Ozzie | Labrador Mix | Seal Beach, Ca | In-Training
- wendyoffleashsocal
- May 18
- 20 min read
Updated: Jun 10
Meet Ozzie! He is a 6-month-old Labrador Mix from Seal Beach, California, and is here for our three-week Board and Train Program. He’s a sweet and affectionate pup who already knows a few basic commands, but he tends to get easily excited. Currently, Ozzie struggles with jumping on people, isn’t fully house-trained, and experiences separation anxiety which we will be helping him work through so he can feel calm and confident when he’s not around you.
Over the next 21 days, Ozzie will be working on becoming a well-mannered, obedient companion through consistent guidance, clear communication, and balanced training—both at home and while exploring new people and places. Through structure and consistency Ozzie will demonstrate how great a pup he can be! Stay tuned for Ozzie’s Three-week transformation!
Pupdate 5/18/2025
Today, Ozzie officially joined us for his three-week Board and Train Program! After you left, we stayed at the park for a bit to see what Ozzie could do. He’s definitely full of energy and easily distracted. I tried a few basic commands, but he wasn’t too responsive—which was completely expected and nothing to worry about. That’s exactly what we’re here to work on!
On the ride home, Ozzie was a very good boy. Once we arrived, I introduced him to my 1-year-old Golden Retriever, Dottie, through a metal door. They were wagging their tails immediately! After seeing their positive reactions, we went on a pack walk together. Ozzie quickly bonded with Dottie, and before long, they were happily playing. It was heartwarming to see—it’s clear this is going to be a positive experience for both of them.
Day 1 is all about helping Ozzie adjust to his new environment and getting comfortable in his crate. He’s had a couple of potty accidents so far, which is completely normal during this transition period. Interestingly, he’s been whining a bit before having an accident, which tells me he’s starting to communicate his needs—a very good sign!
Ozzie also ate very well today with no issues at all. That’s a great start, as many dogs are hesitant to eat or go potty when adjusting to a new environment. It’s clear that Ozzie is already settling in nicely.
It’s all about baby steps in the right direction, and Ozzie is off to a great start!
Attached is the e-collar familiarization video. Please review it a few times before Ozzie’s turnover. We’ll practice together to make sure you are comfortable with the system before using it with Ozzie.
Pupdate 5/19/25
Today, we introduced the e-collar to Ozzie—but no stimulation was used. This was simply an acclimation day, where he wore the collar during normal activities to get comfortable with it. As shown in the video, we headed to the backyard to work on a few commands using treats and lots of positive reinforcement.
We focused on "come-to-sit," reinforced the "place" command—which he seems to already know quite well—and introduced extended "place" along with the release cue, “Break!” Ozzie is proving to be a fast learner and responded so well today. Good job, Ozzie!
His first night went smoothly. He slept through most of it, with potty breaks at 4:00 a.m. and again at 6:30 a.m.—and no accidents! He had a solid breakfast followed by another successful potty break. He’s adjusting very well and continues to get along great with his temporary big sister, Dottie.
Way to go, Ozzie! You're off to a strong start!
Pupdate 5/20/25
Today, Ozzie was formally introduced to the e-collar with stimulus. We began the session with a play break alongside Dottie to keep the environment fun and low-pressure. While he was fully engaged and clearly having the time of his life, I gradually increased the stimulation level—starting from 0—to determine the lowest level at which he would acknowledge the sensation. Despite multiple increments, he remained unresponsive until we reached level 15, which finally got his attention.
I made sure the hypoallergenic contact points were properly positioned by adjusting the collar for a secure fit. Once we established that 15 was his response threshold in a highly distracting setting, I tested again in a calmer environment. In those moments, Ozzie responded well at levels between 11 and 13. For now, I’ll be working within the 11–15 range depending on his surroundings and level of distraction.
With his working level set, we began our “heel” training—and Ozzie really impressed me! After just a few repetitions of the “heel” command paired with treats, he caught on quickly and began walking beautifully at my side. What a good boy!
