Neela | Pomsky | Los Angeles, CA | In-Training
- Jose Ayala
- Jun 10
- 17 min read
Updated: Jun 23
Meet Neela! She is a two year old Pomsky who has joined our Two-Week Board and Train Program. Her program will be designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in basic obedience, behavioral refinement, and social manners. Neela has joined us with specific goals in mind such as improving her leash manners, addressing her tendency to jump up to greet people, curbing playful nipping behaviors, and reinforcing consistent potty training habits. During her walks Neela exhibits a strong pulling tendency and is easily distracted by external stimuli such as moving vehicles, bicycles, and joggers. She often reacts by lunging or fixating on these distractions, which can make daily walks challenging and potentially unsafe. Throughout her program, I will focus on desensitization and controlled exposure exercises to help her remain calm and focused in stimulating environments. Over the course of the next fourteen days, Neela will participate in structured training sessions that emphasize clear communication, positive reinforcement, and consistency. She will be introduced to a variety of training tools and techniques to help her develop reliable responses to commands such as come, place, down, sit, and heel. Additionally, we will work on promoting calm and appropriate greetings to reduce her impulse to jump or nip during interactions. Potty training protocols will also be reinforced to establish a consistent routine and reduce accidents. The goal is to instill long-lasting behaviors that will set Neela up for a lifetime of success and make her a well mannered and enjoyable companion both at home and in public. Check in to see her progress!
Neela and I spent the afternoon 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 continuing to establish a bond and enhancing Neela’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Neela exhibiting behavior where she would frequently pull ahead of me and go back and forth from my left side to my right. 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 Neela 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 Neela understand the desired position, but also teaches her the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Neela 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 very well on the car ride home, and she ate most of her dinner. In addition to her pupdate, I will also be attaching an e-collar tutorial video explaining its many functions to help you familiarize yourself with it as Neela will be returning home with one on.
Neela and I concentrated on her recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Neela 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. Neela demonstrated comprehension of the task and adapted to the instructions, but she still had some trouble as she would not sit when she came to my left. 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 Neela 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 to leash pressure, indicating her understanding of the cues being presented. She did very well sleeping through the night in her crate, and she is adapting to her new environment for the next two weeks. I look forward to continue working with her as we progress on her training journey and help her become the best pup that she can be.
Neela and I have been working on place. Place is an essential command that serves to establish boundaries and promote desired behaviors in various situations. This command instructs Neela 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 Neela 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 Neela to the designated spot we practiced on, which was a park bench. As I approached the bench with her, I applied gentle tension on the leash to encourage her to move forward. When Neela stepped onto it, I immediately released the tension on the leash, signaling that she had made the correct choice. Timing here is crucial, so the moment she made contact with the bench, she was immediately rewarded with praise and affection. Using a cheerful tone of voice, petting, and verbal affirmations like "good girl" helps reinforce this positive behavior. Once Neela began to understand the association between the leash pressure and the verbal place, I gradually increased the duration she remained there. 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 Neela 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.
