Pupdate 3/6/2024
Pupdate 3/7/2024
Today Rufus and I went to the park to work on his commands. We met with other OffLeash SoCal trainers and their dogs, so Rufus had other dog distractions to work around. He was very distracted with his new surroundings, which made it hard for him to listen to his commands. He was being very stubborn with his down command, but I made sure he followed through and completed them. We worked on a new command, Come to Sit. This is where Rufus comes around my right side and sits on my left in the heel position. This command can be a little tricky, but Rufus is slowly getting the hang of it. We will continue to work around distractions and get him desensitized to his surroundings.
Pupdate 3/8/2024
Today Rufus and I went to Lowe’s to work on his obedience around distractions. He was a bit distracted in the beginning with all the noise and commotion going on around us. As we continued to walk around and train Rufus was able to settle down and focus on his commands. He did much better with his heel and down commands. He didn’t put up as much of a fight when I asked him to lay down. Rufus heeled nicely at my side without trying lead ahead. He is getting better with his duration, holding his commands longer. We need some more work on distance. If I try to walk away from him, he wants to break to come close to me. We will continue to practice and improve.
Pupdate 3/9/2024
Today Rufus and I went to a local shopping center to work on his obedience around distractions. We practiced all his commands and worked on his distance and duration. Rufus did very well today. He was more focused and obedient. He didn’t put up a fight when I would ask him to Down. He heeled nicely along side of me, even as we walked past people.
Pupdate 3/10/2024
Today Rufus and I went to Birch St. in Brea to work on his commands around distractions. We worked semi- off leash, letting him drag the leash around while we practiced. Rufus didn’t do too bad. He is doing much better with his duration and following through with his commands. For the most part he did great again in command while people passed by us. Only once did he break to say hi to a mom and daughter who were talking to him as they were passing. We need to just tighten up a few of his commands and he will be ready to start working completely off leash.
Pupdate 3/11/2024
Today Rufus and I trained at home. We practiced all his commands and worked on his distance and duration. We also worked on his food manners. Rufus really loves his food and is in a hurry to eat it all up. We practiced him sitting patiently and calmly until give him permission to eat his food. Just because the food goes to the floor does not mean it belongs to Rufus.
Pupdate 3/12/2024
Today Rufus and I went to the outdoor mall to work on his obedience around distractions. He did very well. He was focused and obedient. The only struggle we had was Rufus staying in the sit command. He tires out pretty quickly and wants to go into the down position right away, but I make sure he follows through with his sit commands. Rufus had a few admirers that stopped to watch us train.
Pupdate 3/14/2024
Today Rufus and I went to the indoor mall to work on his obedience around distractions. He did pretty well with following his commands. The only struggle we had was with some children distractions. Every child we saw he wanted to run up and say hello to them.
Pupdate 3/15/2024
Today Rufus and I stayed home to train. We practiced all his commands and worked on his distance and duration. We practiced his food manners, which he is doing very well with. We also worked on door manners; teaching Rufus that he cannot pass thresholds, even if I do, until given permission.
Pupdate 4/16/2024
Today Rufus took the day off from training. He spent the day relaxing, resting, and socializing with his friends before he goes home tomorrow. He was feeling a little under the weather today. His eyes had some mucus and were a little irritated, probably from the windy weather we’ve had. I rinsed his eyes with eye wash and wiped his eyes clean. I gave him a bath so he could be nice and clean when he sees you. Rufus has made amazing progress with his obedience training! He can’t wait to go home tomorrow and show you everything he has learned.