I’m closely monitoring his breathing and making sure he doesn’t become overexerted. As the weather heats up, I’ll be especially mindful to give him plenty of breaks and keep him comfortable during training sessions.
In addition to our outdoor work, we’ve started indoor training as well. Ozzie is learning to settle calmly next to Dottie in the family room while we watch TV, or beside me while I work on my pupdates. He’s doing a fantastic job mirroring Dottie’s relaxed behavior—he’s such a quick study!
Potty training is also going well. He had just one accident yesterday while exploring the house freely, which is a great sign of progress. Ozzie continues to be a very good boy and is making steady strides each day!
Pupdate 5/21/25
Today, we focused on refining Ozzie’s “heel” during our walk around the neighborhood school. It was a warm day, so I made sure to monitor his energy levels closely and give him breaks as needed. He’s really starting to understand that "heel" means staying on my left side, and his turns are improving steadily. We’ll continue to work on tightening up those turns, but overall, I’m very pleased with his progress. Despite the noise and activity around the school, Ozzie did a fantastic job staying focused and not reacting to distractions—great work, Ozzie!
When we’re not working outside, we’re focusing on calm behavior inside the home. After taking him out of the crate, I immediately give him the “place” command. This gives him a moment to settle and focus before earning any free time with Dottie. As you mentioned, Ozzie does show signs of anxiety, especially when he wants to be included in the home environment. He’ll bark to be let out of the crate, but I make sure not to reward that behavior. Instead, I wait for him to quiet down, then guide him to “place” and wait until he’s calm before giving him free roam as a reward.
This approach is working well—he’s beginning to understand that calm, quiet behavior earns him more freedom. For two days in a row now, he’s completed this routine successfully. It’s a big step in the right direction.
With clear, consistent communication and structure, Ozzie is well on his way to becoming a balanced and well-behaved pup!
Pupdate 5/22/25
Today, Ozzie took a fun and educational field trip to the local pet store! This outing gave him the chance to experience a variety of new sounds, smells, and sights—all great for his socialization and confidence-building. Right away, Ozzie was curious and engaged, happily sniffing and exploring everything the store had to offer.
As we made our way through different aisles, we stopped to practice several commands including “come-to-sit,” “sit,” and “place.” He did a great job staying focused, even with all the distractions around him.
Along the way, Ozzie made a few new friends and drew lots of attention from fellow shoppers who admired both his adorable looks and how well-behaved he was. Ozzie really soaked in the compliments like a star.
Way to go, Ozzie—you’re becoming a true superstar!
Pupdate 5/23/25
Today, we tested Ozzie’s ability to maintain the “heel” command without direct leash guidance. I began by positioning him at my side, gave the “heel” command, and he responded beautifully—staying right beside me throughout the straightaway and executing turns with precision. There was a brief moment of distraction, but a quick stim signal brought his focus back immediately, and he resumed heeling without issue.
We also worked on several other commands, including “place” with an “extended place,” “sit” with an “extended sit,” “down,” and “come-to-heel.” Despite the short time Ozzie has been in training, he’s demonstrating an impressive ability to grasp and retain new commands quickly.
I’m incredibly proud of his progress—he’s such a good boy!
Pupdate 5/24/25
Today’s focus was all about manners! We worked on food manners, door manners, and car manners—essential everyday behaviors that help create a well-balanced and respectful dog. Ozzie did a great job and continues to show impressive progress.
Food Manners:Ozzie already came with a foundation in food manners, but we’re working on refining them further. Today, we practiced transitioning from a “heel” into a “sit,” and then waiting patiently for a few seconds until the “break” command was given. He followed through beautifully. I also pet him gently while he was eating to assess for any food guarding behavior—none was shown. He remained calm and unbothered. Good boy, Ozzie!
Door Manners:We’ve been working on door manners since Day 1, and today we continued to strengthen two types:
Everyday Door Manner: This is used when entering or exiting any room or space. Ozzie is asked to sit and make eye contact with me before being released with an enthusiastic “OK!” once he’s in a calm, attentive state. This teaches him to wait politely instead of rushing through doors.
