Sirius | Cocker Spaniel Mix | Rancho Palos Verdes | In Training
Updated: Jul 27
Please welcome Sirius!
Sirius comes to us from Rancho Palos Verdes and has enrolled in our Three-Week Reactive Board and Train Program. At around seven years old, Sirius carries quite a bit of anxiety and uncertainty with him. If he isn't busy becoming defensive toward people he believes are encroaching on his home, he's usually finding opportunities to swipe whatever he can get his paws on, especially food! And if he's not up to that kind of mischief, he's been known to mark areas around the house that he feels need his personal seal of approval, much to his family's expense.
Over the next three weeks, we'll be working to uncover what drives these behaviors while helping Sirius build confidence, trust, and healthier coping skills through structure, consistency, and clear communication. Follow along as he and I get to know our quirky little guy a little better, and maybe we'll discover whether everyone really is a Voldemort in his eyes... or just friends in disguise.
Stay tuned!
Pupdate 7/7
Today we headed out to the local park for Sirius's very first day of training, where we began laying the foundation for one of the most important obedience commands: Heel. A solid Heel isn't just about walking politely without pulling; it's about teaching Sirius to pay attention to me, trust my guidance, and move through the world as a team. Everything else we do together becomes easier once we establish that communication.
Given Sirius's current condition, I decided it was best to introduce the Heather's Hero instead of using a prong collar for the time being. The Heather's Hero allows me to gently guide his head and, in turn, his body without putting unnecessary strain on him. Needless to say, Sirius was not thrilled with this new fashion statement! He demonstrated with a few impressive temper tantrums; flipping and pawing at his face in protest, but that's completely normal. Dogs don't naturally enjoy having their choices limited, especially when they're learning something entirely new. The important part is calmly and consistently working through those frustrations without giving in, showing him that even when things feel unfamiliar, they're safe and manageable.
It took a little while for Sirius to begin following along with me, and that's perfectly okay. This was his very first day in a brand-new environment with a brand-new person asking him to do brand-new things. That's a lot of change for any dog! Add in the summer heat; even tucked away in the shade; and there was no reason to rush the process. Today wasn't about perfection; it was about building trust, establishing our relationship, and letting Sirius discover that learning can be a positive experience. Patience and a steady hand go a long way.
We also gave Sit a more formal introduction. For now, I needed to physically help him into position so he could begin understanding exactly what I was asking. That's all part of the learning process. As he gains clarity and confidence, that physical guidance will gradually disappear until he can respond on his own.
To finish things off, we had a little fun introducing Come to Sit, and Sirius surprised us all by offering a Sit on his own! That was a huge decision on his part, and as you saw in the video, it earned him some massive praise. Moments like that are exactly what we love to see because they show those first connections starting to click.
We wrapped up the session on a positive note. Sirius was definitely a little confused about what "Break!" meant, but before long he'll learn it's one of his favorite commands; the one that tells him training is finished and he's free to relax.
Fantastic first day, Sirius! Looks like this training journey is off to a Siriusly magical start; no need to wait for an owl from Hogwarts to tell us you're on your way to becoming a star pupil! Oh yes, I will be having fun with puns for the next three-weeks!
Pupdate 7/8
With the temperatures climbing today, we kept things safe and comfortable by heading to the shaded backyard to work on Sirius’s “Place” command.
As you’ll see in the video, I’m using place mats to give him a clear visual target, making it easier for him to understand exactly where I’d like him to go. A gentle guiding hand helped him onto the mat, and he’s already starting to catch on to the idea.
Sirius did a great job for one of his first sessions! Keeping training short and positive in the heat is important, so after his hard work he enjoyed some nice, refreshing water before settling in for a well-earned nap.
10 points to Gryffindog for a job well done!
Pupdate 7/9
Today we headed out to Century City Mall to continue building Sirius' confidence in one of the busiest environments we can train in. With the summer heat in full swing, the shaded walkways made for the perfect training location while still giving us plenty of opportunities to work through real-world distractions. The mall was packed with shoppers moving in every direction, children running around, strollers rolling by, automatic doors opening and closing, elevators, food aromas, and constant noise and movement.
For Sirius, who came to us feeling anxious and uncertain in unfamiliar situations, outings like these are invaluable. They help him learn that the world isn't nearly as scary as it first seems and that he can always look to his handler for guidance when things become overwhelming.
