Sandy | Australian Shepherd | Long Beach, CA | In-Training
- Jose Ayala
- Apr 14
- 15 min read
Updated: Apr 27
Meet Sandy! She is a sixteen month old Australian Shepherd who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. Sandy is here for basic obedience, jumping to greet, excessive barking, and leash reactivity towards other dogs. She came to us knowing a fee commands but needs a little structure to help her follow through. The goal for Sandy is to have better leash manners, as well as proper greeting manners in public and in the home. Over the next fourteen days, she 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!
Sandy and I concentrated on her recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Sandy 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. Sandy demonstrated comprehension of the task and adapted to the instructions, but still had some trouble as she would not sit when she came to my left. To work her through it I utilized slight leash tension by pulling up, and slightly pressing on her lower back to guide her into the sit position. Once Sandy 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 on the car ride home, and she is adapting to her new environment for the next two weeks. I look forward to working with her as we embark on her training journey and have her become the best pup that she can be.
Maintaining a calm and relaxed state while walking your dog is one of the most fundamental aspects of responsible dog handling, yet it is often overlooked. A relaxed mindset sets the tone for both you and your pup, creating a safer, more enjoyable, and more productive walking experience. Dogs are highly perceptive animals; they are instinctively attuned to the emotional state and physical cues of the person holding the leash. When you approach a walk with calmness and confidence, your dog is far more likely to mirror that behavior, resulting in a smoother and more cooperative outing. Remaining in a relaxed state starts with mental preparation. Before even stepping outside, it is essential to be mindful of your posture, your breathing, and your emotional expectations. Approaching a walk with anxiety, frustration, or impatience will almost certainly transfer to your dog, which can trigger pulling, reactivity, or unfocused behavior. Conversely, steady breathing, relaxed shoulders, and an easy but purposeful walking pace help signal to your pup that the environment is safe and under control. The dog-human bond during a walk functions as a feedback loop — the calmer you are, the more balanced your pup will be, and the more balanced your pup is, the easier it is for you to stay calm. One of the most critical physical components of this dynamic is the leash itself. A tense leash does far more than simply restrict your dog’s movement; it transmits your emotional state directly to Sandy. Tension in the leash often signals to a dog that there is something to worry about — whether it’s an approaching dog, person, or an unfamiliar environment. This tension can unintentionally heighten her stress, create reactivity, or reinforce undesirable pulling behavior. A tight leash can also interfere with a dog’s natural gait, body language, and ability to make good choices, forcing them into a state of constant over-vigilance. Walking on a loose leash, by contrast, promotes communication, trust, and cooperation between Sandy and yourself. A loose leash allows her to explore her surroundings within reasonable boundaries, fostering confidence and curiosity while preserving Sandy’s sense of autonomy. This freedom helps reduce frustration and leads to a more engaged and responsive companion. The act of maintaining a relaxed leash also reinforces your leadership, demonstrating to Sandy that you are both calm and in control, reducing her need to take control of the walk or feel defensive about her environment. Staying relaxed during a walk and allowing slack on the leash are deeply intertwined practices that build the foundation of a well-balanced relationship between you and your pup. A calm, loose-leash walk is not only physically easier but also mentally enriching for both of you, turning an everyday routine into a rewarding exercise in trust, communication, and mutual respect.
Sandy 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 Sandy 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 Sandy 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 Sandy to the designated spot we practiced on which was a park bench. As I approached the bench with her, I applied gentle tension on the leash to encourage her to move forward. When Sandy stepped onto it, I immediately released the tension on the leash, signaling that she has made the correct choice. Timing here is crucial, so the moment she made contact with the bench, 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 Sandy 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 Sandy 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.
Sandy and I conducted a focused training session at a local park, carefully selecting an area with minimal distractions to create an optimal environment for reinforcing her foundational commands. Throughout the session, Sandy demonstrated engagement and responsiveness to her training, maintaining focus and executing her commands consistently. While the overall setting was relatively calm, there were a few natural distractions present, including squirrels moving about in the distance. Despite these tempting triggers, Sandy showed significant progress in her ability to manage her impulses. She remained steady and compliant in her place command, even when her attention was momentarily drawn toward the movement around her. This session highlighted Sandy’s growing self-control and her ability to work through mild distractions, an important milestone in her training journey. Moving forward, I will continue to gradually increase the level and variety of distractions during our sessions to help strengthen her impulse control and ensure reliability in more stimulating environments. I am very pleased with Sandy’s performance so far and look forward to building on this progress as we advance in her program.
Sandy 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy 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 Sandy 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 Sandy, 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 Sandy to continue engaging with her training, and it also strengthens her willingness to follow through with the behavior.
