Meet Milo! He is a one year old Australian Shepherd who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. Milo is here for basic obedience, leash pulling, and jumping to greet. During walks, Milo often gets overstimulated and pulls excessively on his leash, which make walks difficult. He also tries to run after other dogs or passing cars, frequently jumps on guests in the home, and tends to bolt out of doors including the car. The goal for Milo is to have better leash manners, as well as threshold manners. Over the next fourteen days, Milo will be working on his behavior and be given the structure that is needed, to have him become the best pup that he can be. Check in to see his progress!
Milo and I spent the evening establisbing a bond through a walk in the park. During our outing, Milo exhibited excitement, pulling on the leash and attempting to engage with passersby. To address this behavior, I introduced the concept of heel, which will consist of having him walk alongside me on my left side. I guided him back to my side whenever he pulled away by turning and walking in the opposite direction, applying tension to the leash. We encountered another dog during our session, but I successfully maintained Milo's position at my side despite his distraction. While he is beginning to grasp the heel command, further practice is necessary, and I plan to apply heel on all of his walks from here on out. Additionally, Milo did not want to eat his dinner, so I will place it in his kennel for him to access throughout the night.
Milo and I worked on his recall which is known as come to sit. Come to sit involves a specific sequence where Milo approaches my right side, maneuvers behind me, and sits on my left. This method not only strengthens his recall abilities, but it also positions him to proceed on a walk once he is seated at my left. To teach Milo, I used leash tension as a guiding tool. Initially, I encouraged Milo to come towards my right side, and once he successfully reached that position, I took a step forward to prompt him to wrap around behind me. As he completed this maneuver and arrived at my left side, I asked him to sit. Milo demonstrated a strong understanding of the task and was quick to catch on to the overall concept. However, towards the end of our session, Milo encountered some difficulty with his sit. He exhibited resistance and was hesitant to follow through with it. To address this challenge, I repeated the exercise, providing gentle assistance by applying slight pressure to his lower back while also lifting lightly on his leash to encourage him into the sit position. This approach proved effective, and Milo was able to follow through. In addition, Milo did well in his crate, sleeping soundly throughout the night, and he also ate his dinner. As I mentioned to you at pickup, Milo will be going home with his own e-collar, so attached in todayās pupdate is his e-collar with its own serial number, as well as a video tutorial on its functions.
Milo and I worked on place. Place consists of having Milo getting onto a designated object and remaining there in a sit or a down. It can be of great use when guests are over, and it can also build confidence in a dog. To teach Milo, I began by familiarizing him with a designated spot, in this case, a park bench. With a leash attached, I guided him to this spot, applying gentle tension to encourage him to move onto it. Once his front paws touched the bench, I released the leash tension and immediately praised him for following through. To get his back legs onto the bench, I used a different approach that consisted of a running start to increase his momentum, and give him the energy needed to have him hop on. It took some time, but with a few repetitions, Milo was able to fully place on the bench effectively. Consistent practice is essential, and as we continue moving forward, I will be introducing Milo to different objects with different textures and surfaces, so that he may continue building his confidence.
Milo and I have been working on down. Down can be one of the most difficult commands to teach considering it being a submissive position, which can make a dog feel vulnerable being down on all fours. Although Milo came into his program with a basic grasp of the concept, it became clear that he required reconditioning to effectively follow through with the command in a way that felt secure to him. I initiated our session by asking Milo to sit. By utilizing a gentle yet effective approach, I applied slight tension to the leash to guide Milo into the desired position. This method allowed me to communicate my expectations clearly while minimizing any discomfort he might experience. Importantly, I employed a strategy of releasing the tension in the leash at the moment Milo showed any intent to move into the down position. This technique enhanced his understanding of the command, and encouraged him to engage in the behavior voluntarily. Throughout the training process, I consistently rewarded him with verbal praise and affection as he made progress. After a few repetitions, Milo demonstrated his ability to perform the command, showcasing his comprehension and comfort with the behavior. Due to the temperature increase in the weather, Milo and I are keeping our sessions short with plenty of water breaks, and we will also be training indoors as much as possible.