Today we worked on Heel, Sit, and Come to Sit, focusing not just on completing the commands but on maintaining them despite everything happening around us. One thing you'll notice throughout the video is that I'm praising Sirius while he's actively performing each command rather than waiting until it's over. This is intentional. Praising him during the behavior lets him know he's making the right choice in that exact moment. It builds confidence, keeps him engaged, and reinforces that staying in position is what earns the praise; not simply getting released from the command.
Sirius handled himself wonderfully today. Of course, he noticed the people passing by and all the excitement around him, but instead of shutting down or becoming defensive, he continued checking in with me and trusted my direction. That's exactly the mindset we're working to build.
Every successful repetition teaches him that he doesn't have to solve every situation on his own. He can stay calm, work through distractions, and rely on his training instead of his uncertainty. Seeing him navigate such a lively environment with growing confidence is a huge milestone, and I'm so proud of how far he's come in such a short time.
Sirius must've found the right spell today; Expecto Pawtronum! (Nailed it) His confidence keeps getting stronger with every outing.
Pupdate 7/10
Today we headed back to Century City Mall to continue building Sirius' confidence while sharpening his obedience in a busy, distraction-filled environment. We worked on his Heel, Place, Come to Sit, and Sit, all while navigating crowds, passing shoppers, and plenty of sights and sounds. These outings are invaluable because they teach Sirius that even when the world around him is constantly changing, looking to his handler for guidance is always the right answer.
Today we also introduced Down, which is often one of the more difficult commands for dogs to learn. Unlike Sit, Down asks a dog to lower themselves completely to the ground, putting them in a more vulnerable position. For a dog like Sirius, who has struggled with uncertainty and anxiety, that can be an especially big ask.
As you can likely assume given his resistance to Sit, Sirius wasn't immediately convinced this was the world's greatest idea. He resisted the leash at first and tried a few alternatives before settling into the correct position. Rather than forcing the issue, we stayed patient and gave him clear, consistent guidance, rewarding every step in the right direction. Once he realized what was being asked, everything began to click, and he started offering the behavior with much more confidence. I am being quite gentle with him given this command is a huge ask for a guy like him who likes to be in control of his environment at all times.
Watching Sirius work through these challenges has been incredibly rewarding. Every small victory builds trust, strengthens our communication, and helps him realize that trying something new doesn't have to be scary.
One command at a time, he's becoming a more confident version of himself; and with his speed of training, Dumbledore wishes he could've taken his studies for Sirius-ly. Did it.
Pupdate 7/11
Today we took a trip to Lake Balboa to continue exposing Sirius to the kinds of distractions and situations he'll encounter in everyday life. For a dog that has spent years feeling the need to protect his personal space, environments like this are incredibly valuable. The goal isn't to overwhelm him; it's to teach him that he can move through the world calmly without feeling like he has to handle every interaction himself.
During our walk, my supervisor Heather and my coworker (and girlfriend), Rei, helped us by briefly stepping into Sirius' space to gauge his reaction. As expected, I could immediately see his uncertainty begin to surface. Even though I remained calm and confident throughout the interaction, Sirius still attempted to scoot away and create distance. That response is important to recognize because it doesn't come from stubbornness, it comes from years of rehearsing that uncertainty. When a dog repeatedly learns that avoiding uncomfortable situations is an option, that behavior becomes their default coping mechanism. Rather than allowing him to fixate on Heather and Rei, I gave the command "Off" and continued moving forward in a structured Heel.
Keeping him in motion was intentional. If we had stopped to let him process the interaction for too long, it would have given him more time to dwell on the trigger, build anxiety, and convince himself that something was wrong. By calmly asking him to continue walking and focus on me instead, I was showing him that I had assessed the situation and there was nothing for him to worry about. Over time, enough successful repetitions like this help replace uncertainty with confidence because Sirius begins to trust that his handler will advocate for him instead of expecting him to solve every problem himself.
At seven years old, these emotional habits have had a long time to become ingrained. Changing them isn't about suppressing behavior; it's about changing how he feels about the situations that cause the behavior in the first place. That kind of emotional rehabilitation takes patience, consistency, and hundreds of successful experiences where Sirius learns that he can safely relax instead of reacting.
We also worked around ducks, geese, flocks of pigeons, and even a few yappy little dogs who seemed convinced they were ten times their actual size. Despite all of those distractions, Sirius continued making thoughtful decisions and stayed engaged with his training instead of reacting to everything around him. As you can see in today's video, he is making tremendous progress, and every outing is another step toward becoming a calmer, more confident dog.
