Snoopy | Yorkie | Santa Monica, CA | In Training
- gregoffleashsocal
- Mar 13
- 13 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Welcome Snoopy!
We’ve got a new little guest with us—Snoopy the Yorkie. Don’t let the small size fool you, this little guy has a big personality. While he’s here, we’ll be working on muzzle training to help him feel comfortable and confident wearing it when needed.
The goal is to make the muzzle something Snoopy understands and accepts, not something he worries about. We’ll take it step by step, building positive associations so he learns it’s no big deal at all.
Excited to spend some time with this little dude and help him build some new skills. Welcome, Snoopy!
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/14/2026
Snoopy is settling in and taking his time getting used to the new surroundings. The first day or two can feel like a big adventure for a little guy, so we’re letting him ease into things at his own pace while he gets comfortable.
In the meantime, he’s already been enjoying plenty of fun and a whole lot of cuddles. Snoopy has a sweet little personality and has been happy to soak up the attention while he checks everything out.
He hasn’t shown much interest in food just yet, which is completely normal when a pup first arrives somewhere new. Between the excitement and the change of environment, many dogs take a little time before their appetite kicks back in. We’ll keep offering meals and letting him settle, and that usually comes around quickly.
For now we’re just focused on helping him feel at home, keeping things positive and relaxed. We’re really glad to have Snoopy here with us and are looking forward to the days ahead with him.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/15/2026
Snoopy got out for a training session at the park today, but we made sure to stay in the shade so he could stay comfortable in the heat. He handled the outing nicely and took in the environment at his own pace.
A nice update—Snoopy is now eating well and drinking plenty of water, which is great to see as he settles in. He can still be a little nervous at times and often checks in with us for reassurance, but that’s completely okay. We’re letting him move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for him.
Training is intentionally slow and thoughtful because Snoopy is six years old and has limited vision due to cataracts. Because of that, we break everything down into very small, clear steps so he can succeed without feeling overwhelmed.
Today’s focus was introducing some of the early foundation work for his muzzle training. We started by teaching Snoopy how to access treat rewards and follow them with his nose and body. This helps him learn to confidently move toward and into something rather than pulling away from it. We also practiced getting him comfortable placing his face fully into a hat. It may look a little silly, but it teaches the exact motion he’ll eventually use when placing his nose into a muzzle.
The goal right now is simply building confidence and positive associations. Snoopy worked through the exercises nicely and is making progress one small step at a time. We’re proud of the effort he’s putting in.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/16/2026
Snoopy made a nice little step forward in his muzzle training today. We introduced the muzzle by actually placing it on him for a short period so he could start getting used to the feel of wearing it. The goal right now is simply comfort and familiarity, letting him realize it’s nothing to worry about.
With Snoopy’s age and limited eyesight, we’re taking things slowly and keeping the steps very small so he can build confidence at his own pace. He’s been handling it well and is showing steady progress.
We’re also being very mindful of the heat, making sure he stays cool and comfortable throughout the day with plenty of shade and breaks. All in all, Snoopy is doing well and settling into the process.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/17/2026
Snoopy’s muzzle work is coming along nicely, and he’s starting to really understand the game we’re playing.
We’re shaping the behavior by allowing him to choose to place his nose into the muzzle. The moment he does, we mark it with an enthusiastic “yes!” and follow up with pets, praise, and treats. This approach helps him build a positive association with the muzzle—something he engages with willingly, rather than something being put on him.
That excited marker is especially important for Snoopy. It gives him clear, immediate feedback that he made the right choice, helping him feel confident and sure of himself. With his limited eyesight, that clarity goes a long way in reducing any uncertainty.
By pairing his choice with consistent rewards, he’s learning that the muzzle brings good things—comfort, attention, and success. It’s all about building trust and making the experience something he’s happy to participate in.
He’s taking it in stride, staying thoughtful, and continuing to open up to the process.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/18/2026
Snoopy has been settling into a comfortable routine as we work through this heat wave, with most of his activity taking place indoors where it’s nice and cool. We’re keeping things safe and low-pressure, making sure he can stay comfortable while still making progress.
He’s continuing his muzzle training at a steady, thoughtful pace—building positive associations and confidence with each step. Alongside that, we’ve begun introducing some basic commands, keeping sessions simple and clear so he can start understanding what’s being asked of him. He’s already starting to show us little bits of learning and behavior, which is great to see.
Most of his work is short and intentional, with plenty of breaks and encouragement. Snoopy is handling everything well, staying engaged in his own way and gradually building both comfort and confidence as we go.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/19/2026
Snoopy had a bit of a different kind of day today with the heat being too intense to safely spend much time outside. We took things over to Home Depot, where it’s much cooler indoors, for a short and controlled training session in a more stimulating environment.
He was noticeably very anxious in public, which is completely okay and something we expected given his temperament and everything still being new to him. Because of that, we kept everything short, simple, and low-pressure—just focusing on helping him exist in the space without overwhelming him.
