Thor | Maltipoo | Torrance, CA | In-Training

Meet Thor! He is a six month old Maltipoo who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. Thor is here for basic obedience, leash pulling, and playful nipping. He also has a tendency of chewing on items within his reach at home. When out on walks, Thor will pull on his leash and at times he prefers not to go on them. He does well with people and other dogs but needs a little structure so over the next fourteen days Thor will be working on his behavior and be set up for success with the hopes of becoming a well mannered pup. Check in to see his progress!

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Thor and I spent the afternoon 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 Thor’s obedience skills. Throughout our time together, I noticed Thor exhibiting behavior where he would frequently pull ahead of me and at times come to a complete stop and not want to walk anymore. 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 Thor pulled away from my side. This method involved making a U-turn and guiding him back towards my left with appropriate leash tension. When he would come to a complete stop, I applied gentle leash tension towards me to work him through it, and once he took a step forward, I released tension and continued on our walk. This approach not only helps Thor understand the desired position, but also teaches him the importance of maintaining proximity and attentiveness to my movements. While Thor 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.

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Thor and I concentrated on his recall exercise known as come to sit. This exercise is designed to have Thor 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. Thor demonstrated comprehension of the task and adapted to the instructions, but still had some trouble as he would get distracted at times when he would come to my left. To work him through it, I utilized slight leash tension to guide him towards my left, and after a few repetitions, he began to follow through. Once Thor 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. He did very well his first night here sleeping through the night in his crate, and he is eating all of his meals.

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Thor 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 Thor 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 Thor 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 Thor to the designated spot we practiced on, which was a place cot. As I approached the cot with him, I applied gentle tension on the leash to encourage him to move forward. When Thor 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 Thor made contact with the cot, 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 Thor 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 Thor 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.

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Training a dog around minimal to no distractions before introducing it to more complex and stimulating environments is a foundational principle in canine behavior shaping and learning theory. This gradual approach is not only effective but essential for ensuring that a dog learns desired behaviors reliably and can perform them consistently in any environment, including those filled with distractions. There are several compelling reasons why this methodical progression is beneficial, rooted in cognitive development, emotional regulation, and the mechanics of learning. At the core of this approach lies the concept of proofing behaviors. When Thor is first learning a new command or behavior, such as come to sit, heel, or place, it is essential that the learning environment be calm and free from competing stimuli. This allows him to focus exclusively on the task at hand, without being overwhelmed or confused by extraneous sounds, sights, or smells. In a distraction-free setting, Thor is more capable of processing what is being asked of him, recognizing the connection between the command and the reward, and building a strong neural association with that behavior. This clarity is key for building a solid foundation of understanding. Moreover, beginning in a low-distraction environment helps build Thor’s confidence. Learning in a high-distraction environment too early can lead to stress, confusion, or failure to perform, which can damage his motivation and willingness to engage. A pup that is set up for success from the start develops trust in the training process and in the person guiding it. This trust is vital for creating a cooperative learning dynamic and for fostering a positive emotional response to training. Another critical aspect is that dogs, much like humans, experience what is called context-specific learning. This means that a dog may be able to perform a behavior perfectly in a quiet living room but seem to “forget” it at the park. This isn’t stubbornness or disobedience, but simply the result of the dog associating the behavior with a specific context. By starting in a minimal-distraction setting, I can ensure that the behavior is truly learned before gradually introducing new variables. This helps Thor generalize the behavior across different settings, eventually making him reliable regardless of the level of distraction. Incrementally increasing the complexity of the training environment also allows me to gauge his readiness and tailor the pace of training to suit him. Some pups may progress quickly, while others require more time in each stage. A thoughtful progression prevents overwhelming the dog and ensures that each layer of distraction is added only after the dog demonstrates mastery of the behavior under simpler conditions. This systematic approach not only enhances learning but also reduces the likelihood of behavioral setbacks and the need for retraining. In addition, this method fosters better impulse control and emotional regulation in dogs. Distraction training is not merely about obedience, but more about teaching Thor to manage his impulses and maintain focus despite tempting or stimulating scenarios. These are complex cognitive tasks that require a gradual build-up. Expecting a dog to maintain composure in a busy environment without first teaching it to succeed in a quiet one is akin to expecting a student to solve advanced math problems without first learning basic arithmetic. In summary, training a dog around minimal distractions first is a critical step in developing a well-adjusted, confident, and responsive companion. It ensures clarity of communication, builds trust, encourages consistent performance, and prepares the dog to succeed in increasingly challenging environments. This structured approach respects the dog’s learning process and sets both the pup and the handler up for long-term success in real-world scenarios.

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Thor 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 Thor, 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 Thor 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 Thor 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 Thor, 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 Thor to continue engaging with his training, and it also strengthens his willingness to follow through with the behavior.