Potty Training Update: I'm happy to report that Sirius has had zero accidents while in my care! Considering his age and the fact that he happily goes outside to relieve himself without hesitation, I'm becoming more convinced that the accidents occurring at home are likely a form of territory marking rather than a breakdown in house training.
Territorial marking can happen with both urine and feces. While many people associate marking exclusively with urine, dogs can also mark by defecating, particularly when the stool is firm and there are no signs of digestive upset. In those cases, it's often another way of communicating, "This is my space."
The best way to combat marking is through management and consistency. Frequent supervised potty breaks, preventing unsupervised roaming in the house, interrupting any attempts to mark before they happen, and immediately rewarding successful potty trips outside all help reinforce the correct habit. Just as importantly, any previous accident areas should be thoroughly cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet odors. Products like Nature's Miracle, Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator, or Anti-Icky-Poo work by breaking down the organic compounds in urine and feces that ordinary household cleaners often leave behind. If those scents remain, dogs are much more likely to return to the same spot because, to them, it still smells like an appropriate bathroom.
I'll continue monitoring Sirius' progress in this area, but based on everything I've observed so far, I'm optimistic that this is more of a "This is mine" habit than an issue with understanding where he's supposed to go. That's encouraging because behaviors like marking can often be greatly reduced through good management, proper cleaning, and consistent leadership.
Sorry for the long winded pupdate today. It was certainly needed to get my thoughts and opinions out to start noting any previous behavioral ticks that might have gone unnoticed.
I will end by saying this: Sirius has gone from Padfoot to good foot when it comes to heeling! Nailed it.
Pupdate 7/12
Today's training took Sirius back to Lake Balboa, and that was very intentional. While it's always fun to explore new places, returning to the same environment is just as important. Dogs build confidence through successful repetition, and by revisiting an area that previously challenged him, Sirius gets the opportunity to realize that those distractions aren't nearly as overwhelming as they once seemed. Each positive experience helps replace uncertainty with familiarity, making future outings less stressful and more predictable.
That said, today definitely tested him! We ventured a bit farther into the park where things were much busier than our last visit. There were plenty of people walking by, children playing, dogs passing in every direction, cyclists, joggers, and of course the ever-present ducks, geese, and squirrels that love to tempt him into losing focus.
Sirius certainly had his moments where the environment became a bit too much, but instead of allowing him to spiral, we worked through those feelings together. Every time he started to fixate or become stressed, I redirected him back into his obedience with commands like Heel, Sit, and Off, rewarding him for choosing to engage with me instead of his surroundings.
The goal isn't to create a dog that never notices the world around him; it's to build one that can acknowledge distractions without feeling the need to react to them. Sirius continues to show that even when he's uncomfortable, he's becoming more willing to trust my guidance and work through those emotions rather than letting them control him.
Progress isn't always measured by having a perfect outing; sometimes it's measured by recovering more quickly, making better decisions, and leaving the park a little more confident than when you arrived. Sirius did exactly that today, and I'm looking forward to seeing that confidence continue to grow with every adventure we take together.
Looks like Sirius is learning that the real magic isn't chasing every distraction; it's trusting his handler instead. At this rate, he'll be earning an O.W.L. in obedience before he ever needs to worry about Defense Against the Bark Arts! Yes, I am proud of that pun today.
Pupdate 7/13
Today Sirius took a trip to Klingerman Park where we met up with some of our fellow trainers and their dogs for a group training session. This was a fantastic opportunity to continue building his confidence in an environment that naturally pushes him outside of his comfort zone. For a dog like Sirius, who would much rather keep his distance from unfamiliar people, controlled exposure like this is incredibly valuable. The goal isn't to force him into interacting with strangers or to make him love every person he meets. Instead, it's to teach him that people can simply exist around him without posing a threat, and that he doesn't need to react every time someone enters his space.
Throughout the session, we focused heavily on maintaining a solid Heel and keeping his attention on me. By giving Sirius a clear job to do, he had something productive to concentrate on rather than scanning the environment for things to worry about. Every successful pass by another person or dog without a reaction helped reinforce the idea that remaining calm is far more rewarding than giving in to his uncertainty. While he still had moments where he wanted a little extra distance, he recovered quickly and was much more willing to trust my guidance than he would have been just a short time ago.
Confidence isn't built by avoiding the things that make us uncomfortable; it's built by working through them one successful experience at a time. Sirius continues to make steady progress, and it's rewarding to see him slowly realize that the world isn't nearly as intimidating as he once believed.
