Rook | Husky/Shepherd Mix | Los Angeles, CA | In-Training

Rook, a two year old Husky/Shepherd Mix, has joined OffLeash SoCal for our One Week Board and Train program. Rook comes to us knowing commands, but not always following them if distracted. He is easily distracted out in public, pulls on the leash while walking, and jumps to greet. Over the week Rook will be working on his on leash obedience and manners. Check in to see his progress!

---

Pupdate 11/17/2024

Rook is settling in well at my home. I introduced him to some of my pack. He has been running around and playing with his new best friend since he has arrived. I am going to let him get adjusted to his new surroundings today and tomorrow we will begin training. Above is a tutorial video of the Ecollar. I didn’t get to send you home with one, but please watch this video as many times as you need to become familiar with the training collar.

---

Pupdate 11/18/2024

Today Rook and I went to the park to work on his commands. I introduced and conditioned him to the Ecollar. We worked on commands Sit, Down, Place, and Heel. Place is a command where Rook must sit or lay on a defined object. This command is great for building confidence, working on distance and duration, as well as teaching him to be calm and relaxed. Heel is a structured walk where Rook must walk at my side. There should a be a loose leash at all times. Rook is not allowed to lead ahead, lag behind, or walk too far away from me. He shouldn’t put his nose to the ground or fixate on distractions around us. We should be the most important distraction when out in public. Rook did very well and caught on quickly to his commands. He had a great first day of training!

---

Pupdate 11/19/2024

Today Took and I went to the park again to work on his obedience. We practiced more of his Sit, Down, Place, and Heel commands. He did really well. Rook was focused and obedient. We did have a little struggle with Down in the beginning. I’m not sure if he was just being stubborn and not wanting to follow through or he if he didn’t fully understand the command. It didn’t take long for him to catch on. We worked on his duration, getting Rook to hold a sit, down, and place longer. We still need some more practice, but he is improving.

---

Pupdate 11/20/2024

Today Rook and I went to Lowe’s to work on his obedience around distractions. He was a little distracted at first, but as we walked around and trained he was able to settle down and focus. We practiced his commands and worked on his duration. Rook does pretty well holding his commands, except when I try to walk behind him. He wants to turn around to keep me in his vision. I held a treat above his nose while I circled around him. Once I completed the full circle I gave him the treat. After a few reps of this, Rook started to get the hang of it. We will continue to practice and progress.

---

Pupdate 11/21/2024

Today Rook joined me on a little shopping spree at the mall. He got to practice obedience around many distractions. He did very well. Rook was a little interested in the new surroundings, but still able to focus and follow all of his commands. We had a few admirers that watched us train. There was one woman that approached and complimented Rook on how well behaved he is. She ask if she could pet him. Rook sat calmly and patiently while receiving pets and affection.

---

Pupdate 11/22/2024

Today Rook and I trained at home. We practiced all his commands and worked on his distance and duration. I used his friends as a distraction and let them play around us while we trained. Rook did very well. He stayed focused and followed all his commands. Once training was over I let him join in on the fun and run around with his buddies.

---

Pupdate 11/23/2024

Today Rook and I trained at home again. We practiced all his commands and worked on his distance and duration. We also worked on his food and door manners.

The benefits of food manners is:

-Impulse control-Waiting for food helps your dog learn patience

-Reducing Anxiety and possessiveness- Good food manners can help reduce your dog's excitement, anxiety, or possessiveness around food.

-Not eating things he’s not supposed to- good food manners will teach him not to grab and eat things off the floor. Just because there is food on the floor does not mean it belongs to him.

The benefits of door manners is:

-Impulse control at thresholds- Typically the door causes excitement for a dog because they know they are going out (outside, for a ride, for a walk, etc.) Waiting at a doorway puts your dog in a calmer state of mind and you are able to have more control of the dog when you take him out.

-Safety- Teaching your dog to wait at thresholds will prevent bolting. 

I am very proud of Rook and the progress he has made over the week. He cannot wait to go home and show you everything he has learned!