Meet Nova! She is a one year old German Shepherd mix who has joined us for our Two Week Board and Train Program. Nova is here for basic obedience, jumping to greet, and leash pulling. She does well with people and children, but can be reactive toward other dogs when they are in her space. Nova does not listen when she is outside, and ignores commands. She does behave well in the home, but tries to run through open doorways when she can. Over the next fourteen days, Nova will be working on her behavior and be set up for success, with the hopes of becoming a well mannered pup. Check in to see her progress!
During my initial interaction with Nova, we engaged in a walk around the park to foster our relationship and assess her behavior on a leash. Throughout the walk, I observed that she was pulling significantly on her leash, which prompted me to introduce her to the heel command. This command involves Nova walking calmly beside me on my left side, which is essential for effective leash training, and ensures a more pleasant walking experience.
To strengthen this training, I employed a method where I would stop and turn in the opposite direction whenever she pulled ahead. This technique served to redirect her focus back to me and encourage her to remain by my side. Although Nova was initially distracted by the various stimuli in her environment, I remained patient and utilized consistency and repetition to help her understand the heel command. Over time, she began to grasp the concept, and with continued practice, she will begin to improve her leash manners. I will be integrating the heel command into all of our future walks as a fundamental part of her training program. This will not only enhance her obedience, but also contribute to her overall well being by providing her with structured exercise and mental stimulation. Additionally, as I mentioned to you during pickup, I noted that Nova was reluctant to eat her dinner. I will leave her food in her crate, allowing her the opportunity to eat at her own pace.
Nova was introduced to her recall command known as come to sit. It will consist of having Nova approach my right side, wrap around behind me, and then sit on my left. To facilitate her understanding, I applied leash tension to guide her towards my right. Upon reaching my side, I took a step forward, encouraging her to navigate behind me using the leash, and then asked her to sit at my left. Initially, Nova struggled to grasp the command, often pausing behind me during the process. However, through consistent repetition and positive reinforcement, she began to comprehend the task, demonstrating improvement as she followed through with the command. Additionally, I focused on refining her heel command, as she exhibited signs of anticipating the come to sit cue while we were walking back and forth during our session. Teaching come to sit promotes safety, and enhances overall training, as it ensures that Nova will return when called, which can prevent certain situations and allow for more freedom during outdoor activities. It also helps build trust, as she learns to respond positively to commands, strengthening our leadership as owners. Attached in today’s pupdate is a tutorial for the e-collar she will be coming home with explaining its functions, along with a photo of her own e-collar with its own serial number. She did not eat her dinner last night, but did eat half of her breakfast and most of her dinner today. She is showing little to no interest in her food for the time being, which is normal, but to help encourage her appetite, I will be adding a small amount of pumpkin to her food. Many dogs find the taste appealing, and it can sometimes entice them to eat.
Nova and I worked on place today. Place consists of having Nova getting onto a designated object, and remain there in a sit or a down until released with a “break.” This command can be particularly useful if guests are over, or if there is a knock on your door. We worked on it by using a couple of different objects that were relatively easy for her to place on. We began our session by positioning Nova in front of the object, and with gentle leash tension, I pulled her forward to encourage her to move toward the object. As she fully hopped onto the object, I immediately released the tension on the leash and rewarded her with lots of praise. This positive reinforcement associates the act of going to the designated object with a rewarding experience. When working on another object, Nova did hesitate and tried to move away from the object, due to the different texture and surface. To work her through it, I gently applied leash tension again, encouraging her to return. The key is to maintain a calm demeanor, ensuring that Nova feels safe and confident in following my lead. After a few attempts, and working slowly at Nova’s pace, she was able to follow through. I will continue to place her on various objects throughout her training, so that she may continue building her confidence. On another note, I have added pumpkin to her food, and she has eaten her breakfast and dinner.
For my training session with Nova today, I focused on her socialization skills in the presence of another dog, emphasizing gradual exposure and distance management to assess and enhance her reactivity levels. Our training session commenced with both dogs at a safe distance, allowing Nova to acclimatize to the presence of another canine without overwhelming her. This approach proved effective, as Nova demonstrated composure and focus, maintaining a sit position while the other dog moved around us. Her ability to remain calm and engaged without displaying any signs of reactivity is a testament to her progress. Recognizing the importance of continued social exposure for Nova, I plan to gradually introduce her to more pups which will further enhance her social skills and adaptive behaviors. Additionally, I plan to bring her out to more public settings, allowing Nova to gain experience in diverse environments, promoting her adaptability and comfort in different social contexts.
Nova and I have been working on down. Down can be one of the most difficult commands to teach considering it being a submissive position to a dog, which can make it feel vulnerable being down on all fours. Nova and I worked in my backyard since it is a calm and distraction free environment, which helps her focus on the task at hand. I began by asking her to sit, followed by grasping the leash with a relaxed grip, ensuring that there is a gentle tension on it. To guide her into the down position, I applied slight downward pressure on her leash while simultaneously pointing towards the ground to indicate the desired behavior. I also leaned slightly forward and lowered my body to Nova’s level, which helped her understand that I am asking her to go down. This action, combined with the leash tension, serves as a physical cue that encourages Nova to lower herself. Some dogs may take a moment to process what is being asked, and it is important to give them the time they need. Once Nova started to lower her front end even slightly, I acknowledged her effort with verbal praise, giving her the idea that she is on the right track. Consistency is key, and by repeating the process several times, Nova began to associate the downward pressure of the leash with the action of lying down. With time, patience, and a few breaks in between to avoid frustration, Nova was able to follow through with her down.