Bringing your pup into public areas during their training process is an aspect of responsible and effective canine education. This exposure plays a significant role in the development of a well rounded, socialized, and obedient companion. The importance of public exposure cannot be overstated, as it encompasses various dimensions of a dog's training, behavior, and well being. It helps in socializing Milo as he is introduced to diverse environments, people, and other animals. We as owners, are helping Milo shape his perceptions and reactions to the world around him. Socialization diminishes the likelihood of fear based behaviors and aggression, which can arise in unexposed or isolated dogs. By training in a controlled environment, such as my front yard, I can instill foundational obedience skills, and once Milo shows consistency with these commands, I can transition to a public space and expose him to real world challenges that require heightened concentration and self-control. Dogs are social animals, and their interactions with others, whether humans or fellow canines, are critical for learning appropriate behavior. By navigating various social situations, Milo learns to greet others politely, respect personal space, and exhibit calmness in unfamiliar surroundings. This training not only fosters positive interactions, but also encourages responsible pet ownership, as a well mannered pup contributes to a positive community perception of dog owners.
Milo is a pup with a notable tendency to chase after other dogs, coupled with a hesitance when they invade his personal space. To address these behaviors, I met with a couple of trainers and their pups, who assisted us during our sessions. We implemented a strategy of gradually approaching other dogs from a distance while correcting any unwanted behaviors in real time. Milo demonstrated no signs of reactivity and adapted well to the presence of other dogs. While he did occasionally come out of position, I successfully guided him back on track through consistent resetting techniques. Moving forward, I plan to further expose Milo to more pups, and I will also begin to work on his distance and duration training using a fifteen foot long line, aimed at enhancing his social skills and confidence in diverse environments.
In the realm of canine training, the concepts of distance and duration play a pivotal role in fostering a well behaved and obedient pet. Utilizing a long leash provides an excellent opportunity to teach dogs these principles in a controlled, yet flexible environment. This approach not only enhances the dog's ability to respond to commands over varying distances, but also encourages them to maintain desired behaviors for extended periods, laying the foundation for reliable off leash training in the coming days. Milo and I began by practicing commands at a close range, gradually increasing the distance as he becomes more proficient. We practiced in increments of five seconds for every foot I stepped back. One foot is five seconds, two feet is ten seconds, and so on. For instance, while asking Milo to sit, I take a step back, wait five seconds, then release him with a ābreakā when following through. If I am two feet back and Milo comes out of position, I reset him, and restart our session back at one foot back. Every dog is unique, and training should be tailored to their individual needs, learning pace, and temperament. Patience and adaptability are crucial in achieving successful outcomes. As Milo continues to make progress with his distance and duration conditioning, I will also be incorporating distractions to simulate real world scenarios once he shows more consistency in minimal distracting environments.
Milo and I drove out to a local park and worked on his come to sit from a longer distance. Effective recall training instills a sense of reliability and trust, allowing dogs to enjoy freedom in open spaces without compromising their safety. This command is crucial in preventing potential situations, such as traffic, wildlife encounters, or aggressive animals, as it provides you with the ability to call Milo back promptly in unpredictable situations. A robust recall enhances Miloās confidence and independence, encouraging him to explore his surroundings while knowing he can return to you when called. This aspect of training also promotes mental stimulation and physical activity, contributing to Miloās overall health and happiness.
Milo and I have been working on leash dragging exercises. These exercises were conducted in a secure and enclosed backyard environment, allowing for a focused and controlled setting that promotes effective learning. Once Milo showed consistency, we drove out to a local park and worked around minimal distractions. Throughout our sessions, I noticed Milo needed a little reconditioning on his place andĀ his come to sit. To address these areas of improvement, I implemented the approach of pairing leash tension with e-collar stimulation. This dual method strategy facilitated Milo's understanding of the desired behaviors, enabling him to associate the physical cues from the leash with the positive reinforcement provided by the e-collar. As Milo began to respond consistently to the training cues, I gradually faded out the reliance on leash tension, transitioning to solely using the e-collar stimulation. This method strengthened his learning, allowing him to gain confidence in executing commands without physical constraints. As he continues to improve, I will maintain consistent practice to further enhance his skills in preparation for his off leash experience.