As for potty training, we're continuing to stick to a frequent potty schedule to help set Sirius up for success. We did run into one accident last night, but fortunately it isn't something I'm concerned about from a house-training standpoint.
Rather impressively, Sirius apparently realized he needed to go while we were settling in for the night and managed to angle himself so that he relieved himself outside of his crate rather than inside it. While it certainly made for an unexpected cleanup, it actually tells me he still has a strong instinct to keep his sleeping area clean. This wasn't a case of him forgetting his potty training, it was simply a matter of him needing to go before we had a chance to get him outside.
We'll continue taking him out proactively, especially before bedtime, to help prevent that situation from happening again. Overall, I'm still very pleased with his progress and his desire to keep his crate clean is a great sign that we're moving in the right direction.
Today though, proved that Sirius doesn't need an Expelliarmus to handle scary situations anymore; he's learning that the strongest magic is simply keeping his cool.
Pupdate 7/14
Today Sirius and I headed back to Century City Mall for another round of public exposure training, and it turned out to be the perfect challenge. With a big FIFA match drawing in crowds, the mall was absolutely bustling. People were packed throughout the walkways, conversations echoed from every direction, and there was a constant flow of movement all around us. For a dog who has spent years feeling uncertain and defensive around strangers, this was no small task.
You may notice Sirius is sporting a prong collar during today's training. Given his history of trachea concerns, we took extra care to fit it properly so it sits high on his neck, above his throat, rather than resting over his airway. When used correctly, it allows for light, clear communication with far less leash pressure than constantly pulling on a flat collar, making it a comfortable and effective tool for helping Sirius understand what's being asked of him while keeping his trachea protected.
Rather than avoiding the crowds, we used them as an opportunity to teach Sirius that he doesn't have to shoulder the responsibility of worrying about every person he sees. Throughout our outing, I kept him engaged in a structured Heel while periodically asking for Sits and Downs whenever we stopped. Giving him clear jobs to perform helped redirect his mind away from scanning every passerby for potential threats and instead toward focusing on me. Every time he made the choice to check in with me instead of fixating on the environment, I rewarded him with praise, so he understood that calm decisions are the right ones.
There were certainly moments where Sirius became tense as people walked close by or approached from unexpected directions, but instead of allowing that anxiety to build, I calmly guided him through it. By maintaining consistent leadership and advocating for his space when needed, I showed him that he didn't have to react because I was handling the situation for him. Each successful interaction chips away at the fear he's carried for so long, replacing uncertainty with trust. Confidence isn't built by avoiding stressful situations—it's built by experiencing them, working through them successfully, and coming out the other side realizing everything turned out just fine.
I'm incredibly proud of how Sirius handled such a busy environment today. While there's still work ahead of us, each outing is another reminder that bravery isn't the absence of fear; it's learning that you can move forward despite it.
Looks like Sirius is well on his way to becoming an honorary Gryffindor... because every trip out takes a little more courage. Mischief managed!
Pupdate 7/15
Today, Sirius and I returned to Century City for some more exposure work. With the mall still bustling with crowds, noise, and people constantly moving around us, it can certainly be an overwhelming environment for a dog who has spent much of his life feeling uncertain about the world around him. With the mall being particularly packed today, Sirius was frequently forced to navigate closely around people as we made our way through the crowds; and to his credit, look at him go in the video!
While Sirius still retains some of that uncertainty, he is slowly beginning to understand that people are not necessarily the end of the world. Rather than immediately feeling the need to become defensive when someone enters his space, he is learning that he can remain composed, continue moving forward, and simply allow people to exist around him. That may sound like a small thing, but for Sirius, it represents a very important step forward. Every successful outing gives him another opportunity to learn that the world around him is not something he constantly needs to fear or defend himself against.
On the potty-training front, Sirius has had no accidents while with us aside from that one rather interesting incident a few days ago! Since that may have been related to his crate training and overall potty routine, we have continued taking him outside frequently to give him plenty of opportunities to eliminate in the appropriate place. Maintaining that consistency is important, as preventing accidents helps keep him from rehearsing behaviors we don't want to become habits.
I am still somewhat suspicious that some of his previous accidents at home may have been related to territory marking, especially given his history of feeling the need to claim and defend his environment. If that is the case, the best approach is to prevent him from having the opportunity to continue practicing the behavior. Consistent supervision, frequent trips outside, and limiting unsupervised access to the home can all help establish a more reliable routine.