Nova and I worked on all of her commands at a local park with little to no distractions. Training Nova to respond reliably to commands in an environment with minimal distractions is a fundamental aspect of effective canine education and behavior management. This phase of training serves purpose by contributing to the success of Nova’s learning. A distraction free environment allows her to focus on me and the tasks at hand. In these controlled settings, she can process the commands being taught without the interference of competing stimuli that might otherwise detract from her attention. It allows for clearer communication between Nova and I, as she learns to associate specific cues with appropriate responses. The clarity of these interactions is essential for enhancing desired behaviors, establishing a solid foundation upon which more complex training can build. Furthermore, working in a distraction free environment promotes confidence in Nova. When she is able to successfully execute commands without the pressure of external distractions, she experiences a sense of accomplishment. It builds her self assurance, which will serve her well when faced with more stimulating environments later on in her program.
Nova and I began working on distance and duration with a long line. To teach Nova, I applied a method of gradual increments, working with five second intervals corresponding to varying distances. For instance, moving one foot back required a five second wait, two feet back extended this to ten seconds, and so forth. This approach not only allowed Nova to acclimate to the concept of distance, but also provided clear benchmarks for both of us to assess her progress. When Nova followed through with what I was asking, I rewarded her by releasing her with a break and giving her lots of praise. Nova showed consistency with the exercise, showcasing her ability to maintain her sit with minimal distraction. However, when I attempted to increase the distance to about five feet, she had trouble holding her position and would make her way towards me. To address this, I reverted back to a four foot distance, allowing Nova to practice maintaining her sit for longer durations before releasing her. This adjustment proved beneficial as Nova adapted, worked through it, and I progressively increased the distance once again. As a result, I have established the ability to maintain a distance of five to six feet from Nova without her breaking her position. Moving forward, I will continue working on distance and duration with Nova, and gradually add distractions.
Nova and I worked on her commands in a public setting. Training sessions outside the familiar confines of home introduces dogs to a diverse array of stimuli, including various sounds, sights, and smells. This exposure is crucial for socialization, allowing Nova to become more comfortable and confident in different environments. By encountering people, and other various distractions, Nova learns to focus and respond to commands despite the presence of potential distractions, which is an invaluable skill for everyday life. Public training encourages better behavior in real world situations. Dogs trained in less stimulating environments may struggle to maintain focus when faced with the unpredictability of outdoor settings. Conversely, public training sessions teach dogs to generalize their learned behaviors, understanding that commands apply equally in familiar situations. This adaptability is essential for ensuring that Nova remains well behaved in parks, busy streets, or during outings, ultimately enhancing her safety and the safety of others.
Nova and I met with fellow trainers and their canine companions, creating a dynamic and controlled environment for behavioral conditioning. Nova showcased her ability to maintain composure in the presence of dog distractions, exhibiting no signs of reactivity. During our session, Nova was experiencing some challenges with her down, as her enthusiasm for engaging in playtime with me was competing for her attention. To address this, I utilized the stimulation feature of her e-collar to gently guide her back into the desired position. This technique proved beneficial, allowing Nova to understand the importance of focus and follow through in her training. It underscored the necessity of establishing clear boundaries while also respecting her natural instincts to play and socialize. I also incorporated exercises focused on leash handling and spatial awareness. By walking with my dog, we were able to work at a close distance without any reaction from her. Throughout this exercise, she demonstrated remarkable discipline and control, successfully ignoring my dog and remaining engaged with me instead. Overall, this training session has shown Nova's advancements and the effectiveness of techniques combined with appropriate correction methods.
Nova and I have been going on morning and evening walks around my neighborhood throughout her training program. Today, our walk was a little different, as we are now practicing with her leash dragging as she prepares for her off leash experience. Before taking her out, I made sure to practice these exercises in my backyard, which is a controlled and secure environment, and only went out with Nova once she was consistent with our sessions. Taking her out for morning and evening walks around the neighborhood offers benefits that extend beyond mere physical exercise for her. Engaging in this daily routine fosters a deeper bond between Nova and myself, laying the groundwork for a trusting and affectionate relationship. The act of walking together creates shared experiences, which can enhance communication and understanding between us. As Nova explores her environment alongside me, she often exhibits more relaxed behavior and increased happiness, contributing to a more harmonious household. Regular walks are crucial for maintaining her physical well being, as it helps regulate her weight, reducing the risks associated with obesity. It also provides an opportunity for Nova to release pent up energy, which can mitigate behavioral issues stemming from boredom or anxiety. Furthermore, the physical exertion involved in walking contributes to improved cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and overall vitality. Socially, walking Nova can enhance community engagement. These outings often lead to interactions with neighbors and other dog owners, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Socializing during these walks can also help dogs become more accustomed to different people, animals, and environments, reducing fearfulness and aggression.
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