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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 when he may not be following through with a command, rather than allowing him to 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 Thor is given a command, such as come or sit, and chooses not to follow through, resetting him sends a clear and consistent message that the command was not optional, nor was it completed correctly. This simple yet powerful action reinforces the expectation that the command is to be maintained until I release him, rather than allowing Thor 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 Thor back to his position strengthens his understanding of accountability and enhances his mental discipline. It encourages Thor 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, Thor may perceive his own choices as equally valid to our commands, which can erode obedience over time and create frustration for both Thor and ourselves. By calmly and consistently guiding him back into position, I teach persistence, patience, and respect for the training process. Ultimately, resetting Thor 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.

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

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Exposing Thor to public settings during training is a critical aspect of his development and socialization, leading to numerous benefits that extend well beyond the training sessions themselves. One of the primary advantages is the opportunity for him to encounter a variety of stimuli, including different environments, people, sounds, and other animals. This exposure helps to build Thor’s confidence and adaptability, which are essential traits for a well-rounded pet. When dogs are regularly introduced to public settings, they learn to navigate through distractions that might otherwise cause anxiety or fear. For instance, the sights and sounds of streets, parks, or shopping centers present challenges that can help a dog become more resilient. This resilience is crucial in preventing behavioral issues that stem from fear or anxiety, such as excessive barking, aggression, or withdrawal in unfamiliar situations. Moreover, socialization in public spaces fosters positive interactions with people and other dogs. Dogs that are well socialized are more likely to exhibit friendly and calm behavior around strangers, making them more enjoyable companions. This not only enhances Thor’s quality of life but also contributes to a better relationship with you and the community. We as owners can take pride in having a dog that is comfortable and well-behaved in various social situations, which can lead to increased opportunities for bonding and shared experiences. Training in public settings also reinforces the commands and behaviors taught in more controlled environments. The presence of distractions in public can serve as a real-world testing ground for obedience and focus. For instance, a dog that successfully follows commands in a noisy park is demonstrating a higher level of training and responsiveness than one that only follows commands in a quiet home. This reinforces the learning process for Thor and strengthens our ability to communicate effectively with him. Additionally, exposing Thor to public settings can help identify any behavioral issues early on. If he shows signs of fear or aggression in certain environments, I can address these issues proactively, using targeted strategies to improve his comfort and behavior. By doing so, I can ensure that he develops a positive association with public spaces rather than a fearful or reactive one.

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Taking your dog on regular walks around the neighborhood is not only a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership but also offers a multitude of benefits for both you and Thor. Engaging in daily walks fosters a deeper bond between you and him, enhances his physical and mental well-being, and contributes positively to the community. Firstly, walking provides essential physical exercise for Thor, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity-related health issues. Regular physical activity helps to strengthen muscles and joints, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall stamina. Dogs, particularly those with high energy levels like Thor, require more exercise, which he can benefit significantly from the structured activity that walks provide. This physical exertion helps to burn off excess energy, leading to a more relaxed and well-behaved pet at home. Without adequate exercise, Thor may exhibit behavioral issues such as excessive barking, digging, or destructive chewing due to pent-up energy. Walking is not just a physical activity; it also serves as a vital mental stimulation opportunity for Thor. During walks, dogs encounter various scents, sights, and sounds, which engage their senses and stimulate their brains. This sensory experience can help prevent boredom and the development of anxiety-related behaviors. Just like humans, dogs thrive on mental engagement, and walks provide a perfect environment for them to explore and interact with their surroundings. In addition to the physical and mental benefits for Thor, walks also serve as a great opportunity for socialization, as he has the chance to meet other dogs and people, which can improve his social skills and reduce fear or aggression towards unfamiliar situations or individuals. Regularly exposing dogs to different environments, sounds, and smells can help them become more adaptable and well-rounded.

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Thor 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 Thor’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 Thor with a clear understanding of the expectations regarding his duration while I increased the distance between us. Thor responded positively to this initial framework, demonstrating proficiency in his sit, 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 Thor’s down. Recognizing the need for a more tailored approach, I adjusted my method from five seconds per foot to three seconds per foot, which allowed for a more gradual increase in duration that matched Thor’s learning pace. This modification proved effective, as Thor is showing improvement in his responsiveness to his down.

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During today’s training session, Thor and I worked on leash dragging exercises. Initially, he responded well to the commands and demonstrated engagement. However, as the session progressed, he exhibited some concerning behaviors, specifically multiple attempts to flee. While the use of his e-collar allowed me to safely interrupt and prevent him from gaining further distance, these escape attempts raised important safety concerns. Given the potential risk to Thor, I made the professional decision to keep him on a leash to ensure his safety. While setbacks like this can be part of the training process, it is important to prioritize consistent control and management—especially in unpredictable outdoor environments where distractions can heavily influence behavior. As a result of today’s behavior and in the interest of maintaining a safe and productive learning environment, Thor will remain on-leash as we move forward in his training program.

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Thor has successfully completed his Board and Train Program and is now ready to return home. I want to sincerely thank you for the trust you placed in me throughout his time in training—it has been a privilege to work with him. Thor has made great progress in a short period, and I’m proud of how far he has come. I look forward to demonstrating what he has learned and supporting you as you continue to set him up for long-term success.

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