Sadie | Pitbull Mix | Los Angeles, CA | In-Training

Jose Ayala
Aug 3
17 min read

Updated: Aug 16

Meet Sadie! She is a five year old Pitbull mix who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. Sadie is here for basic obedience, leash pulling, and reactivity towards people and other dogs. The goal for her is to have proper leash manners and build socialization skills so she can be able to go on family outings. Over the next fourteen days, Sadie 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!

Sadie 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 Sadie’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Sadie exhibiting behavior where she would pull on her leash heavily ahead of me. 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 Sadie 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 Sadie understand the desired position but also teaches her the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Sadie 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 is still a little nervous and anxious but she did eat half of her food and is adjusting slowly to her new environment for the next two weeks.

Sadie and I concentrated on her recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Sadie 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. Sadie demonstrated comprehension of the task and adapted to the instructions. Once Sadie 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 does very well on the car rides to and from our destination. She ate half of her food for breakfast but did not eat her dinner, so I will leave it out for her with hopes that she eats throughout the evening. 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. In addition to today’s pupdate, there is also a video on the e-collar that Sadie will be coming home with explaining its functions so you can watch and become familiarized with.

Sadie 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 Sadie 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 Sadie 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 Sadie 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 Sadie 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 Sadie 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 Sadie 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. Sadie did eat half of her meal for breakfast and half of her meal for dinner. If she eats the same amount tomorrow, I will be adding pumpkin into her food the following day to make it more enticing for her.

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 Sadie 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, Sadie 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 Sadie’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 Sadie 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 Sadie 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.

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

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 Sadie 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 Sadie 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 Sadie’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 Sadie 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 Sadie’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 Sadie, as the physical challenge of remaining still on an awkward surface helps channel her energy into concentration rather than distraction.

Reconditioning the recall command is a vital aspect of training that significantly impacts a dog's safety and well being. When a dog consistently fails to respond to the recall command, it can lead to various issues, including dangerous situations where the dog may run off, get lost, or be exposed to potential hazards. Therefore, reconditioning this command is essential for several reasons. Firstly, a reliable recall is crucial for the safety of the dog. In uncontrolled environments, such as parks or near roads, a dog that does not respond to its owner can quickly find itself in perilous situations. By reconditioning the recall command, owners can ensure that their dogs return promptly, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries. This aspect of training not only protects the dog but also provides peace of mind to the owner, fostering a more secure relationship. Secondly, the recall command is a cornerstone of effective communication between the dog and its handler. When a dog learns to respond consistently to this command, it indicates a mutual understanding and respect. Reconditioning the recall can help reinforce this bond, enhancing the dog's overall responsiveness to other commands and training cues. This improved communication can lead to better behavior in various situations, making outings more enjoyable. Moreover, the process of reconditioning the recall command serves as an opportunity for positive reinforcement training, which is crucial for a dog's emotional and mental development. Using rewards such as verbal praise or affection can create a positive association with returning when called. This not only encourages the dog to comply, but also builds its confidence. A confident dog is typically more engaged and willing to participate in training activities, leading to a more well-rounded pet.

Sadie 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 Sadie'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 Sadie with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding her duration while I increased the distance between us. However, as is often the case in training, some challenges arose, particularly with Sadie'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 Sadie's learning pace. This modification proved effective, as Sadie showed improvement in her responsiveness to her down.

Public outings play a crucial role in the overall development and well-being of dogs, contributing significantly to their physical, mental, and social health. Engaging dogs in public spaces exposes them to a multitude of stimuli that enrich their environment, including various sounds, sights, and scents. This sensory exposure is vital for their cognitive development and helps them learn to process different experiences. Additionally, regular outings provide opportunities for physical exercise, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight, improving cardiovascular fitness, and promoting overall physical health. Moreover, socialization is a key benefit of publicoutings. Dogs that are introduced to diverse environments, people, and other animals are more likely to develop well-rounded temperaments. They learn to interact appropriately, reducing the likelihood of fear-based behaviors that can result from isolation or lack of exposure. Gradual outings allow dogs to acclimate to new experiences at a comfortable pace, preventing overwhelming situations that could lead to anxiety or stress. By slowly increasing the frequency and duration of these outings, we as owners can help our dogs build confidence, fostering a more positive attitude towards encounters with unfamiliar stimuli. In addition to physical and social benefits, public outings can strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. Shared experiences in various settings create lasting connections and encourage trust. As we guide our dogs through new environments, we provide support and reassurance, helping our pets feel secure while exploring. This bond is instrumental in promoting obedience and compliance, as a well-socialized dog is more likely to respond positively to commands when in unfamiliar situations. Furthermore, public outings can serve as valuable training opportunities. During these experiences, you can practice commands, reinforce good behavior, and address any triggers in a controlled manner. This gradual exposure allows for constructive learning moments, enabling dogs to develop better coping strategies in the face of challenges. In conclusion, public outings are beneficial for dogs as they contribute to their physical health, cognitive development, proper socialization, and strengthened owner-pet relationships. However, it is essential to approach these outings gradually to ensure a positive experience. A thoughtful and measured introduction to the wider world allows dogs to thrive in various situations, ultimately leading to happier, healthier lives.

