T’Challa | Staffordshire/Labrador Mix | Los Angeles, CA | In-Training
- Jose Ayala
- Apr 21
- 15 min read
Updated: May 4
Meet T’Challa! He is a sixteen month old Staffordshire Labrador mix who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. T’Challa is here for basic obedience, leash pulling, and jumping to greet. He does well with other people but will jump at them when meeting someone. He also gets overly excited when he sees another dog, and will pull on his leash to try and interact. The goal for T’Challa is to behave around other pups, and to improve his leash manners. Over the next fourteen days, T’Challa will be working on his obedience and be set up for success with the hopes of becoming a well mannered pup. Check in to see his progress!
T’Challa and I spent the day getting to know each other 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 establishing a bond and enhancing Tchalla’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed T’challa exhibiting behavior where he would frequently pull ahead of me. To address this, I introduced him to the heel command, which requires him to walk beside me on my left side. This command is crucial for ensuring that he 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 T’Challa pulled away from my side. This method involved making a U-turn and guiding him back towards my left with appropriate leash tension. This approach not only helps T’challa understand the desired position, but also teaches him the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While T’challa is still mastering this skill, I am committed to incorporating the heel command into every walk moving forward to solidify his understanding and compliance. He did really well in his crate on the ride home, and he is adjusting to his new environment for the next two weeks.
T’Challa and I worked on place. Place is an essential command that serves to establish boundaries and promote desired behaviors in various situations. This command instructs T’Challa 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 T’Challa 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 he 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 T’Challa to the designated spot we practiced on which was a park bench at a local park. As I approached the bench with him, I applied gentle tension on the leash to encourage him to move forward. When T’Challa stepped onto it, I immediately released the tension on the leash, signaling that he has made the correct choice. Timing here is crucial, so the moment T’Challa made contact with the bench, he was immediately rewarded with praise and affection. Using a cheerful tone of voice, petting, and verbal affirmations like "good boy," helps reinforce this positive behavior. Once T’Challa began to understand the association between the leash pressure and the verbal place, I gradually increased the duration he remained there. Consistency is key in this training process, so with regular practice sessions, combined with patience and positive reinforcement, it will help T’Challa understand the command fully. Over time, I will introduce distractions gradually while he maintains the place command, ensuring that he learns to remain in position regardless of environmental changes.
T’Challa and I concentrated on his recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have T’Challa approach my right side, navigate behind me, and then settle down on my left. To enhance his understanding of this sequence, I utilized leash tension as a guiding tool, which helped him grasp the desired behavior. T’Challa demonstrated comprehension of the task and adapted to the instructions, but still had some trouble as he would not sit at times when he came to my left, so to work him through it I utilized slight leash tension by pulling up. Once T’Challa began showing consistency in executing the command, I introduced verbal cues, specifically “come,” and "sit," alongside leash tension to further reinforce his behavior. He still needs more practice but the training session went well, as he is learning to respond, indicating his understanding of the cues being presented.
T’Challa 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 T’Challa, which we established at home. This environment allowed him to feel safe and secure, facilitating his learning process. My approach involved the application of gentle leash tension, a technique that effectively guided T’Challa towards the desired position without causing stress or anxiety. Throughout our session, I closely observed his body language and responses, allowing me to tailor my methods to his unique needs. Whenever T’Challa made even the slightest effort to lower himself, I promptly released the tension on the leash and rewarded him with verbal praise and encouragement. This positive reinforcement strategy not only motivates T’Challa, but also helps him associate the down command with a rewarding experience. By working at his pace, I aimed to build his confidence and ensure that the session was enjoyable. A positive learning atmosphere encourages T’Challa to continue engaging with his training, and it also strengthens his 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 he breaks a command, rather than allowing him 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 T’Challa is given a command, such as sit or down, and chooses to break that position prematurely, resetting him back to his 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 releases him, rather than allowing T’Challa to determine when the exercise is over. Allowing him to break position without resetting often leads to confusion and inconsistent behavior, as he learns that he can self-dismiss or disregard commands without consequence. Additionally, resetting T’Challa back to his position strengthens his understanding of accountability and enhances his mental discipline. It encourages T’Challa to think critically and remain engaged, as he 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 — all common challenges in dogs. Without clear correction and redirection, T’Challa may perceive his own choices as equally valid to our commands, which can erode obedience over time and create frustration for both T’Challa and ourselves. By calmly and consistently guiding him back into position, I teach persistence, patience, and respect for the training process. Ultimately, resetting T’Challa when he breaks a command is not about punishment, but about reinforcing structure and clarity. It is one of the most effective ways to ensure he fully understands what is being asked, remains focused, and develops into a reliable and well mannered companion. In addition to his pupdate video, I will also be attaching an e-collar tutorial video for you to become familiar with its functions.
