Murph | Goldendoodle | Laguna Beach, CA | In-Training

Meet Murph! He is a two year old Goldendoodle who has joined us for our Three Week Board and Train Program. Murph is here for basic obedience, jumping to greet, and impulse control. He is not much of a leash puller but will pull on it when he knows he is on his way out somewhere. The goal for Murph is to keep him from jumping on people as he does not know his own strength which can knock someone over, especially children. He does well with other people but he can be insecure about smaller pups. Over the next twenty one days Murph 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!

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Murph 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 Murph’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Murph exhibiting behavior where he would frequently walk ahead of me and at times pull a little on his leash trying to smell the grass. 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 Murph pulled away from my side. This method involved making a U-turn and guiding him back towards my left with appropriate leash tension. When he would try to veer off, I applied gentle leash tension towards me to work him through it, and once he came back to position on my left side, I released tension and continued on our walk. This approach not only helps Murph understand the desired position but also teaches him the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Murph 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.

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