We’re moving at Snoopy’s pace, allowing him to take things in gradually and build confidence step by step. Even small exposures like this are valuable for him, and he’s already starting to process things in his own way. Progress with Snoopy isn’t about rushing—it’s about patience, consistency, and letting him come along when he’s ready.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/20/2026
The heat is still no joke, so we took training into the AC and worked out of Bass Pro Shops to keep things cool while still giving him real-world exposure.
This was a big push outside of his comfort zone. Snoopy isn’t naturally confident in busy public environments, so instead of rushing him through it, we slowed everything down and asked for long downs—giving him the space to work through his stress rather than avoid it. The goal here is teaching him how to self-soothe, not rely on constant movement or escape.
At first, you could see that internal tension—wanting to get up, unsure of everything around him—but with time and consistency, he started to settle. Each minute he chose to stay down instead of giving in to that pressure is a huge win. That’s where the growth happens.
He’s not perfect yet, but he’s getting better. The improvements are subtle, but they’re real—longer moments of calm, quicker recovery, and a growing ability to exist in that environment without shutting down. Exactly the kind of progress we’re looking for.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/21/2026
Snoopy is learning slowly but surely, making steady progress at his own pace. We’re seeing him get a bit more comfortable in and around people, which is a big step for him. He’s still taking things one piece at a time, but that’s exactly how he needs it—slow, clear, and pressure kept fair so he can build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Each session, he’s showing us a little more. Whether it’s hanging in a situation just a bit longer or being less unsure in new environments, those small wins are adding up. We’re focusing on helping him understand that he can relax and navigate the world without that constant worry.
He’s doing a good job, and while progress is gradual, it’s meaningful. Snoopy is on the right track, and we’re going to keep building on that comfort and confidence step by step.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/22/2026
Back to Home Depot, but this time we raised the bar. We worked in a much busier area than before—more people, more noise, more movement—and Snoopy stepped into it with a different mindset.
The same environment that once felt overwhelming is starting to make sense to him. He moved through it more thoughtfully, taking in the sights and sounds without that immediate urge to shut down or escape. You could see him pause, process, and then choose to keep going. Those moments matter.
We kept things slow and fair, giving him the space to think and understand rather than rushing him through it. Even in the middle of all that added chaos, he showed he’s beginning to trust the process and himself.
He’s still learning, still building, but the progress is undeniable—especially in the video. It’s not just that he handled a busier space… it’s how he handled it.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/23/2026
We took things into a much busier environment today, the kind that would’ve overwhelmed Snoopy before. You could see him take it all in—the movement, the noise, the pressure—but instead of reacting, he started thinking. That’s the shift. He’s beginning to process instead of panic, and leaning on his obedience instead of his impulses.
There were moments where the nerves crept in, but he worked through them. Checked back in, followed through, made the right choices. His obedience and overall manners are improving, holding commands longer, staying more consistent, and showing better awareness of what’s being asked of him.
He’s becoming more responsive and a lot less reactive. The pieces are starting to come together, and it’s clear he’s building real confidence in his work, even with the added challenge of working through everything with the muzzle.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/24/2026
Overall, Snoopy is doing well and responding nicely to both the equipment and guidance. We’re keeping things at a steady, fair pace, especially considering he’s 6 years old and has limited vision. He’s showing a great attitude through the process and continues to be a genuinely good boy.
He is picking up on obedience and manners at a solid pace, and while there’s still work to be done, the progress so far has been positive. Having the additional time ahead will be very beneficial for him, and we’re happy with where he’s at right now.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/25/2026
Snoopy had a great training session at the park today, working around lots of other dogs in close proximity. It was a perfect setup to help him practice staying focused and responsive with real-world distractions all around him. He’s getting more comfortable in these environments and starting to understand that the same rules and expectations apply no matter where we are.
He had some moments where his attention shifted, which is totally normal in a setting like that, but he did a nice job working through it and re-engaging. We’re focusing on building that consistency so he can make good choices even when things get exciting. As the session went on, you could really see him settle in and think things through a bit more instead of reacting right away.
Overall, he’s doing a really nice job and continuing to build confidence with each outing. He’s a happy guy who enjoys being out and about, and we’re using that to our advantage to keep making steady progress.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/26/2026
Snoopy had a really nice session today and the video shows a great example of us shaping the down.
“Shaping” a behavior means increasing the level of distance, distraction, and duration to build it from the ground up into a solid, reliable command. Instead of rushing to a finished product, we’re layering those three elements little by little so Snoopy can fully understand what’s being asked of him.
In this clip, you’ll see us working through all three D’s in a natural way—adding a bit of space between us, introducing mild distractions, and asking him to hold the position just a little longer each time. Each repetition helps him get more comfortable and more consistent as things become slightly more challenging.