Milo and I worked with his leash dragging a little more. Our session took place at a local shopping center, providing an ideal backdrop for Milo to experience various distractions while refining his skills. To begin, we initiated our training with a walk around the mall, allowing Milo to acclimate to the atmosphere. This initial phase was crucial for helping him adjust to the new sights, sounds, and smells typical of a shopping center, which serves as an excellent training ground for real world scenarios. By engaging in this acclimatization process, I aimed to reduce any potential anxiety or overexcitement that could hinder his performance later in the session. Once Milo appeared comfortable in his surroundings, we transitioned into more structured exercises focusing on his heel command and down position. With people moving around us as distractions, it was imperative to strengthen Milo's ability to remain focused and responsive. I was pleased to see progress during this phase, as Milo maintained a consistent position at my side throughout our walk. His capacity to stay in a down position while I maneuvered around him at a distance further demonstrated his growing composure and self control in a dynamic environment. Milo's performance indicates that he is nearing readiness for off leash training, a significant milestone in his development. As we look ahead, I plan to continue our training sessions in various public settings to further enhance his skills and prepare him for the ultimate test of obedience and reliability. This ongoing commitment to progressive training will not only continue to build Milo's foundational skills, but also ensure he is well equipped for future challenges.
Milo and I worked on all of his commands at an outdoor shopping center. We began with his leash dragging, and once he showed consistency, I removed his leash and worked him without it. Milo showcased self discipline by maintaining his stationary positions despite the stimulating surroundings. In addition to his stationary commands, we concentrated on Milo's come to sit, which required some reconditioning techniques over the past few days. Milo responded well, demonstrating an improvement in his ability to return reliably when called, even amidst distractions. Milo's performance and good behavior throughout our training session did not go unnoticed, as he received numerous compliments from people passing by. These accolades reflect not only his demeanor, but also the effectiveness of the training techniques employed. With Milo's consistency and ability to work around distractions, he will now be working fully off leash.
Milo and I haveĀ been working on his door manners which was a significant concern upon entering his training program. Milo exhibited a tendency to rush through doors, including the car, as soon as they were opened, which posed safety risks and highlighted a lack of impulse control. To address this behavior, each time we approached a door, I instructed Milo to go into a sit or down position, establishing a foundation of discipline and patience. Upon opening the door, I closely monitored his response, and if Milo attempted to rise or move forward before receiving my cue, I would promptly close the door, reset him back into the desired position, and repeat the process as necessary. This method not only strengthened the expected behavior, but also provided Milo with the opportunity to learn the importance of waiting for a command. Through repetition and consistency, Milo gradually began to comprehend the dynamics of door etiquette, and learned that he was required to wait for my signal before proceeding through any door.
Training Milo to wait for his food is a practice that contributes to his behavioral development. This training instills an essential quality of patience by requiring him to wait before receiving his meal, which reduces impulsive behaviors that can lead to issues such as food aggression or anxiety around feeding times. When a dog learns to wait in general, it is essentially responding to the ownerās command, which fosters respect and understanding in their relationship. This dynamic not only enhances the owner's role as a leader, but also cultivates trust, as the dog learns that it can rely on the owner to provide food while adhering to established rules. This sense of security can lead to a more confident and relaxed pet, who feels grounded in its environment. From a behavioral standpoint, it improves Miloās overall manners, as he is less likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors such as jumping, barking, or rushing toward his food bowl. This self control can extend beyond mealtime, positively influencing Miloās interactions in various situations, such as social encounters with other dogs or people. Dogs thrive on structure and routine, so by incorporating a sit or a down into feeding time, it provides a chance to challenge Miloās mind and strengthen his learning. This mental engagement can reduce boredom and associated behavioral problems, promoting a healthier lifestyle for Milo.
Milo has completed his Two Week Board and Train Program. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity in being his trainer, and for trusting me with him while he was under my care. We became great friends, and I will miss having him around the house. He has come a long way in just a short amount of time, and he is capable of learning so much more. Remember to always stay consistent and patient with his training, but most of all, have fun. He was great to work with, and I look forward to showing you what he can do. Thank you Milo!
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