Reconditioning commands when a dog challenges you and refuses to follow through is a critical component of effective training, long-term behavioral stability, and a healthy human-canine relationship. When a dog chooses not to comply with a command, it’s not just a moment of disobedience—it can signal a test of boundaries, or an attempt to assert dominance. In any of these cases, failing to recondition the command allows the undesired behavior to solidify, making future training more difficult and undermining your role as a confident and consistent leader. Reconditioning is essentially a form of reinforcement reminding your pup of the expected behavior and reinforcing the association between the command and the correct action. Without this step, Luella may begin to assume that commands are optional, which can quickly erode obedience across the board. Dogs thrive on clarity and structure; they look to us for guidance. When that structure is weakened by inconsistency or by allowing a command to be ignored without correction, she can become confused, anxious, or opportunistic in her behavior. Additionally, the moments when Luella resists a command are often the most crucial times to reinforce it. These situations test not only her understanding, but also your leadership. Dogs are instinctively hierarchical animals, and their respect for you as her handler is built through fair but firm communication. If she is allowed to challenge a command without consequence or redirection, it can create behavioral patterns that are difficult to reverse—such as selective hearing, pushy behavior, or even aggression. Consistent reconditioning ensures that commands remain strong under distraction or stress. A dog that listens only when it wants to is a liability in real-world situations, whether that’s crossing a street, meeting another dog, or interacting with people. By reconditioning commands in moments of resistance, we are helping Luella learn that compliance is not circumstantial—it’s expected every time. This builds reliability, which is vital for both safety and peace of mind.
Treat training is a widely used positive reinforcement method in dog training that leverages food rewards to encourage desirable behaviors. When applied to off-leash training, treat training can be an effective and rewarding strategy for both the dog and the handler. However, like any training method, it comes with its own set of advantages and challenges that need to be carefully considered depending on the dog’s temperament, training goals, and environmental context. One of the most significant advantages of treat training in off-leash scenarios is its ability to build a strong, trust-based relationship between the dog and the handler. Dogs are more likely to respond positively when training is associated with something pleasurable, such as food. This approach encourages voluntary cooperation rather than compliance based on fear or force. In off-leash environments, where distractions are abundant and control is more difficult, the dog’s willingness to return or obey commands relies heavily on a strong foundation of trust and motivation—areas where treat training excels. Additionally, treat training helps to reinforce the recall command, which is arguably the most critical aspect of off-leash training. Consistently rewarding a dog for coming when called increases the likelihood that the behavior will be repeated, even in high-distraction environments like parks or hiking trails. The method can also be easily tailored to suit different learning styles, and treats can be phased out gradually to maintain long-term obedience without over-reliance on food. However, treat training for off-leash work is not without its limitations. A key concern is the risk of food dependency. If not transitioned properly, some dogs may only obey commands when they see or smell a treat, making the behavior conditional rather than reliable. This is particularly problematic in off-leash situations where immediate and unconditional obedience can be a matter of safety. Furthermore, environmental distractions may overpower the lure of treats, especially in dogs with high prey drive or in unfamiliar settings. In such cases, food rewards may lose their effectiveness, highlighting the need for a more diversified reinforcement strategy. In summary, treat training is a powerful and humane tool for off-leash dog training when applied thoughtfully and with consistency. Its benefits include increased motivation and strengthened recall. However, successful implementation requires careful management to avoid overdependence on food, ensure consistent timing, and balance rewards with other forms of reinforcement.
Remaining consistent with training when working with your pup off-leash is of critical importance for both the safety of your pup and the people or animals around her. Off-leash environments offer Luella more freedom, but that freedom comes with increased responsibility for us as handlers. Without a physical tether, control is maintained entirely through verbal commands, body language, and mutual trust. This dynamic requires a high level of discipline, responsiveness, and reliability—qualities that can only be built and sustained through consistent training. Consistency in training reinforces expectations and boundaries, helping Luella understand that commands carry the same meaning and consequence regardless of the setting or distractions present. Dogs, like humans, learn through repetition and reinforcement. If the rules fluctuate or if commands are only sometimes enforced, Luella becomes confused or begins to ignore them altogether. This inconsistency erodes her trust in the training process and in our leadership, making off-leash interactions unpredictable and potentially dangerous. When a dog is consistently trained, it builds muscle memory and behavioral patterns that allow it to respond quickly and appropriately, even under stress or when faced with distractions such as other animals, vehicles, or unfamiliar people. In off-leash situations, a dog may encounter unexpected triggers, and without consistent exposure to training that teaches calm and controlled responses, the likelihood of reactive or impulsive behavior increases. A consistently trained pup is far more likely to maintain composure and adhere to commands even when tempted or startled, which is essential for preventing accidents or confrontations. It also communicates clear expectations and establishes a reliable communication channel, which in turn builds trust. This trust becomes the backbone of successful off-leash work, where I rely entirely on Luella’s willingness to obey without physical guidance. Consistency also plays a crucial role in her mental well-being. Dogs thrive on structure and routine. A clear, predictable framework of rules and behaviors helps reduce anxiety and boosts confidence. A dog that knows what is expected, and receives regular, structured guidance is better equipped to navigate the complex environments that often accompany off-leash situations—such as parks, trails, or public spaces—without becoming overwhelmed or acting out. In short, consistency in training is not merely a best practice—it is the foundation for successful, safe, and rewarding off-leash experiences. It ensures that Luella remains responsive, trustworthy, and confident, while reinforcing my control and leadership. Without it, off-leash work can quickly become unpredictable and dangerous, undermining the progress made in training and putting both Luella and others at risk.
In the course of Luella’s training program, I have been dedicated to enhancing her greeting manners, a crucial aspect of her socialization and overall behavior. Initially, Luella exhibited a common challenge among dogs by jumping up on individuals who approached her for a greeting. This behavior, while often well intentioned, can be perceived as overwhelming and inappropriate in various social contexts. To address this, I implemented a structured training approach aimed at teaching Luella more acceptable greeting behaviors. The focus of our sessions has been on reinforcing the concept of maintaining a sit or down position prior to receiving affection or attention from others. This foundational training not only promotes better manners, but also fosters a sense of calm and control in Luella during interactions. Throughout the training process, Luella demonstrated some initial difficulties in maintaining her sit or down position, occasionally breaking them when excited. However, with consistent and positive encouragement, she has begun to grasp the concept effectively. Over time, the frequency of her breaking the commands has decreased, indicating her growing understanding and compliance. This progress highlights Luella’s capacity for learning and adaptation. As she continues to refine her greeting manners, we can expect to see marked improvements in her interactions with people, enhancing her social skills and making her a more well mannered companion.
Luella has completed her Two Week Board and Train Program plus five boarding days, and is now ready to return home. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust you placed in me to care for and train Luella during this time. Throughout the program, Luella was a great companion. Our time together fostered a bond, and I enjoyed the process of training her. As Luella prepares to transition back to your home environment, I am eager to share the skills and behaviors she has developed during her program. With your continued support and guidance, she will continue to be set up for success. I look forward to demonstrating her progress and discussing how you can reinforce the training at home. Thank you once again for the opportunity to work with her. It has been a pleasure, and I am excited for the journey ahead for both you and her! Thank you Luella!
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