Training a dog around minimal distractions before introducing it to more complex and stimulating environments is a foundational principle in canine behavior shaping and learning theory. This gradual approach is not only effective but essential for ensuring that a dog learns desired behaviors reliably and can perform them consistently in any environment, including those filled with distractions. There are several compelling reasons why this methodical progression is beneficial, rooted in cognitive development, emotional regulation, and the mechanics of learning. At the core of this approach lies the concept of proofing behaviors. When Neela is first learning a new command or behavior, such as come to sit, heel, or place, it is essential that the learning environment be calm and free from competing stimuli. This allows her to focus exclusively on the task at hand, without being overwhelmed or confused by extraneous sounds, sights, or smells. In a distraction-free setting, Neela is more capable of processing what is being asked of her, recognizing the connection between the command and the reward, and building a strong neural association with that behavior. This clarity is key for building a solid foundation of understanding. Moreover, beginning in a low-distraction environment helps build Neela’s confidence. Learning in a high distraction environment too early can lead to stress, confusion, or failure to perform, which can damage her motivation and willingness to engage. A pup that is set up for success from the start develops trust in the training process and in the person guiding it. This trust is vital for creating a cooperative learning dynamic and for fostering a positive emotional response to training. Another critical aspect is that dogs, much like humans, experience what is called context-specific learning. This means that a dog may be able to perform a behavior perfectly in a quiet living room but seem to “forget” it at the park. This isn’t stubbornness or disobedience, but simply the result of the dog associating the behavior with a specific context. By starting in a minimal-distraction setting, I can ensure that the behavior is truly learned before gradually introducing new variables. This helps Neela generalize the behavior across different settings, eventually making her reliable regardless of the level of distraction. Incrementally increasing the complexity of the training environment also allows me to gauge her readiness and tailor the pace of training to suit her. Some pups may progress quickly, while others require more time in each stage. A thoughtful progression prevents overwhelming the dog and ensures that each layer of distraction is added only after the dog demonstrates mastery of the behavior under simpler conditions. This systematic approach not only enhances learning but also reduces the likelihood of behavioral setbacks and the need for retraining. In addition, this method fosters better impulse control and emotional regulation in dogs. Distraction training is not merely about obedience, but more about teaching Neela to manage her impulses and maintain focus despite tempting or stimulating scenarios. These are complex cognitive tasks that require a gradual build-up. Expecting a dog to maintain composure in a busy environment without first teaching it to succeed in a quiet one is akin to expecting a student to solve advanced math problems without first learning basic arithmetic. In summary, training a dog around minimal distractions first is a critical step in developing a well-adjusted, confident, and responsive companion. It ensures clarity of communication, builds trust, encourages consistent performance, and prepares the dog to succeed in increasingly challenging environments. This structured approach respects the dog’s learning process and sets both the pup and the handler up for long-term success in real-world scenarios.
Neela 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 Neela, 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 Neela 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 Neela 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 Neela, 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 Neela to continue engaging with her training, and it also strengthens her willingness to follow through with the behavior.
Consistency and follow-through are fundamental components of effective dog training, particularly when it comes to teaching and reinforcing commands. One of the most critical aspects of this process is resetting your pup back into its original stationary position when she breaks a command, rather than allowing her to self-correct or move on without accountability. This practice plays a significant role in shaping reliable obedience, building clear communication, and maintaining the integrity of the training process. When Neela is given a command, such as sit or down, and chooses to break that position prematurely, resetting her back to her original spot sends a clear and consistent message that the command was not optional, nor was it completed correctly. This simple yet powerful action reinforces the expectation that the command is to be maintained until I release her, rather than allowing Neela to determine when the exercise is over. Allowing her to break position without resetting often leads to confusion and inconsistent behavior, as she learns that she can self-dismiss or disregard commands without consequence. Additionally, resetting Neela back to her position strengthens her understanding of accountability and enhances her mental discipline. It encourages Neela to think critically and remain engaged, as she realizes that success is measured not just by executing the command initially, but also by holding that position until instructed otherwise. Follow-through and resets help prevent the development of stubbornness, selective listening, and impulsivity, which are all common challenges in dogs. Without clear correction and redirection, Neela may perceive her own choices as equally valid to our commands, which can erode obedience over time and create frustration for both Neela and ourselves. By calmly and consistently guiding her back into position, I teach persistence, patience, and respect for the training process. Ultimately, resetting Neela when she breaks a command is not about punishment, but about reinforcing structure and clarity. It is one of the most effective ways to ensure she fully understands what is being asked, remains focused, and develops into a reliable and well-mannered companion.