For Sirius, consistency will be especially important. The more we can reinforce that potty happens outside while preventing opportunities to mark indoors, the easier it will be to replace that old habit with a more reliable routine.
Overall, another productive outing for our boy! Century City may still be a lot for Sirius to process, but he continues to show us that he is capable of handling more than he once believed. One crowded outing at a time, Sirius is learning that the world may not be quite as frightening as he once thought.
He may still be a little uncertain, but with each outing, Sirius is proving that he can face his fears and become the dog he was always meant to be. Turn to page 394 on that note, Professor Snape!
Pupdate 7/16
Today Sirius and I headed back out to Lake Balboa to continue building on his progress, with a particular focus on his duration work. As we've discussed, returning to familiar environments is important because it gives him the chance to practice the skills he's learning in places where he has already experienced distractions. The more successful repetitions he gets, the more confident and reliable those behaviors become.
Sirius did an especially great job today when we had a very up-close encounter with one of Lake Balboa's resident geese. The goose wandered surprisingly close, giving Sirius every reason to become interested in what was happening. But to his credit, he barely batted an eye! Rather than fixating or becoming overwhelmed, he stayed composed and continued focusing on his work. For a dog who has historically struggled with uncertainty and environmental stress, moments like that are a big deal.
We also put his little hop to good use today! Sirius was able to get up onto one of the benches, where we worked on both Sit and Down. Having him work from different surfaces and positions helps build his confidence while also challenging him to maintain his commands for longer periods of time. And while he may not be the most graceful jumper in the world, he got the job done; and that's what matters!
Sirius continues to show us that he's capable of handling far more than he once believed. One calm goose encounter, one successful duration exercise, and one bench hop at a time, he's learning that the world doesn't have to be quite so intimidating.
Sirius isn't a wizard quite yet but he's earning the title Paw-ter splendidly! Yes, that was a bad one today.
Pupdate 7/17
Today Sirius and I headed back out to the lake for some more training, with a particular focus on duration work. Lately, Sirius has been showing a sudden tendency to decide that holding a command is apparently more of a suggestion than an actual expectation. So today, we spent some extra time reinforcing the importance of staying in position until he's given his release.
Dogs, much like children, have their days where they decide to test boundaries and see just how much they can get away with. Even Sirius, who should really be conducting himself like the proper gentleman his name suggests, decided to bring a little extra sass to training today. He had a few moments of wanting to get up early, shift around, and generally see if I was paying attention. Unfortunately for him, I was!
Rather than getting frustrated, we simply worked through it. Duration work is important because obedience isn't just about knowing a command, it's about having the patience and impulse control to maintain it until you're told otherwise. Sirius may have been feeling a little cheeky today, but with consistent reminders and follow-through, he was able to settle back into his work and complete what was being asked of him.
We didn't stay out for too long today because the heat was certainly making itself known, but we still managed to get some productive work in. You'll also get to see Sirius's little hops in the video! He was able to get himself up onto the bench for some of his exercises, and while he may have a bit of spring in his step, we won't be asking him to tackle any higher heights than that. His little hops are more than enough for now!
All in all, Sirius may have shown up today with a little more attitude than usual, but he still worked through it and made progress. Even the best-behaved dogs have their moments where they decide to push their luck. The important thing is that we stay consistent, fair, and patient until they remember that the rules still apply; even on their sassy days.
Sirius may have tried a few escape attempts from his duration work today, but I'm afraid there was no getting past the Marauder's Map; I saw every move!
Pupdate 7/18
Today Sirius and I headed back out to Lake Balboa for more exposure work, but this time we took a longer route through the park. There seemed to be dogs everywhere today, which made it the perfect opportunity to continue working on his confidence around them.
For Sirius, the goal isn't to pretend other dogs don't exist. It's to teach him that he can notice them without feeling like he needs to fixate, become tense, or react. The longer route gave us more chances to practice exactly that. As we encountered dogs along the way, I kept Sirius focused on me and guided him through each interaction, helping him understand that he didn't need to make every passing dog his concern.
He certainly had moments where he became more aware of his surroundings, but that's okay. Progress isn't about never feeling uncertain; it's about learning how to work through those feelings and recover. Each calm encounter gives Sirius another successful experience to build on, and the more he practices, the easier these situations will become.