Greeting/Maintenance Door Manner: In this scenario, Ozzie is placed in a “sit,” “place,” or “down” several feet from the door—ideal for calmly greeting guests or stepping outside briefly, like to grab the mail. As shown in the video, we’re still working with a 15-foot leash for control and reinforcement. Ozzie is starting to understand this routine well and is showing great patience.
Car Manners:Ozzie picked this one up quickly! We practiced having him hold a “sit” before receiving the “load up!” command to enter the vehicle. He jumped in confidently with no hesitation. Exiting was a bit uncertain at first, but after a few repetitions, he got the hang of it. Another success!
Ozzie is truly doing an amazing job. With every session, he becomes more responsive, calm, and well-mannered. Keep it up, Ozzie!
Pupdate 5/25/25
Today we took Ozzie to a busy local park where many families were out enjoying their long weekend with barbecues and celebrations. This made for a perfect high-distraction environment to test Ozzie’s progress and self-control.
At first, he showed some hesitation with all the new sights, smells, and sounds, but he adjusted quickly once given time to acclimate. After a bit of observation and sniffing around, we got to work.
I decided to challenge Ozzie by combining multiple commands he’s been working on. Putting my trust in him, I let go of the leash to see if he could maintain his “heel” position independently—and he did a great job staying by my side! At one point, something caught his attention and caused a momentary lapse in focus. I gave a quick press of the Black S (stim) to redirect him, and he immediately came back to his “heel” position without issue. Excellent recovery, Ozzie!
We then worked on “place” using a park bench instead of our usual blue cot. He was a bit unsure at first, but after a quick investigation, he got comfortable and confidently settled into an extended “place” on the bench. After his “break” command, he returned to the bench on his own—as if to say, “Hey, I like it here!” I think he enjoyed being the center of attention. To be fair, it was the best people-watching spot in the park—I totally get it, Ozzie!
To end the session on a social note, a couple of young ladies approached us, excited to say hello. I explained that Ozzie was in training and asked if they’d help practice his greeting manners. One of them agreed, and Ozzie showed how far he’s come—respectful, calm, and well-mannered.
This was a fantastic session for Ozzie—full of distractions, challenges, and real-world experiences. He handled it all like a champ. Way to go, Ozzie!
Pupdate 5/26/25
Today, we took Ozzie on a new adventure to the local hardware store. It was definitely a lot for him to take in. Upon entering, he showed some signs of anxiety, but I reassured him that he was safe as we casually strolled around the store. He was clearly curious yet overwhelmed by all the new sights, sounds, and smells.
We gave him a moment to decompress by resting under a gazebo display. After a few minutes, once he seemed more settled, we made our way down a quieter aisle to practice a few commands. As soon as we began, Ozzie fell right into his routine—focused and responsive.
The big test came at the end of the aisle when a few dogs walked by, including a particularly reactive Malinois. To my surprise—and pride—Ozzie didn’t react at all. He stayed calm, composed, and ignored the commotion entirely. I was actually more on guard than he was! That moment really highlighted his growing maturity. Go Ozzie!
We continued exploring the store and practiced “place” in a variety of unique spots. One of the highlights? He fit perfectly into a Milwaukee display cubby hole, much to the delight of nearby shoppers—several even stopped to admire him and say how cute he looked!
This trip helped me see that while Ozzie is progressing beautifully, he still needs more exposure to busy, high-traffic environments. His slight anxiousness is completely normal for a pup his age, especially if he hasn’t had much experience with these kinds of settings in his first six months. We’ll continue to work on building his confidence in these situations so he’s comfortable and prepared for life back home.
Potty Training Update:Ozzie is doing great! We’ve been able to extend his potty break intervals to about 1 to 1.5 hours. He’s only had one minor accident since the last update, and that was after drinking extra water following a high-energy training session in the heat. He’s really starting to understand potty break expectations—another big win for this smart pup!
