Rosie | Pitbull Mix | Thousand Oaks, CA | In-Training

Meet Rosie! She is a four year old Pitbull mix who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. Rosie is here for basic obedience, leash pulling, and socialization. She has a tendency of barking at other dogs when on walks, but is submissive when a dog gets near her. Over the next fourteen days, Rosie will be working on her behavior and be set up for success with the hopes of becoming a well mannered pup. Check in to see her progress!

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Rosie 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 Rosie's obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Rosie exhibiting behavior where she would frequently pull ahead of me. To address this, I worked on her 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 Rosie 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 Rosie understand the desired position, but also teaches her the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Rosie is still mastering this skill, I am committed to incorporating the heel command into every walk moving forward to solidify her understanding and compliance. There were a few pups in the area that were a distraction, but Rosie did not react to them as they passed by. She did very well on the car ride home, and she did not eat her dinner, which is normal considering a new environment and new people. I will leave her food in her crate so that she may eat throughout the night if she does get hungry.

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Rosie and I concentrated on her recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Rosie 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. Rosie demonstrated comprehension of the task and adapted to the instructions. Once Rosie 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 continuing to work with her as we progress on her training journey and help her become the best pup that she can be.

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Rosie 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 Rosie 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 Rosie 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 Rosie to the designated spot we practiced on, which was a low level rock. As I approached the rock with her, I applied gentle tension on the leash to encourage her to move forward. When Rosie 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 it, 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 Rosie 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 Rosie 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.

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When working on socializing our dogs, maintaining a calm and relaxed demeanor as owners is crucial to facilitating a positive and productive experience. The emotional state of a dog can be significantly influenced by the behavior and attitudes of its owner. Dogs are naturally attuned to human emotions and can pick up on our stress or anxiety. If an owner approaches a socialization situation feeling tense or fearful, their dog is likely to sense this unease and may respond with similar apprehension. In contrast, a relaxed and confident owner sets a reassuring tone, which can help the dog feel more secure and open to new experiences. Moreover, remaining calm allows owners to better read their dog's body language and responses to other dogs. Dogs communicate primarily through body language, and an owner who is attentive and composed is in a better position to recognize signs of discomfort, aggression, or playfulness in their dog. This awareness facilitates timely interventions if necessary, allowing the owner to guide their dog's interactions and minimize any potential stress or conflict. Instead of reacting impulsively to a situation, a calm owner can thoughtfully assess the dynamics at play and make informed decisions about how to proceed. Additionally, a relaxed approach encourages positive reinforcement during socialization. When owners exhibit calmness, they are more likely to remain patient and supportive, reinforcing desirable behaviors in their dogs. This creates a foundation of trust and mutual respect, fostering a positive learning environment for their dog. In contrast, if owners become frustrated or anxious, they may inadvertently associate negative experiences with socialization, making it more challenging for the dog to develop confidence and social skills. Socialization is as much about learning for us as owners as it is for Rosie. By staying calm, we can reflect on our training strategies and adapt them to better suit Rosie’s needs. This adaptability is vital, as each dog has its unique personality and comfort level. A composed owner can approach each interaction with an understanding that patience and consistency are essential. This mindset not only helps in managing the immediate situation but also contributes to long-term successful socialization outcomes. We play a pivotal role in our dog's socialization journey. By remaining calm and relaxed during introductions to other pups, we not only promote a positive and safe environment but also enhance our ability to guide Rosie’s behavior. This approach builds a sense of security for her, fosters better communication, and ultimately leads to healthier and more enjoyable social interactions. Recognizing the impact of our own emotions, we can cultivate a more effective and enriching socialization experience for our pups. On another note, Rosie was reluctant to eat her breakfast and dinner today, so to encourage her to eat, I will add a more enticing food option, such as canned pumpkin or plain yogurt.

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Rosie 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 Rosie, 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 Rosie 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 Rosie 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 Rosie, 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 Rosie to continue engaging with her training, and it also strengthens her willingness to follow through with the behavior. Rosie is still not eating her meals even after adding canned pumpkin or plain yogurt, but she is drinking water throughout the day.

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Rosie 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 Rosie'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 Rosie with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding her duration while I increased the distance between us. Rosie 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 Rosie'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 Rosie's learning pace. This modification proved effective, as Rosie showed improvement in her responsiveness to her down. She did not eat her breakfast this morning, but she did eat all of her dinner.