I'm proud of him for continuing to push through, especially on a day where dogs seemed to be in abundance. One encounter at a time, Sirius is learning that the world doesn't need to be quite so intimidating.
Sirius had plenty of opportunities to practice his Paw-tus Totalus today; staying still, staying focused, and not reacting! A bit of low hanging fruit to be fair.
Pupdate 7/19
Today Sirius and I kept things a little closer to home, focusing on the manners that are just as important as his public obedience: door manners and food manners. These everyday moments are where a dog's impulse control is truly put to the test. It's one thing to listen in a structured training environment, but the real challenge is learning that the same rules apply when the door opens, food appears, or something exciting happens right in front of you.
We practiced waiting patiently at the door rather than rushing through the moment an opportunity presented itself. We also continued working on his food manners, reinforcing that he doesn't need to immediately help himself simply because something delicious is within reach. These small moments of self-control add up, helping Sirius become a more polite and reliable dog both inside and outside the home.
On a side note, Sirius continues to have zero accidents while with us, which is fantastic progress! I've also started allowing him a few small liberties in the area where I work so I can observe what he chooses to do when he's given a bit more freedom. And to his credit, all four legs have remained firmly on the ground! No counter surfing, no sneaky attempts to investigate what he can reach, and no need for me to constantly micromanage him. He's showing that he can make good choices even when I'm not directly telling him what to do.
That's a big part of what we're working toward with Sirius: not just obedience when someone is actively giving him commands, but the ability to make the right choices on his own.
And of course, today is extra special because it's Sirius's birthday! Here's hoping his birthday wish comes true; though if I had to guess, it probably involves more treats, more freedom, and absolutely no Dementors!
Pupdate 7/20
Today Molly and I headed out to Klingerman Park to meet up with fellow trainers and their dogs! It was a great opportunity to practice her skills in a social environment, especially since she was working completely off leash.
To her credit, Molly handled herself very well. She was able to move around the park, interact with the other dogs, and remain generally responsive despite all the excitement happening around her. Of course, Molly is also a very social girl who gets especially excited when it comes to playtime. And when she sees an opportunity to have a little fun, she is more than happy to test the boundaries and see exactly how much she can get away with!
That's why staying firm and consistent is so important. Once a command has been given, Molly needs to understand that it remains in effect until she's released, not until something more exciting comes along. Even while she's playing or surrounded by distractions, I continued reminding her of the expectations and reinforcing the commands when needed. This helps her learn that obedience isn't something she only has to do when it's convenient. She can still have fun, but she also needs to be able to listen when asked.
That consistency is especially important for an off-leash dog. Molly has earned more freedom because she's learning to make good choices, but freedom doesn't mean she gets to rewrite the rules whenever she feels like it! By calmly following through and reminding her when necessary, she learns that listening is simply part of the deal.
Overall, Molly did a fantastic job and continues to show how much progress she's made. She may be a little too enthusiastic about testing the limits, but she's also proving that she can listen, refocus, and get back to work when asked.
Molly may be a social butterfly, but today she learned that even butterflies have to stay within the lines!
Pupdate 7/20
Today Sirius and I returned to Klingerman Park to meet up with some of my coworkers and their dogs. Since Sirius has historically been uncertain around other dogs, we took our time and focused on slowly bridging that gap rather than rushing him into close interactions.
The goal was to let Sirius experience the presence of other dogs in a calm and controlled way while giving him the space and time he needed to process them. Instead of allowing him to immediately become overwhelmed or fixated, I guided him through the interactions and watched his body language closely. When he showed signs of uncertainty, we gave him a moment to settle before continuing. This allows him to learn that being around other dogs doesn't automatically mean he needs to become defensive or anxious.
And to his credit, Sirius handled himself marvelously! He was able to be around the other dogs without allowing his nerves to dictate his behavior. Rather than constantly feeling the need to react or keep every dog under close observation, he was able to relax more and remain engaged with me. Those small moments of calm are incredibly important for Sirius because they show him that other dogs can simply exist nearby without becoming a threat.
The more positive experiences Sirius has like this, the more that gap continues to close. We're not expecting him to become best friends with every dog he meets overnight; we're teaching him that he can share space, remain calm, and trust that he doesn't have to handle every interaction himself.
Today was a wonderful example of Sirius making progress. He took his time, processed the situation, and ultimately showed us that he is more than capable of handling himself around other dogs. Well done, Sirius! Not bad for an 8th year at Hogwarts!