Pupdate 5/27/25
Today we met up with a few of the other OffLeash trainers and their pups at Whittier Narrows for a group training session. It was a lively environment with plenty of stimulation, and Ozzie was definitely feeling it. He was a bit reactive toward one of the other dogs at first—understandably so, considering all the excitement and new energy around him.
I gave Ozzie some time to take in his surroundings before asking him to do any focused work. Once he had a chance to acclimate, we moved to a quieter area by the picnic tables where we reintroduced the “under” command using a picnic table, and “place” on a narrow bench. At first, these setups felt a little unfamiliar to him, but he adjusted quickly. He was able to maneuver his body into position and complete both commands nicely.
While another trainer worked nearby with their dog, Ozzie maintained his focus and wasn’t distracted—great job, Ozzie!
After our initial training, we moved to a more open area and practiced off-leash work. We’ve built a strong enough bond and training foundation that I trusted he wouldn’t run off—and he didn’t let me down! He stayed right with me and handled the freedom beautifully.
We added a few extra commands into the session today: “Sit,” “Extended Sit,” “Come-to-Heel,” and “Break.” He performed them all with focus and enthusiasm. I’m incredibly proud of how far Ozzie has come. Great job, buddy!
Pupdate 5/28/25
Today we took another field trip to our local Petco to observe how Ozzie would respond to the environment a second time around—and we’re thrilled to report that he did so much better! Ozzie explored the store with more confidence and curiosity, moving around freely and even greeting a few employees with polite enthusiasm. They were all impressed by how well-mannered and calm he was.
We used our time at the store to walk around while practicing heeling and reinforcing a few basic commands. It’s becoming very clear that with consistency and gentle exposure, Ozzie gains comfort and confidence in new settings. Comparing today’s visit to photos from our last trip, the difference in his body language and demeanor is striking—he’s clearly more relaxed and self-assured.
Ozzie has also been practicing walking on a heel with his buddy Dottie during our daily walks. He really enjoys having her around, and the two of them make a great pair, keeping each other company and encouraging positive behavior.
We’re so proud of the progress Ozzie is making—this is a great step forward in his training and socialization journey!
Pupdate 5/29/25
Today was all about giving Ozzie a new experience—one full of fresh sights, sounds, and smells. We took a trip to Long Beach to explore the shops and stroll along the shoreline. The area was alive with energy: crashing waves, bustling foot traffic, and the irresistible scent of salty air mixed with food from nearby vendors.
For Ozzie, it was a sensory adventure. His curiosity was on full display—lots of double takes, lingering stares, and a clear eagerness to take it all in. Every new sound and passerby caught his attention, but he never lost focus. We used the opportunity to continue our training throughout the walk, helping him stay grounded and responsive despite the distractions.
It was a big step in helping him grow more confident in new environments. Watching him navigate everything with excitement and resilience made it clear: he’s learning, adapting, and thriving.
Pupdate 5/30/25
Today we took Ozzie to the local shopping center, where many families were enjoying the outdoor shopping and food vendors. It was a lively setting with plenty of distractions—an ideal environment for Ozzie to continue building confidence and staying focused. While we relaxed in the courtyard, Ozzie did an excellent job remaining calm as he watched the kids play soccer nearby. Great self-control, Ozzie!
We also practiced some off-leash walking in a more populated area to further build his confidence. He handled it well and continues to show how much progress he's making.
At home, Ozzie has also been doing wonderfully. He’s learning to relax in his designated “place” area, or to settle next to me on the floor when I’m sitting on the couch. He really enjoys his time around the house with Dottie and thrives being part of the family. It’s clear he’s starting to understand how to settle and become a well-balanced, calm pup.
Pupdate 5/31/25
Today, we headed to a local park to put all the commands Ozzie has learned during his board and train program to the test in a busy, distracting environment. There were families playing soccer and barbecuing, and a couple relaxing nearby with their Frenchie, enjoying the beautiful day. Despite all the commotion, Ozzie did a great job listening to every command I gave him! With a few new distractions, he needed some extra repetitions here and there, but he worked through it and succeeded.