Working Neela around other dogs offers a multitude of behavioral, psychological, and training benefits that contribute significantly to her overall well-being and our success as owners. When dogs are regularly exposed to and trained in the presence of other dogs, they develop stronger social skills, better impulse control, and improved focus, all of which are essential for a balanced and manageable companion. One of the most compelling reasons to work Neela around others is the opportunity to foster healthy socialization. Dogs are inherently social animals, and their ability to read and respond appropriately to other dogs’ body language plays a major role in preventing fear-based behaviors and reactivity. By training in a controlled environment near other dogs, she learns that the presence of others is not a threat, but rather a normal, non-concerning part of life. This helps reduce anxiety and aggression, particularly for dogs that are easily overstimulated or uncertain in social settings. Another key benefit is the improvement in her focus and obedience. Practicing commands and behaviors in a distracting environment—especially one that includes the movement, smells, and sounds of other dogs—teaches Neela to maintain attention on me regardless of what’s happening around her. This is a crucial skill for us as handlers, as it enhances reliability in real-world scenarios where distractions are inevitable. Dogs that only perform well in sterile, quiet environments often struggle when the stakes are higher or when surprises arise. Working Neela around other dogs prepares her for these more challenging moments. Additionally, regular training near other dogs helps normalize the environment, reducing the novelty of seeing or being near dogs during walks, vet visits, or public outings. This desensitization reduces leash reactivity and excitable behaviors, leading to safer, more enjoyable outings for both Neela and yourselves. It also promotes a sense of neutrality—a desirable state where she can acknowledge another dog’s presence without the compulsion to react, play, or confront. In essence, working around other dogs is not simply about socializing or testing obedience, but a comprehensive developmental tool that conditions Neela to function calmly, confidently, and obediently in the real world. It cultivates emotional regulation, improves responsiveness, enhances safety, and builds a solid foundation of trust and communication.
Neela 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 Neela'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 Neela with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding her duration while I increased the distance between us. Neela responded positively to this initial framework, demonstrating proficiency in her sit, 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 Neela's down. 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 Neela's learning pace. This modification proved effective, as Neela showed improvement in her responsiveness to her down.
Neela 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 Neela, 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 Neela 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, Neela 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 Neela’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 Neela’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 Neela 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 Neela understands expectations, leading to a more reliable and obedient pup.
Establishing a potty training schedule for Neela offers numerous advantages that enhance effective training and foster a harmonious living environment. A routine helps Neela anticipate bathroom breaks, thereby minimizing accidents indoors. It also supports the development of her bladder control, increasing her reliability in holding it until outdoor opportunities arise. Additionally, a consistent schedule promotes better hygiene and reduces stress for both the owner and the pet, creating a more structured setting. Typically, dogs require bathroom breaks approximately 30 minutes to an hour after eating or drinking. For Neela, who is fed in the morning between 7:00-8:00 AM and in the evening between 5:00-6:00 PM, the recommended outside times are around 8:30-9:00 AM after breakfast and 6:30-7:00 PM after dinner. Water intake is restricted after 7:30 PM following an evening walk, with a final outside trip before bedtime. Overall, Neela should be taken out at least four times a day: once upon waking, after meals, and before bed. Maintaining this routine has proven effective, as Neela has shown progress with her potty training.
Maintaining a calm and relaxed state while walking your dog is one of the most fundamental aspects of responsible dog handling, yet it is often overlooked. A relaxed mindset sets the tone for both you and your pup, creating a safer, more enjoyable, and more productive walking experience. Dogs are highly perceptive animals; they are instinctively attuned to the emotional state and physical cues of the person holding the leash. When you approach a walk with calmness and confidence, your dog is far more likely to mirror that behavior, resulting in a smoother and more cooperative outing. Remaining in a relaxed state starts with mental preparation. Before even stepping outside, it is essential to be mindful of your posture, your breathing, and your emotional expectations. Approaching a walk with anxiety, frustration, or impatience will almost certainly transfer to your dog, which can trigger pulling, reactivity, or unfocused behavior. Conversely, steady breathing, relaxed shoulders, and an easy but purposeful walking pace help signal to your pup that the environment is safe and under control. The dog-human bond during a walk functions as a feedback loop — the calmer you are, the more balanced your pup will be, and the more balanced your pup is, the easier it is for you to stay calm. One of the most critical physical components of this dynamic is the leash itself. A tense leash does far more than simply restrict your dog’s movement; it transmits your emotional state directly to Neela. Tension in the leash often signals to a dog that there is something to worry about — whether it’s an approaching dog, person, or an unfamiliar environment. This tension can unintentionally heighten her stress, create reactivity, or reinforce undesirable pulling behavior. A tight leash can also interfere with a dog’s natural gait, body language, and ability to make good choices, forcing them into a state of constant over-vigilance. Walking on a loose leash, by contrast, promotes communication, trust, and cooperation between Neela and yourself. A loose leash allows her to explore her surroundings within reasonable boundaries, fostering confidence and curiosity while preserving Neela’s sense of autonomy. This freedom helps reduce frustration and leads to a more engaged and responsive companion. The act of maintaining a relaxed leash also reinforces your leadership, demonstrating to Neela that you are both calm and in control, reducing her need to take control of the walk or feel defensive about her environment. Staying relaxed during a walk and allowing slack on the leash are deeply intertwined practices that build the foundation of a well-balanced relationship between you and your pup. A calm, loose-leash walk is not only physically easier but also mentally enriching for both of you, turning an everyday routine into a rewarding exercise in trust, communication, and mutual respect.