Pupdate 7/21
Today we took Sirius on his first trip to Home Depot! With the constant flow of shopping carts, people passing by from every direction, forklifts in the distance, and all the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells, you might expect a dog as reserved as Sirius to feel a bit overwhelmed. Truthfully though, after all of our outings to Century City, I don't think the hustle and bustle of the store phased him much at all! It was great to see just how much those previous exposure sessions have started paying off.
With the environment working in our favor, we got right into training and practiced our Heel, Sit, Come to Sit, Place, and Down. Sirius stayed engaged throughout the session and continued to show that he's becoming more comfortable looking to me for guidance instead of worrying about everything happening around him. That's a huge milestone for a dog who naturally tends to be cautious of the world.
One of my favorite parts of today's outing was seeing just how curious Sirius became. Rather than shutting down or trying to avoid everything unfamiliar, he spent time investigating his surroundings, taking in new smells, and quietly observing the world around him. That curiosity is exactly what we want to encourage. When a dog begins replacing uncertainty with thoughtful exploration, it shows they're gaining confidence and learning that new experiences don't have to be something to fear. For a naturally reserved little guy like Sirius, that's a tremendous step forward and a wonderful sign that he's beginning to feel more secure in unfamiliar places.
At this rate, I think Sirius is ready to graduate from the Order of the Frightened Phoenix and join the Order of the Confident Canine! Feel a little better about that one today!
Pupdate 7/22
We headed back to Home Depot today, and for Sirius, it's become one of our favorite places to train. The constant movement of shopping carts, forklifts in the distance, automatic doors, unfamiliar sounds, and steady flow of people create the perfect environment for practicing neutrality in real-world situations. Returning to familiar public places is just as important as introducing new ones, it allows Sirius to build confidence through repetition instead of simply surviving a one-time experience.
I'm especially happy with how our duration work is coming along. Asking Sirius to hold commands like Sit, Down, or Place while life continues around him teaches patience, impulse control, and, most importantly, confidence. Rather than feeling like he has to react to every little thing happening around him, he's learning that it's perfectly okay to simply exist and relax in the environment. That mindset is becoming more and more natural for him each outing.
We've also continued focusing on working around people, and the improvement has been wonderful to see. Sirius is becoming noticeably more desensitized to strangers passing by, and he's far less concerned with everyone sharing the aisle with him than he was when he first arrived. While he's still aware of people, they no longer seem to weigh so heavily on his mind, which is exactly the direction we want.
One thing today's outing really reinforced was the importance of advocating for your dog. Sirius isn't looking to confront people, nor is he nearly as skittish as he once was, several well-meaning shoppers instinctively want to reach over the top of his head to pet him. Unfortunately, that's one of the most uncomfortable ways to greet many dogs, especially one who's still building confidence. Having a hand suddenly appear from above and outside their field of vision can trigger that familiar whale eye, stiff posture, and uncertainty.
If someone does need to approach, the best method is to let the dog make the choice. Stand slightly to the side, avoid leaning over them, and allow them to come forward if they're interested. Gentle pets under the chin or on the chest are generally much less intimidating than reaching over the head. And if Sirius decides he'd rather not say hello, that's perfectly okay too. Part of training isn't just teaching your dog how to navigate the world, it's being their voice when they can't speak for themselves. Respecting those boundaries helps build trust, and that trust is what allows confidence to continue growing.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with the progress Sirius is making. He's becoming calmer, more thoughtful, and more comfortable with the world around him each day. Every outing is another chapter in his journey, and I'd say this one ended with mischief managed.
Pupdate 7/23
Today we made our way back to Lake Balboa for another day of training, and Sirius continues to impress every step of the way. His confidence has been growing with each outing, and it's been incredible watching him become more comfortable navigating a busy environment filled with people, cyclists, wildlife, and all the distractions that come with it.
As you'll see in the video, our boy has discovered he's got a little bit of bounce to him! Those happy little hops are a fun reminder that as Sirius becomes more confident, we're starting to see more of his personality shine through. A dog that once spent so much time unsure of the world is beginning to enjoy exploring it.
We continued reinforcing his obedience around distractions, rewarding him for making good decisions and staying engaged despite everything happening around him. Every successful outing helps build the habit of looking to his handler for guidance instead of letting the environment dictate his choices, and that's exactly the direction we want him heading.
Sirius' progress has truly been fabulous, and we're so proud of how far he's come. At this rate, we'd say he's well on his way to earning an O.W.L.=an Outstanding Walk License!