Given the higher-than-usual temperatures lately, I’ve been paying close attention to Ozzie’s energy levels to make sure I’m not overexerting him. I always pick shaded areas when working outside to keep him cool and give him plenty of breaks. Inside, he’s getting lots of exercise playing with Dottie—he loves it!
One thing Ozzie has discovered—and now loves—are these zero-calorie treats we call Ice Tax. Dottie’s a fan, and Ozzie’s learned to love them too. It’s the cutest thing to see! They’ve become a perfect summer treat and a great tool for obedience training.
Check out the picture!
Today we returned to the local hardware store to re-expose Ozzie to the busy environment and put him to the test! As I’ve been gradually exposing Ozzie to different levels of public activity, he’s been learning how to manage his anxiety. This time, as we strolled through Home Depot, Ozzie was off leash, confidently showing off all the skills he’s learned during his time with me.
Despite all the distractions, Ozzie did a fantastic job staying focused. Several customers and employees even became fans of his obedience work, impressed with how well he was doing at such a young age. I was so proud of Ozzie for overcoming his previous anxiety in this setting. He’s truly showing how much he’s grown and matured over the past couple of weeks. With consistent training, he’s becoming such a well-balanced pup!
Pupdate 6/2/25
Today we headed back to Long Beach to explore the bustling sights of the shoreline and to put Ozzie to the test off leash. Ozzie was resilient and overcame all his previous anxieties, pushing through with determination. He walked confidently through the busy crowd, stayed focused, and completed all of his commands despite the many distractions. Yay Ozzie! I’m so proud of him!
Now that Ozzie is mastering his commands, here’s a little lesson to help you understand how he got there and to guide you in practicing with him once he’s back home. I’ll be sending you each command over the next few days—enjoy!
COME Command
START AT ZERO AND GIVE 1 “CHANCE” PER GRADUAL INCREASE
QUICKLY TAP THE BLACK “S” BUTTON AT THE EXACT SAME TIME YOU
ARE SAYING THE COMMAND.
IF DOG DOESN’T FOLLOW THROUGH, TURN DIAL SLIGHTLY UPWARD, PUSH BUTTON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SAYING “COME” AGAIN
IF DOG DOESN'T FOLLOW THROUGH, TURN DIAL SLIGHTLY UPWARD,PUSH BUTTON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SAYING “COME” AGAIN
REPEAT THE ABOVE UNTIL YOUR DOG MAKES AN EFFORT TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE COMMAND ONCE THE DOG STARTS COMING TOWARDS YOU, GIVE THEM VERBAL ENCOURAGEMENT (“GOOD COME”) SINCE THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE COMMAND.
YOUR CANINE SHOULD COME TO YOUR RIGHT-HAND SIDE, LOOP DIRECTLY BEHIND YOU, AND END IN A SEATED POSITION DIRECTLY ON YOUR LEFT-HAND SIDE. WITH THEIR EARS IN LINE WITH YOUR LEFT LEG.
YOUR DOG SHOULD COME WITHIN ARMS REACH OF YOU. IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE A STEP TO PET HIM OR HER THEN THE DOG IS TOO FAR AWAY, SO CONTINUE WITH THE ABOVE “COME” PROCEDURE UNTIL THEY ARE IN THE CORRECT POSITION.
ONCE YOUR PUP HAS FULLY COMPLETED THE COMMAND, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW UP WITH PRAISE SAYING “GOOD COME, GOOD SIT”
ENSURE YOU ARE KEEPING IT FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR PUP!!
Pupdate
Small bump finding
While grooming Ozzie this afternoon, I found a small dime size bump on his right hind leg. It has a dry scab and feels like it has a small marble like material. I’ve squeezed it a little but it doesn’t seem to bother Ozzie. I will be keeping an eye on it and will be updating you if anything changes.
Pupdate 6/3/25
On today’s trip to the park, Ozzie had his final off-leash social meet-up with the other trainers and pups. He proudly showed off all the skills he’s learned during his time with Off Leash and even made some new friends—including meeting his “little bigger” twin, Lulu!