Establishing reliable obedience in a controlled, low-distraction environment is one of the most fundamental and critical steps in effective dog training. Before introducing Sandy to more complex or stimulating scenarios, it is essential that she fully understands and consistently follows through with commands when distractions are minimal. This approach lays the foundation for long-term success and safety, both for you and Sandy. When she is first learning a new behavior or command, her ability to process and retain information is heavily influenced by her surroundings. Minimal distractions allow Sandy to focus solely on my cues without competing stimuli, reducing the likelihood of confusion or failure. This controlled environment fosters confidence, builds a clear understanding of expectations, and establishes a pattern of success. Repeated success in a simplified setting helps reinforce the behavior, making it second nature to Sandy, rather than a momentary or situational response. Attempting to train her amidst distractions before a command is fully understood often leads to frustration, inconsistent performance, and potentially the development of undesirable habits such as ignoring cues or self-rewarding for disengaging. A dog that is prematurely exposed to high-distraction environments is much more likely to default to instinctual or previously reinforced behaviors rather than the newly taught commands, which can undermine the training process and erode trust between the handler and the dog. Additionally, teaching Sandy to respond reliably in a distraction-free setting not only builds her confidence but also sharpens my timing, clarity, and communication skills. Once Sandy and I demonstrate consistency in this controlled environment, the training can be systematically advanced by gradually increasing the level of distraction in a way that supports learning rather than overwhelming her. This progression ensures that she can maintain composure, focus, and responsiveness in real-world scenarios, which is the ultimate goal of any training program.
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 Sandy 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 Sandy 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 Sandy’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 Sandy 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 Luella’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 Sandy, as the physical challenge of remaining still on an awkward surface helps channel her energy into concentration rather than distraction.
Establishing a strong foundation in distance and duration work using a short leash before transitioning to a fifteen-foot leash is a critical step in developing reliable leash manners and consistent obedience. Starting with a short leash allows both Sandy and I to build a clear line of communication in a controlled environment. With reduced physical space, she is less likely to become distracted or overwhelmed by external stimuli, which enhances her ability to focus on my cues and expectations. This close proximity also gives me more immediate control, enabling me to reinforce desired behaviors and correct mistakes with precise timing, which is essential in the early stages of learning. Distance and duration are two of the most challenging concepts for dogs to master because they require not only understanding a command but also sustaining self-control as space and time variables increase. By working on these concepts with a short leash first, Sandy learns the foundational expectation of holding a position or remaining engaged with me, even when minor distractions occur or when I create slight distance. This establishes reliability and confidence in the behavior, which is far more difficult to achieve if Sandy is given too much freedom too soon. Only after she consistently demonstrates understanding and reliability on the short leash is it fair and productive to introduce a longer line. A fifteen foot leash will dramatically increase the level of challenge for her, as it will introduce more room for independent decision making, exposure to greater distractions, and opportunities to break focus. Without the prerequisite of short leash success, this progression can overwhelm Sandy, undermine the training, and potentially lead to inconsistent or unreliable behavior patterns.
A well structured training program for dogs is essential for their development and well being, and incorporating regular playtime into this program offers numerous benefits that enhance the overall effectiveness of training. Playtime serves as a fundamental aspect of a dog's daily routine, providing not only physical exercise but also mental stimulation. Engaging in play helps to strengthen the bond between the dog and the handler, fostering trust and cooperation, which are vital components of successful training. One of the primary advantages of integrating play into Sandy’s training regimen is the positive impact it has on her motivation and enthusiasm. Dogs are naturally playful creatures, and incorporating enjoyable activities into training sessions can make learning more appealing. This approach encourages Sandy to be more engaged and responsive, allowing her to absorb commands and behaviors more effectively. When dogs associate training with fun, they are more likely to participate actively and retain the information being taught. Playtime serves as an excellent outlet for Sandy’s energy. Many behavioral issues stem from excess energy that has not been properly channeled. By providing regular play opportunities, we as owners can help prevent undesirable behaviors such as chewing, barking, or digging, which often result from boredom or frustration. Additionally, play can significantly reduce anxiety and stress, creating a calmer and more focused pup during training sessions. This can lead to improved concentration and a more conducive learning environment.