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 T’Challa 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, he is learning far more than just the place command. This approach challenges his proprioception, which is his ability to understand body positioning and movement in space. As T’Challa learns to stabilize himself on various surfaces, his balance, coordination, and overall body awareness improve. These physical challenges engage his 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 T’Challa’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 T’Challa build resilience and flexibility. This environmental confidence carries over into real-world scenarios, making him 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 T’Challa’s attention and effort to maintain position, making him more likely to stay mentally engaged and tuned in to my cues. This is especially valuable for high-energy or easily distracted dogs like T’Challa, as the physical challenge of remaining still on an awkward surface helps channel his energy into concentration rather than distraction.
Training a dog in a public setting with minimal distractions offers a highly strategic and effective approach to developing a well-mannered, confident, and adaptable canine companion. In the early stages of training, a dog’s ability to focus is still fragile and easily disrupted. By selecting a public environment that offers just enough stimulation to challenge the dog without overwhelming it, we as owners can create an ideal learning atmosphere. This balance helps T’Challa build confidence in unfamiliar surroundings while still maintaining attention on us as handlers. Over time, he becomes accustomed to slight environmental changes, such as new smells, sounds, or distant activity, without becoming overstimulated or anxious. Moreover, starting training in a public setting with low-level distractions helps establish a solid foundation of obedience and communication. It teaches T’Challa to prioritize us even when mild temptations are present, fostering a stronger bond built on trust and mutual respect. This foundational work is critical because it gradually prepares him for increasingly complex environments without causing frustration or setting him up for failure. As T’Challa becomes more proficient, distractions can be gradually increased, reinforcing his ability to remain composed and responsive no matter the situation. Another important benefit is that early exposure to public spaces—without the pressure of heavy distractions—supports positive socialization. Dogs learn to remain calm around new people, other animals, and varied urban elements such as bicycles, strollers, and joggers, all without being forced into overwhelming or negative experiences. This careful exposure reduces the likelihood of fear-based behaviors later in life, such as reactivity or anxiety. It also promotes emotional resilience, allowing T’Challa to feel safe and secure in environments outside the home. Additionally, training in minimally distracting public settings enables us to practice and perfect our own timing, techniques, and communication skills in real-world conditions. It prepares both T’Challa and us for the realities of day-to-day life where absolute control over the environment is impossible. This real-world practice ensures that commands are not only understood but are also reliable, regardless of minor distractions. As a result, he becomes a polite, manageable companion who is welcome in a variety of public spaces, including parks, cafes, and community events.
Allowing T’Challa to pause during a walk by releasing him with a break command and letting him sniff his surroundings is an essential practice that yields a range of physical, emotional, and behavioral benefits. Sniffing is a primary way that dogs interact with and understand their environment; it is their most dominant sense and a major means of processing information. By intentionally providing a structured opportunity for sniffing, we support our dogs’ natural instincts, contribute to their mental stimulation, and help fulfill an important biological need that often goes unmet in the modern, fast-paced routines of daily life. From a behavioral standpoint, incorporating “sniff breaks” into a walk can reduce frustration and anxiety in dogs. Many behavior problems, such as pulling on the leash or hyperactivity, stem from an accumulation of unmet needs, especially the need for environmental exploration. Allowing T’Challa to sniff lowers arousal levels, promotes relaxation, and can make the rest of the walk more focused and cooperative. The clear use of a break command also reinforces impulse control and communication between you and him. It helps him understand when it is appropriate to explore freely and when it is time to walk in a more structured manner, building a more trusting and responsive relationship. Physiologically, sniffing has been shown to lower a dog’s heart rate, indicating that it provides a calming effect similar to meditation in humans. Moreover, dogs who are regularly given opportunities to engage their noses tend to show improved overall well-being. Walks that allow for mental enrichment through sniffing are more satisfying and tiring than walks that are purely physical, which means that even a relatively short walk can leave a dog feeling fulfilled when properly balanced between structure and exploration. In training and working contexts, regularly offering a break for sniffing can prevent burnout and sustain motivation. Especially in young dogs, high-energy breeds like T’Challa, learning to transition smoothly between focused work and relaxation is a critical skill. The break command becomes a valuable tool for promoting flexibility in behavior, teaching that being calm and attentive is as rewarding as active movement.