Transitioning a dog from on-leash to off-leash freedom is an exciting prospect for many dog owners, especially after investing time and resources in professional training. However, it is crucial for owners to spend a couple of weeks working with their dogs on a leash before allowing them to roam freely. This process not only reinforces the training the dog has received but also builds a stronger bond between the owner and their pet, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for both. First and foremost, practicing on-leash commands allows us as owners to review and reinforce the behaviors learned during training. Simply having a dog trained for off-leash obedience does not guarantee that it will respond flawlessly in every scenario encountered in the real world. By continuing to work with Neela while on a leash, you can ensure consistent execution of commands such as sit, stay, and come. This repetition serves as a form of practice for Neela, solidifying her understanding of what is expected when off-leash. Additionally, this on-leash period creates an opportunity for you to gauge her responsiveness in various environments and situations. Dogs can be unpredictable, and exposure to new stimuli—such as other animals, people, or unfamiliar surroundings—may affect Neela’s behavior. By maintaining a leash during this acclimatization phase, you are better equipped to correct any lapses in obedience before granting her the full freedom of off-leash status. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of potential reinforcements of negative behaviors that could arise if she is allowed to run free without adequate supervision or control. Building a robust communication framework is another critical aspect of this process. When Neela is accustomed to working with you while on a leash, she becomes more attuned to your signals and responses. This ongoing interaction fosters trust and a deeper understanding of each other's cues. It is essential for dogs to learn that their owner's commands remain valid regardless of whether they are attached to a leash or roaming freely. Strengthening this line of communication can drastically improve a dog's ability to respond positively to commands when off-leash, thus enhancing overall safety. In conclusion, it is imperative for dog owners, even those who have completed off-leash training, to spend a couple of weeks practicing with their pups on a leash before permitting them to roam without restraint. This practice reinforces training, enhances communication, addresses potential behavior issues, and fosters a stronger bond between you and Neela. Taking these cautious steps ultimately sets the stage for a safe and enjoyable off-leash experience, ensuring lasting benefits for both of you.
In the course of Neela’s training program, I have been dedicated to enhancing her greeting manners, a crucial aspect of her socialization and overall behavior. Initially, Neela 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 Neela 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 Neela during interactions. Throughout the training process, Neela 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 Neela’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.
Neela has completed her Two Week Board and Train Program, and she is now ready to return home. Over the past two weeks, it has been a privilege to serve as Neela’s trainer, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the trust you placed in me during this process. Throughout the program, Neela demonstrated remarkable progress. Her eagerness to learn in training sessions made our time together not only productive but also incredibly enjoyable. We worked on essential commands, socialization skills, and positive reinforcement techniques, which I am confident will contribute to her development as a well-behaved and happy companion. The bond we developed during this training period was truly special, and I will cherish the moments we shared. As she prepares to return home, I want to highlight that she will be missed. I am excited for Neela to reunite with you and to see how she integrates the skills she has learned during our time together into her daily life. Thank you once again for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of Neela’s journey. It has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to hearing about her continued growth and happiness in your home. Thank you, Neela!
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