After spending quality time with Ozzie and getting to know his personality, I’ve learned that he bonds quickly with his humans. He always wants to be wherever the action is, and that classic FOMO comes from his deep desire to be part of a family environment.
At the beginning of our training sessions, Ozzie was crated to help establish structure and boundaries. As he got more comfortable in my home, he started spending more time out of the crate, joining me and my family in the living room. We continued to use the crate for nap times, bedtime, and whenever we left the house for errands.
Every morning, as soon as the sun came up and he heard the family waking, the whining and crying would begin—his way of saying, “Let’s start the day!” He was always eager to get out of the crate and jump into the morning routine.
Once he's finally home with you, he should be able to settle in comfortably and feel right at ease.
Sit Command
START AT ZERO AND GIVE 1 “CHANCE” PER GRADUAL INCREASE
QUICKLY TAP THE BLACK “S” BUTTON AT THE EXACT SAME TIME YOU ARE SAYING THE COMMAND.
IF DOG DOESN’T FOLLOW THROUGH, TURN THE DIAL SLIGHTLY UPWARD PUSHING THE BUTTON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SAYING “SIT” AGAIN
IF DOG DOESN’T FOLLOW THROUGH, TURN THE DIAL SLIGHTLY UPWARD PUSHING THE BUTTON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SAING “SIT” AGAIN
REPEAT THE ABOVE UNTIL YOUR DOG MAKES AN EFFORT TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THE COMMAND
ONCE YOUR DOG STARTS SITTING, PROVIDE THEM WITH VERBAL ENCOURAGEMENT (“GOOD SIT”) SINCE THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE COMMAND
IF YOUR DOG GETS UP FROM THE SIT COMMAND BEFORE YOU RELEASE THEM WITH THEIR MAGICAL WORD (“BREAK”), SIMPLY REPEAT THE ABOVE STEPS.
ENSURE YOUR ARE KEEPING IT FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG!
Pupdate 6/4/25
Today we reviewed food, door, and car manners with Ozzie—all off leash—and also went on an off-leash walk with Dottie to see how he would do in a more public setting. Ozzie did great! He heeled so well, even with a few distractions along the way. I think he was showing off—such a good boy! Dottie, on the other hand, wanted to do her own thing. I think she might be getting a little jealous of all the attention I’m giving Ozzie… hahaha. Oh, Dottie!
It’s amazing to see Ozzie’s growth from the first day he arrived to now. He’s becoming such a well-mannered, confident pup. I can’t wait to show you all the skills he’s learned!
Below is the Heel Command so you an familiarize yourself with it:
Heel Command
START WITH YOUR DOG ON YOUR LEFT-HAND SIDE DIRECTLY BESIDE YOUR LEFT LEG, WITH THE DOG IN A SIT POSITION.
STARTING THE DOG FROM A SIT, YOU SIMPLY SAY “HEEL” AND START WALKING. IF YOUR DOG DOESN’T START WALKING WITH YOU SAY “HEEL” AND TAP THE BLACK STIMULATION BUTTON.
FOR HEEL, YOU START AT A LEVEL THAT YOU CAN SEE THE DOG ACKNOWLEDGES AND GETS THEIR ATTENTION. LOOK AT THIS LIKE A TAP ON THEIR SHOULDER.
IF YOU TAP THE BUTTON AND THE DOG IGNORES THE STIMULATION, YOU ARE TOO LOW. IF YOU TAP THE BUTTON AND THE DOG JERKS THEIR HEAD, SHAKES, OR VOCALIZES, YOU ARE TOO HIGH.
ONLY GOING UP ON THE E-COLLAR UNTIL YOU REACH A LEVEL THAT
GETS THE DOG’S ATTENTION. IF YOU GO TOO HIGH ON THE E- COLLAR, THE DOG WILL START TO FOCUS ON THE STIMULATION AND NOT ON THE COMMAND.
WHILE WALKING, SLOW DOWN, SAY YOUR DOG’S NAME, AND THEN COME TO A COMPLETE STOP.