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Taking your dog on routine walks is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership and plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall health and well being of your canine companion. Dogs, by nature, are active animals that require regular physical activity to maintain their physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional balance. One of the primary reasons for walking your dog is to help release pent up energy. Dogs that do not receive sufficient exercise can become restless, leading to behavioral issues such as excessive barking, chewing, or even aggression. Regular walks provide an outlet for this energy, allowing dogs to engage in physical activity that helps to burn off excess calories and promote a healthy weight. Additionally, routine walks contribute significantly to a dog's mental stimulation. The world is rich with sights, sounds, and smells that intrigue dogs, and walking allows them to explore their environment. Each outing presents new experiences, from encountering other dogs and people, to smelling various scents that provide a wealth of information about their surroundings. This mental engagement is just as important as physical exercise as it helps prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. By incorporating walks into your dog’s daily routine, you actively contribute to their mental health and emotional stability. Moreover, walking your dog provides valuable opportunities for socialization. Dogs are pack animals that thrive on social interactions, and walks expose them to a variety of stimuli, such as other animals, children, and different environments. This exposure is crucial for developing a well rounded dog. When dogs are regularly introduced to diverse situations and stimuli, they learn to adapt and respond appropriately, reducing anxiety and fear in unfamiliar settings. This process of gradual exposure helps build confidence in dogs, allowing them to become more comfortable in various environments, which is especially beneficial for puppies as they develop their social skills. Routine walks can also reinforce the bond between you and your dog. These outings create a shared experience that enhances the relationship, fostering trust and companionship. The time spent together during walks allows for communication, training opportunities, and positive reinforcement, which are vital for developing a strong and healthy bond. As you navigate different environments and situations together, your dog learns to rely on you for guidance and reassurance, further solidifying the bond you share.

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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 Rosie 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 Rosie 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 Rosie back to her position strengthens her understanding of accountability and enhances her mental discipline. It encourages Rosie 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, Rosie may perceive her own choices as equally valid to our commands, which can erode obedience over time and create frustration for both Rosie and ourselves. By calmly and consistently guiding her back into position, I teach persistence, patience, and respect for the training process. Ultimately, resetting Rosie 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.

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Incorporating a variety of textures and surfaces into a dog’s training environment plays a critical role in developing well-rounded, confident, and adaptable behavior. Practicing place on different objects extends beyond basic obedience and enters into the realm of canine confidence building, environmental desensitization, and cognitive development. When Rosie is introduced to and asked to maintain position on a range of surfaces such as rubber mats, wooden platforms, metal grates, soft cushions, slick floors, or uneven objects, she is learning far more than just the place command. This approach challenges her proprioception, which is her ability to understand body positioning and movement in space. As Rosie learns to stabilize herself on various surfaces, her balance, coordination, and overall body awareness improve. These physical challenges engage her mind and muscles simultaneously, resulting in a mentally and physically stimulated pup. From a behavioral standpoint, exposure to unfamiliar and varied textures can greatly reduce Rosie’s sensitivity to new environments and novel stimuli. Dogs who are only trained on consistent, predictable surfaces may develop hesitation or even anxiety when confronted with something unfamiliar underfoot. By intentionally introducing a variety of surfaces during training, I am helping Rosie build resilience and flexibility. This environmental confidence carries over into real-world scenarios, making her more composed and responsive in new or unpredictable situations, whether that be in urban areas or vet offices, for example. Additionally, training with different surfaces fosters a deeper level of focus and impulse control. Unusual or unstable textures demand Rosie’s attention and effort to maintain position, making her more likely to stay mentally engaged and tuned in to my cues. This is especially valuable for high-energy or easily distracted dogs like Rosie, as the physical challenge of remaining still on an awkward surface helps channel her energy into concentration rather than distraction.

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Loose leash walking is a fundamental skill that enhances the bond between a dog and its owner while also promoting safety and enjoyment during outdoor activities. This technique, whether practiced with a slip lead, long line, or six-foot lead, encourages dogs to walk beside their handlers without pulling, thereby fostering better communication and control. The significance of loose leash walking cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the overall well-being of both the dog and the handler. For dogs, this practice encourages them to remain calm and focused, reducing anxiety and excitement that can arise from pulling on the leash. When dogs learn to walk on a loose lead, they are less likely to become overwhelmed by their surroundings, which can lead to better behavior in public settings and greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents or unwanted encounters with other pets and people. From the handler's perspective, loose leash walking enhances the experience of dog ownership by allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable outing. When a dog is effectively trained to walk on a loose lead, it becomes easier for owners to navigate through busy streets, parks, or crowded areas. This not only enhances the enjoyment of walks but also makes it possible to engage in more outdoor activities together, such as hiking or visiting pet-friendly events, without the constant struggle of managing a pulling dog. Furthermore, a well-trained dog can participate in social gatherings and public outings with more confidence, leading to a more enriched life for both the pet and the owner. Additionally, loose leash walking promotes positive reinforcement training techniques, which encourage dogs to choose the desired behavior of walking calmly beside their owner. With a slip lead, long line, or six-foot lead, handlers can effectively guide their dogs while rewarding them for maintaining the appropriate position, fostering a cooperative relationship built on trust and mutual respect. This training not only instills good manners but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner, as it relies on clear communication and understanding rather than punishment or correction. Moreover, the importance of loose leash walking is amplified in urban environments where distractions are abundant. Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling city can easily lead to overstimulation. By implementing loose leash walking techniques, owners can help their dogs learn to remain focused on them rather than becoming distracted by their surroundings. This capability is crucial for maintaining safety in busy environments and ensures that outings are enjoyable and stress-free. In summary, loose leash walking with a dog—regardless of the type of lead used—holds significant importance for the health and happiness of both the dog and its owner. It enhances the quality of walks, promotes better behavior, strengthens their bond, and instills a sense of responsibility and safety in various environments. The adoption of loose leash walking practices is essential for creating positive experiences in a dog’s life, ultimately leading to a well-behaved and well-adjusted companion.

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