He’s really starting to settle into the work and think through what he’s doing rather than just reacting. You can see the pieces coming together, and it’s a solid step in the right direction for him.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/27/2026
Snoopy continues to put in a lot of great work, and one thing we’re really emphasizing is how important it is to incorporate as much play into the training as possible. By mixing in play, we keep the learning process fun and engaging, which helps Snoopy stay motivated and eager to participate.
Even though he’s working hard and being held to expectations, he’s genuinely enjoying himself throughout the process. You can see that he’s happy, engaged, and having a great time while learning, which is exactly what we want. This balance between structure and play is what helps build a strong, positive attitude toward training and keeps his progress moving in the right direction.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/28/2026
Snoopy worked in a very busy indoor mall environment today, focusing on maintaining his down position around high levels of real-world distractions. We’re using prolonged downs to help ease anxiety and encourage him to self-soothe, rather than relying on constant guidance.
He’s still learning to fully settle in these situations, but he did a solid job overall and showed good progress staying in position despite everything going on around him. We’ll continue building on this as we push through his final week of training and get him ready to transition back home.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/29/2026
Snoopy is doing really well! We’ve been keeping sessions shorter to match his attention span, and it’s made a big difference—he’s staying much more engaged and focused, and you can tell he’s enjoying the work more. Breaking things up into shorter sessions is really helping him succeed and build consistency.
He’s also getting a lot more comfortable wearing the muzzle. At first it was something new for him, but now he’s settling into it nicely and working through commands without it being a distraction. That’s a big step forward for him.
He’s following commands well and starting to respond more reliably, especially as we keep things clear and structured for him. We’ve also transitioned his tools and are now working with just the flat collar and e-collar—no more prong. He’s handling that change well and continuing to make progress with his responsiveness.
He’s in a really good place right now—more focused, more comfortable, and continuing to build confidence with each session.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/30/2026
Snoopy has had some great sessions lately, and it’s really starting to show in his work. In the video, you can see him holding his commands beautifully with a calm, steady mindset. He’s becoming much more comfortable settling into position and staying there without feeling the need to move or break, which is a big step for him.
During this session, we intentionally raised the level of difficulty by working him in close proximity to dogs that are newer to training and still developing their manners. There was plenty of movement, excitement, and unpredictability around him, but Snoopy handled it really well. Instead of getting pulled into that energy, he stayed focused and committed to what was being asked.
You can see moments where he acknowledges what’s going on around him, but he makes the choice to stay in position and work through it. That’s exactly what we want—building not just understanding of the commands, but the ability to maintain them even in less controlled environments.
He’s putting together some really nice work and showing that he can stay composed and reliable, even when the environment isn’t perfect.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 3/31/2026
Snoopy came out with a different kind of energy today—in a good way. Less of that scattered, curious puppy brain and more intention behind what he’s doing. He’s starting to pause and think instead of just reacting, which is a big step for him.
We changed things up a bit and put him in situations where he had to figure it out without constant help. At first he tested it (as expected), but once he realized the expectations weren’t changing, he settled in and got to work. His downs especially are looking more mature—less fidgeting, more commitment.
One thing that stood out today was how quickly he bounced back after making a mistake. No spiraling, no getting stuck—just reset and back to it. That’s huge.
He’s also showing more personality during breaks, which is always something we like to see. He’s working hard, but he’s not stressed about it—he’s understanding the game.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 4/1/2026
Snoopy had a big day today with a visit to the groomer, and he absolutely handled it like a champ. He came out looking fresh as a daisy, but more importantly, he stayed calm, cooperative, and easy to work with throughout the process. Grooming can be a tough environment for a lot of dogs, so seeing him settle in, accept handling, and move through it without stress is a huge win and a direct result of the work he’s been putting in.
Snoopy also had his final video filmed today, and he did a great job. Getting to this point took a lot of consistent, structured sessions—building clear communication, reinforcing expectations, and helping him work through different environments and distractions. He’s become much more reliable and confident because of it.
Snoopy is set to go home Friday, and we’re really looking forward to seeing him interact with his family again, but this time with obedience. He’s made great progress, and we’re excited to help you carry everything forward once he’s back home.
Snoopy | Yorkie | Pupdate 4/2/2026
Snoopy heads home tomorrow, and we’re genuinely really proud of him.
He’s put together a lot of solid work during his time here. His ability to hold commands has become much more consistent, and he’s been doing a great job staying composed even with distractions around him. Whether it’s other dogs, new environments, or added pressure, he’s shown that he understands what’s being asked of him and is making good decisions more and more naturally.
What’s been especially nice to see is his confidence. He’s not just going through the motions—he’s engaged, thinking, and settling into the structure in a way that really shows. He’s a fun dog to work with, and he’s built a strong foundation that will carry over well.
As he transitions back home, the biggest thing will be keeping that same level of consistency so he continues moving forward. He has all the tools—now it’s just about maintaining and reinforcing everything he’s learned.
Really excited for his owners to see him. He’s done a great job and should feel proud of the progress he’s made.
Comments