IMMEDIATELY, INITIATE “SIT” PROTOCOL WHICH IS DESCRIBED ON THE PAGE LABLED “SIT COMMAND”
THIS SHOULD BE DONE EVERY TIME A HEEL COMMAND IS STOPPED.
SAY THE DOG’S NAME, STOP MOVEMENT, INITIATE THE SIT PROTOCOL ABOVE.
YOUR DOG SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE SIT COMMAND UNTIL THEY ARE RELEASED WITH “BREAK” OR GIVEN A NEW COMMAND SUCH AS “HEEL” OR “DOWN”, ETC.
THE HEEL COMMAND SHOULD BE A CONSTANT STATE OF MOTION. YOUR PACE SHOULD NOT MATTER. SHOULD YOUR CANINE STOP, SNIFF, OR VEER AWAY FROM YOUR HEEL POSITION; REMIND THEM OF THE HEEL COMMAND AND KEEP WALKING. PAIRED WITH THE E- COLLAR STIMULATION
Today we focused on sending Ozzie to “place” from a distance, practicing “under,” and refining all the commands he’s learned over the past few weeks. He performed them like a pro—almost as if he’s been doing them for a long time! It’s impressive to see how far he’s come in just 18 days. From knowing only a few commands to confidently walking alongside me off-leash—it’s truly amazing.
This afternoon, Ozzie wasn’t feeling his best and ended up vomiting his breakfast. He didn’t show any other signs of sickness, so I gave him some water and let him rest. After a good nap, he had his break and was back to his usual self. I’ll continue to monitor him closely.
Please read below to familiarize yourself with the “Place” command”
Enjoy!
Place Command
PLACE SHOULD BE A DEFINED OBJECT/BOUNDARY EASILY IDENTIFIED BY YOU CANINE. (EXAMPLES: DOG BED, DOG COT, BLANKET, TOWEL, BENCH, CHAIR, ETC.)
NEVER PLACE YOUR CANINE ON ANYTHING YOU DON’T WANT THEM TYPICALLY ON.
USING AN OPEN HAND OR REMOTE HAND- HOLD IT DIRECTLY OVER THE OBJECT TO GIVE THE DOG A DEFINED TARGET, SHOWING THEM WHERE YOU WANT THEM TO PLACE.
START AT ZERO AND GIVE 1 “CHANCE” PER GRADUAL INCREASE QUICKLY TAP THE BLACK “S” BUTTON AT THE EXACT SAME TIME YOU ARE SAYING THE COMMAND.
IF THE DOG DOESN’T FOLLOW THROUGH, TURN THE DIAL SLIGHTLY UPWARD. PUSH THE BUTTON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SAYING “PLACE” AGAIN. ENSURE YOUR ARE USING YOUR OPEN PALM OVER THE OBJECT TO GIVE THEM THE VISUAL CUE.
IF THE DOG DOESN’T FOLLOW THROUGH, TURN THE DIAL SLIGHTLY UPWARD PUSHING AGAIN ON THE “S” BUTTON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SAYING “PLACE” AGAIN.
REPEAT THE ABOVE UNTIL YOUR DOG MAKES AN EFFORT TO COMPLETE THE COMMAND
ONCE YOUR DOG STARTS PLACING, GIVE THEM VERBAL
ENCOURAGEMENT (“GOOD PLACE”) SINCE THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE COMMAND.
IF YOUR DOG LEAVES FROM THE PLACE OBJECT BEFORE YOUR RELEASE THEM WITH THEIR MAGICAL WORD (“BREAK”), SIMPLY REPEAT THE ABOVE STEPS.
ENSURE YOUR ARE KEEPING IT FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG!!
Today, Ozzie and I took our final trip to Long Beach to work on socializing, environmental exposure, and even a little assistant training with one of our fellow pups, Luna. Ozzie was wonderful in helping Luna feel more at ease—she doesn’t always warm up to other dogs, but Ozzie worked his magic. He’s truly such a love bug!