Establishing good food and door manners offers a multitude of benefits, not only for Sadie, but also for you and the household environment. Firstly, food and door manners contribute to a dog’s socialization skills. When a dog learns to exhibit polite behavior around food, such as waiting patiently for their meal or not jumping up at the table, it fosters a sense of discipline and respect. This behavior translates into other social situations, making the dog more adaptable and less prone to aggressive behaviors, especially in settings where food is present, such as during gatherings or visits to dog parks. The training process requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, which ultimately builds trust and strengthens the relationship. When a dog understands what is expected of them during meals, it leads to a smoother and more harmonious interaction, reducing stress for both the pet and the owner. Door manners are also an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership that has far-reaching benefits for both the dog and its owner. Door manners refer to the behaviors and etiquette a dog should exhibit when approaching or exiting a doorway, and instilling these manners is crucial for ensuring safety, fostering good behavior, and enhancing the dog-owner relationship. Firstly, teaching door manners significantly contributes to the safety of both Sadie and the people around her. A dog that bolts through an open door can easily find itself in dangerous situations, such as running into traffic or getting lost. By training Sadie to wait for permission before entering or exiting, we can prevent accidents and ensure that she remains within a controlled environment. This practice not only protects Sadie, but also helps to avoid potential conflicts with other animals or people that may be outside. Furthermore, instilling door manners promotes a sense of discipline and structure in Sadie’s behavior. Dogs thrive on routine and clear expectations, and training them to wait at the door or for their food teaches them patience and self-control.

Allowing Sadie to experience on-leash freedom with a long line in a controlled environment can be incredibly beneficial for her overall well-being and development. This approach strikes a balance between the safety and structure provided by the leash while offering the freedom for natural behaviors and self-expression that a traditional leash simply does not allow. Firstly, having the ability to explore her surroundings within a controlled space enriches Sadie's life. It promotes physical exercise, which is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity. Furthermore, this type of freedom allows Sadie to engage in instinctual behaviors such as sniffing, running, and playing, which contribute to her mental and emotional health. Being able to explore her environment not only stimulates her senses but also provides opportunities for her to interact with diverse stimuli—be it new sights, sounds, or smells—which can help in building her confidence and reducing anxiety. Moreover, allowing Sadie to be herself in a safe manner fosters improved social skills. She can learn to navigate interactions with other dogs and people, which is crucial for her social development. As she encounters different scenarios, she learns appropriate responses and behaviors, thus increasing her adaptability. Ripples of positive experiences gained in a controlled environment can significantly enhance her interactions outside of this space, resulting in a more well-rounded and socially balanced dog. Additionally, using a long line aids in reinforcing training. By giving her some freedom, she learns to focus on commands and returns to you voluntarily. This balance of autonomy and guidance solidifies your bond and builds trust, as she recognizes that her actions have consequences while still feeling secure and supported. Lastly, this method of allowing Sadie to express herself contributes to her happiness and overall quality of life. Dogs thrive when they are given opportunities to make choices and be active participants in their environments. By offering her on-leash freedom with a long line, she enjoys the best of both worlds—safety and freedom, giving her a happy and fulfilled existence. In summary, enabling Sadie to enjoy controlled on-leash freedom with a long line allows her to engage in physical activity, develop social skills, reinforce training, and enhance her happiness. This thoughtful approach nurtures her well-being and encourages her to flourish as a well-adjusted and content member of your family.

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 Sadie. By staying calm, we can reflect on our training strategies and adapt them to better suit Sadie’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, we not only promote a positive and safe environment but also enhance our ability to guide Sadie’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.

Sadie has completed her Two Week Board and Train Program and is now ready to return home. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the trust you placed in me to care for and train Sadie during this time. Throughout the program, Sadie was a great companion and our time together fostered a bond, and I enjoyed the process of training her. As Sadie prepares to transition back to your home environment, I am eager to share the skills and behaviors she has developed during her program. With your continued support and guidance, Sadie will continue to be set up for success. I look forward to demonstrating her progress and discussing how you can reinforce the training at home. Thank you once again for the opportunity to work with Sadie. I am excited for the journey ahead for the both of you. Thank you, Sadie!