T’Challa 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 T’Challa’s confidence in his 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 T’Challa with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding his duration while I increased the distance between us. He responded positively to this initial framework, demonstrating proficiency in his placing, which underscored his ability to understand and execute commands in a controlled environment. However, as is often the case in training, some challenges arose, particularly with his come to sit. Recognizing the need to give his recall some reconditioning, I reset him and worked on a few repetitions to have T’Challa follow through. This modification proved effective, as he is showing improvement in his responsiveness to his come to sit.
In my recent training session with T’Challa, I focused on leash dragging exercises at a local park to address specific challenges he faced with his come to sit. During the initial phase of our work, it became evident that T’Challa was struggling to respond consistently when called. Recognizing this, I implemented a strategy to reset his focus and enhance his understanding of the exercise. To facilitate his learning, I began by conducting multiple repetitions. This approach allowed me to monitor T’Challa's behavior closely and reinforce positive actions while providing guidance and corrections as necessary. Consistency was key during these repetitions; I ensured that T’Challa received clear cues to reinforce the desired recall behavior. This transition aimed to encourage T’Challa’s independence while still retaining the structure we established during the initial exercises. With the leash dragging, I reiterated the recall command and encouraged him to execute the task without direct physical guidance. Through perseverance and continued practice, T’Challa gradually began to grasp the concept of recall. After several attempts, I noted an improvement in his ability to respond to my calls, demonstrating an understanding of the exercise. By the end of our session, he followed through with the recall command and built a little confidence in his 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 T’Challa's behavior, we were able to achieve positive results that will serve as a foundation for his continued development in recall training.
Establishing good food and door manners offers a multitude of benefits, not only for T’Challa, 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 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 T’Challa and the people around him. 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 T’Challa to wait for permission before entering or exiting, we can prevent accidents and ensure that he remains within a controlled environment. This practice not only protects T’Challa, 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 T’Challa’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.
Throughout my engagement with T’Challa, I have been focusing on his greeting manners, which initially presented an overly enthusiastic response to visitors. T’Challa’s tendency to jump on individuals as they approached indicated a need for behavioral adjustment, particularly in how he interacted with others. Recognizing the importance of fostering a calm and composed demeanor in social situations, I implemented a structured training exercise aimed at redirecting his energy and reinforcing appropriate behavior. The core of my approach involved teaching T’Challa to maintain a relaxed state when encountering new people. This was achieved through consistent practice and positive reinforcement, where I guided him to sit or down calmly as a preferred greeting behavior. Each time T’Challa exhibited his previous jumpy behavior, I would gently reset him back into position, emphasizing the importance of patience and composure. This repetitive exercise not only helped him understand the desired behavior, but also allowed him to develop a sense of self control during interactions. Over the course of his program, T’Challa has shown improvement in his greeting manners. His ability to remain calm and composed when approached by others has increased, demonstrating his understanding of the new behavior expectations. As a result of our work together, T’Challa is now successfully executing his greeting manners, providing a more pleasant and controlled interaction for both himself and those he meets.
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 T’Challa 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 him, solidifying his 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 T’Challa’s behavior. By maintaining a leash during this acclimatization phase, you are better equipped to correct any lapses in obedience before granting him the full freedom of off-leash status. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of potential reinforcements of negative behaviors that could arise if he is allowed to run free without adequate supervision or control. Building a robust communication framework is another critical aspect of this process. When T’Challa is accustomed to working with you while on a leash, he 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 T’Challa. 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.
T’Challa has completed his Two Week Board and Train Program, and he is now ready to return home. Over the past two weeks, it has been a privilege to serve as T’Challa’s trainer, and I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for the trust you placed in me during this process. Throughout the program, T’Challa demonstrated progress and enthusiasm. His eagerness to learn and engage in training sessions made our time together not only productive but also incredibly enjoyable. We worked on essential commands, socialization skills, and positive reinforcement techniques, which I am confident will contribute to his development as a well-behaved and happy companion. The bond we developed during this training period was special, and I will cherish the moments we shared. His playful spirit and affectionate nature brought joy to each day, making it evident why he holds such a special place in your heart. As he prepares to return home, I want to highlight that he will be greatly missed. His unique personality and zest for life have left a lasting impression on me. I am excited for T’Challa to reunite with you and to see how he integrates the skills he has learned during our time together into his daily life. Thank you once again for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of his journey. It has been a rewarding experience, and I look forward to hearing about his continued growth and happiness in your home. Thank you T’Challa!
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