During our walk around Long Beach, Ozzie walked with such confidence. I received so many compliments on how well-behaved he was. There wasn’t a single moment where I needed to use the STIM—he responded to every command the first time it was asked. I am so proud of how far he has come! The consistent training has truly paid off.
To help little Luna, we worked on “heel,” and despite the bustling environment and distractions, Ozzie stayed focused. Great job, Ozzie!
Down Command
START AT ZERO AND GIVE 1 “CHANCE” PER GRADUAL INCREASE.
QUICKLY TAP THE BLACK “S” BUTTON AT THE EXACT SAME TIME YOU ARE SAYING THE COMMAND.
IF THE DOG DOESN’T FOLLOW THROUGH, TURN THE DIAL SLIGHTLY UPWARD AND PUSH THE “S” BUTTON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SAYING “DOWN” AGAIN. ENSURE YOU ARE POINTING DOWNWARD IN ORDER TO GIVE THEM THE VISUAL CUE.
IF THE DOG DOESN’T FOLLOW THROUGH, TURN THE DIAL SLIGHTLY UPWARD AND PUSH THE BUTTON WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY SAYING “DOWN” AGAIN.
REPEAT THE ABOVE UNTIL YOUR DOG MAKES AN EFFORT TO COMPLETE THE COMMAND.
ONCE THE DOG STARTS TO DOWN, GIVE THEM VERBAL ENCOURAGEMENT (“GOOD DOWN”) SINCE THEY ARE FOLLOWING THE COMMAND.
IF YOUR DOG GETS UP FROM THE DOWN COMMAND BEFORE YOU RELEASE THEM WITH THEIR MAGICAL WORD (“BREAK”), SIMPLY REPEAT THE ABOVE STEPS.
ENSURE YOU ARE KEEPING IT FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR
Final Pupdate 6/7/25
Today is our final training day, and I cannot express enough how proud I am of Ozzie. He has transformed into such a well-mannered pup. Through structured and consistent training, he has shown incredible maturity and growth. Not only has he learned important manners, but he has also learned how to be a well-balanced dog in social environments. By exposing him to high-stress environments, he has developed impressive self-control.
With continued structured and consistent training at home, Ozzie will continue to thrive and maintain the skills he has learned with Off Leash. At home, he has also learned how to relax and enjoy family time. His personality shines through, making it clear that crate time is only for sleep or when the family is away. During all other times, he wants nothing more than to be included and spend time with his family.
It has truly been a pleasure being Ozzie’s trainer and being a part of his journey. He is such a gem and has won our hearts. Dottie especially enjoyed playing with him, and we will miss him dearly.
Below is the command we trained on today.
Enjoy!
Send Away to Place Command
STARTING WITH YOUR CANINE AT YOUR LEFT SIDE, HEEL YOUR DOG TOWARDS THE PLACE OBJECT
BEFORE REACHING THE PLACE OBJECT, STOP WALKING AND ALLOW YOUR DOG TO CONTINUE TO MOVE TOWARDS THE PLACE OBJECT
WITH AN OPEN HAND (SEE PLACE DIRECTIONS) AS FOR YOUR CANINE TO “PLACE” ON THE OBJECT
YOUR CANINE SHOULD WALK ON, TURN TOWARDS YOU, AND SIT ON THE OBJECT
OVER TIME THE DISTANCE TO THE OBJECT WILL GROW. ALLOW THE CANINE TO LEARN FROM A CLOSER DISTANCE, INCREASING THE NUMBER OF FEET TO THE OBJECT AS EACH SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF “PLACE”
IF THE CANINE DOESN’T SUCCESSFULLY “PLACE”, GO BACK TO THE PREVIOUS SUCCESSFUL DISTANCE AND REPEAT FROM THERE BEFORE INCREASING DISTANCE AGAIN
UPON COMPLETION OF THE COMMAND, REWARD YOUR CANINE WITH PRAISE SAYING, “GOOD PLACE”
ENSURE YOU ARE KEEPING IT FUN FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG!
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