Milo | Golden Retriever | Los Angeles, CA | In Training
- Alex Kruse
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Meet Milo! He's a 5-month-old Golden Retriever from Los Angeles, California, and he's here for our Two Week Urban Board and Train Program. Milo is a typical puppy with all the typical puppy problems. He gets a little mouthy when he's excited, he jumps on people to greet them, he pulls on the leash and doesn't often come when he's called, and he needs to learn to stay off the bed. Over the next two weeks we'll teach him all his basic commands so he has a good training foundation, show him some proper puppy manners both in and out of the home, and we'll be starting the process of getting him accustomed to being home alone so he doesn't develop separation anxiety issues. Stay tuned for Milo's two-week transformation!
7/17/26
Milo and I spent some time at the park before heading home just to get to know each other a little bit, and so I could see what he might already know. He does clearly know how to Sit, so for that one we'll work on refining it so he can hold it longer, as well as moving into position faster when told. He sort of came when I called him, but it was definitely on his own time, so we'll make sure he learns to come over with a bit more speed and enthusiasm! And then we'll of course be working on that Heel command and teaching him how to lay down. Outside of that he was just being a silly, happy, curious puppy, wanting to go say hi to every person and dog we passed, and generally just acting happy to be out and about! I think he may have actually liked being in the crate in the car as he only barked a couple times early in the trip, then quieted right down and slept the rest of the way home. I introduced him to the play yard and my dogs once he got out and he took to playing with them right away! He did only a little bit of barking here and there, but mostly just hung out with the pack in the shade like he's been here all his life! Inside the house he made sure to sniff every corner then made himself right at home. He ate without any issues and seems to be acclimating very well! I think he's going to get along just fine here and I can't wait to see how fast he'll catch on to his training!
7/18/26
To get things started, Milo and I headed out to just a local neighborhood park that I know is generally not very busy. I wanted low distractions so Milo could really focus up on me while he was learning the new process. I began with the Sit, making sure he knew he had to follow through after the first time I asked, and that he had to hold it until I gave him a release word. For our program we use "Break!" for the release word, which will be the same for every command moving forward. I also worked on establishing a marker word, which is just a sound that is made as soon as Milo gives me what I'm asking for. I use the word "Yes!", which comes before any treat rewards. That way Milo starts to listen for that marker sound to let him know he's doing things correctly instead of relying on the treats as much. So all together, I give him the command "Sit" and as soon as his rear touches the ground, I say "Yes!" then give him a treat, and then I release him with the word "Break!" If he gets up before I give him the release word, I simply give him a correction and put him back in his sit. For right now I'm only counting a few seconds before releasing him, and I'll gradually build up to longer durations and practice adding distance away from him. We did the same thing working with his Down (lay down) command, and I began teaching him his Heel using a treat lure at first and his marker word any time he was in the correct Heel position (on the left side close to my leg without any leash pressure). We only worked on it a few minutes before I was already starting to fade out the lure, which tells me he's a quick learner and eager to please! I also worked on his recall, adding in a step at the end where not only does he need to come when he's called, but he needs to come and sit on the Heel side. That way he's already ready to roll if you need to start walking with him. Overall he did really well with everything, and isn't overly sensitive to the e-collar. He does have his little stubborn moments, but it doesn't take much at all to get him back on track. We're off to a great start with Milo!
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