Pupdate 7/24
Today Sirius took a big step forward in his training with a trip to Santa Anita Mall! We chose this location specifically because it’s a high-distraction environment filled with a constant flow of people, sounds, movement, and unfamiliar sights. Working in places like this helps teach Sirius that he can stay calm, focused, and responsive to commands no matter what’s happening around him.
This is especially important for Sirius because of his tendency to be territorial and uncertain around unfamiliar people. By exposing him to new environments in a structured, positive way, we’re helping him learn that strangers don’t automatically mean something to worry about. Rather than reacting, he’s learning to look to his handler for guidance and direction. Every successful repetition builds confidence, reinforces neutrality, and helps replace uncertainty with trust.
Sirius did a great job practicing his commands despite all the exciting distractions around him. Each outing like this is another building block toward making calm, confident behavior his default in any environment.
As for today’s magical achievement, Sirius doesn’t need to toss his name into the Goblet of Fire, he’s already proven himself to be a champion in his own right!
Pupdate 7/25
Today we headed back to Santa Anita Mall after yesterday's huge success. While it might seem tempting to always seek out new places, there's tremendous value in returning to an environment where your dog has already made progress. Familiarity helps build confidence, allowing them to realize that yesterday's success wasn't just luck; it was something they can consistently achieve. By reinforcing those positive experiences, we help turn uncertainty into understanding and confidence into habit.
And just look at Sirius in today's video! Yesterday required a few reminders with the leash to help guide him back into position and communicate what was expected. Today? Hardly any at all. He's beginning to truly understand his job, making the right decisions on his own instead of relying on constant guidance. That's exactly the kind of progress we're striving for, and it's incredibly rewarding to watch.
At this rate, Sirius isn't just mastering his obedience; he's proving he was never the Prisoner of Azka-bark... he just needed the right kind of magic. Bit of low hanging fruit for the pun but I tried!
Pupdate 7/26
Today we decided to take things a little easier and enjoy a nice stroll through our local neighborhood while practicing all of our commands. After weeks of venturing through bustling malls, busy shopping centers, crowded walkways, and the constant commotion of warehouse stores, it was a refreshing change of pace for both of us.
The funny thing is, what would have once been a challenging outing for Sirius has now become just another walk. That's exactly why we spend so much time in those more difficult environments. By gradually exposing him to louder noises, larger crowds, shopping carts, unfamiliar people, and countless distractions, we've built his confidence to the point where a quiet neighborhood hardly phases him anymore.
Instead of worrying about everything around him, he's far more interested in checking in with me, maintaining a beautiful Heel, and happily working through his Sit, Down, Place, and Come to Sit commands.
Watching him today really drove home how far he's come. There was no uncertainty, no constant reminders, and no need to micromanage his every step. He understood his job, carried himself with confidence, and simply enjoyed the walk while remaining attentive throughout. It's always rewarding to see the harder training days pay off during the easier ones.
I'd say Sirius has finally discovered the Room of Requirement... because wherever we train now somehow becomes exactly what he needs to succeed!
Pupdate 7/27
Today marked our last full day together, so we took the opportunity to give everything we've worked on a final brush-up. We headed out to Whittier for a meetup with some fellow Off Leash trainers, where Sirius had the chance to practice around new people, other dogs, and a different environment one last time before heading home.
While there weren't a tremendous amount of distractions today, that actually worked in our favor. Rather than searching for excitement, we focused on something just as important: duration. It's one thing for a dog to perform a command for a few seconds, but it's another entirely for them to patiently maintain it while life continues around them. Duration is what turns obedience from a trick into a reliable habit. Whether it's calmly holding a Down while people pass by, remaining in Place as conversations happen around him, or staying in Heel without constant reminders, these are the skills that carry over into everyday life and make living with your dog so much more enjoyable.
As you can see in the video, Sirius absolutely rose to the occasion. My little antics, moving around him, trying to tempt him into breaking position; it hardly fazed him. Then again... I already knew it wouldn't. The nervous little fellow who first arrived has blossomed into a dog that understands what's being asked of him, trusts his handler, and carries himself with so much more confidence than before. Watching that transformation has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Sirius, it's been an absolute pleasure watching you discover just how brave you could be. Keep showing your family everything you've learned, keep building on that confidence, and never stop being the wonderful dog we all know you are.
After all, happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light. And Sirius, you've acquired your Lumos spell! Congratulations! You're a wizard!
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