Using a long line to train your pup is an effective and beneficial method for enhancing both distance and duration in various obedience exercises and activities. This technique allows for a greater degree of freedom for the dog while still maintaining control for the handler, fostering a productive learning environment. One of the primary advantages of using a long line is that it encourages Sandy to explore her surroundings safely. With a longer tether, she can engage more fully with her environment, which can enhance her confidence. This exploratory behavior is crucial for socialization, as it allows Sandy to encounter different stimuli such as other animals, people, and various terrains, while still being under my supervision. Consequently, she learns to manage distractions and develop appropriate responses, which is essential for her overall behavioral development. Moreover, training with a long line facilitates the reinforcement of commands over longer distances. This method enables me to teach Sandy to respond reliably to cues even when she is further away. For instance, during recall training, the long line allows me to provide immediate feedback, rewarding Sandy for returning while also gently guiding her back if she strays too far. In addition, practicing duration with a long line is beneficial for teaching Sandy to maintain specific behaviors for extended periods. Whether it’s sitting, placing, or lying down, the long line allows me to gradually increase the distance while ensuring she remains in the desired position. This gradual approach is vital for building her self control and patience, which are essential traits for well mannered pets.
In my recent training session with Sandy, I focused on leash dragging exercises at a local park to address specific challenges she faced with her come to sit. During the initial phase of our work, it became evident that Sandy was struggling to respond consistently when called. Recognizing this, I implemented a strategy to reset her focus and enhance her understanding of the exercise. To facilitate her learning, I began by conducting multiple repetitions with her on a leash. This approach allowed me to monitor Sandy's behavior closely and reinforce positive actions while providing guidance and corrections as necessary. Consistency was key during these repetitions; I ensured that Sandy received clear cues to reinforce the desired recall behavior. Once I observed an improvement in her responsiveness, I decided to drop the leash, which marked a crucial turning point in our training process. This transition aimed to encourage Sandy's independence while still retaining the structure we established during the initial exercises. With the leash dragging, I reiterated the recall command and encouraged her to execute the task without direct physical guidance. Through perseverance and continued practice, Sandy gradually began to grasp the concept of recall. After several attempts, I noted a marked improvement in her ability to respond to my calls, demonstrating an understanding of the exercise. By the end of our session, Sandy followed through with the recall command and built a little confidence in her ability to engage and interact effectively. This experience underscored the importance of patience, incremental progress, and adaptability in training. By utilizing a structured approach and paying close attention to Sandy's behavior, we were able to achieve positive results that will serve as a foundation for her continued development in recall training.
Establishing good food and door manners offers a multitude of benefits, not only for Sandy, 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 Sandy 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 Sandy 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 Sandy, but also helps to avoid potential conflicts with other animals or people that may be outside. Moreover, instilling door manners promotes a sense of discipline and structure in Sandy’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. In addition to her pupdate video, I will also be attaching an e-collar tutorial video for you to become familiar with its functions.
Transitioning a dog from on-leash to off-leash freedom is an exciting prospect for many dog owners, especially after investing time and resources in professional training. However, it is crucial for owners to spend a couple of weeks working with their dogs on a leash before allowing them to roam freely. This process not only reinforces the training the dog has received but also builds a stronger bond between the owner and their pet, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable experience for both. First and foremost, practicing on-leash commands allow us as owners to review and reinforce the behaviors learned during training. Simply having a dog trained for off-leash obedience does not guarantee that it will respond flawlessly in every scenario encountered in the real world. By continuing to work with Sandy while on a leash, you can ensure consistent execution of commands such as sit, stay, and come. This repetition serves as a form of practice for Sandy, solidifying her understanding of what is expected when off-leash. Additionally, this on-leash period creates an opportunity for you to gauge her responsiveness in various environments and situations. Dogs can be unpredictable, and exposure to new stimuli—such as other animals, people, or unfamiliar surroundings—may affect Sandy’s behavior. By maintaining a leash during this acclimatization phase, you are better equipped to correct any lapses in obedience before granting her the full freedom of off-leash status. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of potential reinforcements of negative behaviors that could arise if she is allowed to run free without adequate supervision or control. Building a robust communication framework is another critical aspect of this process. When Sandy is accustomed to working with you while on a leash, she becomes more attuned to your signals and responses. This ongoing interaction fosters trust and a deeper understanding of each other's cues. It is essential for dogs to learn that their owner's commands remain valid regardless of whether they are attached to a leash or roaming freely. Strengthening this line of communication can drastically improve a dog's ability to respond positively to commands when off-leash, thus enhancing overall safety. In conclusion, it is imperative for dog owners, even those who have completed off-leash training, to spend a couple of weeks practicing with their pups on a leash before permitting them to roam without restraint. This practice reinforces training, enhances communication, addresses potential behavior issues, and fosters a stronger bond between you and Sandy. Taking these cautious steps ultimately sets the stage for a safe and enjoyable off-leash experience, ensuring lasting benefits for both the both of you.
Sandy 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 heartfelt gratitude for the trust you placed in me to care for and train Sandy during this time. Throughout the program, Sandy was a great companion. Our time together fostered a bond, and I enjoyed the process of training her. As Sandy 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, she 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 her. It has been a pleasure, and I am excited for the journey ahead for both you and her! Thank you Sandy!
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