Meet Zeus! An eight month old German Shepherd who has joined us for our Three Week Board and Train Program. Zeus was here previously for our Three Week Puppy Board and Train Program, and has returned to sharpen up his basic obedience. In his new Program, Zeus will be learning a few more commands, and will also be in training to become an off leash pup. Check in to see his progress!
Zeus and I spent the afternoon by going on a walk at a local park. He does well with his heel, but needed a little reconditioning as he became distracted by the grass smells. By applying leash tension and reminding him to heel, I was able to have Zeus follow through. As you mentioned, he does need a little more conditioning on his recall, so I will be working on it with him throughout his program. He has settled in great at home, and I am looking forward to making more progress with him these next three weeks. Attached in today’s pupdate will be an e-collar video tutorial explaining its functions, as well as photos of his very own e-collar with its own serial number.
Zeus and I focused on reconditioning his command responses to enhance his overall obedience and reliability. The objective of our session was to address some challenges he faced with his recall. Instead of positioning himself directly in front of me as expected, Zeus tended to sit on my right side. This deviation indicated a need for additional guidance and clarification regarding the desired behavior. To address this issue, I applied gentle leash tension to encourage him to shift into the correct sitting position in front of me. This method allowed me to communicate more clearly with Zeus, reinforcing the importance of the command while also providing him with the necessary support to succeed. After several repetitions of this exercise, I observed a noticeable improvement in Zeus' ability to respond correctly to the recall command. He began to show increased consistency in sitting directly in front of me, indicating that he was beginning to understand the expectation more clearly. This progress was encouraging and demonstrated his capacity to learn and adapt when given the right guidance and practice. Moving forward, I am confident that with continued practice during our training sessions, Zeus will further refine his responses. The combination of structured training, patience, and consistency will be crucial in helping him overcome any remaining challenges and solidifying his obedience skills.
Zeus and I worked on send away to place which emphasizes the development of independent placement behavior in dogs. This method diverges from traditional positioning techniques that often involve direct guidance, allowing for a more dynamic interaction between Zeus and I. During our session, I initiated the training by selecting a designated object, specifically my place box, which serves as a clear and recognizable target for Zeus. The objective was to teach him to move to the specified location from a distance, enhancing his ability to respond to cues without physical assistance. I utilized a clear pointing gesture to indicate the target, effectively communicating my intentions to Zeus. To ensure a solid foundation for this exercise, we began with a series of placing drills that allowed Zeus to familiarize himself with the concept of targeting the place box. Initially, the distance was minimal, allowing him to build confidence and understanding of the task. As he demonstrated consistency and a keen grasp of the exercise, I gradually increased the distance from which I asked him to place. Throughout this process, I employed leash tension as a subtle form of guidance, reinforcing his movements without overshadowing the independence we aimed to foster. Zeus quickly adapted to the new approach, showing his ability to interpret the cues provided.
Today’s session was part of a collaborative effort involving other trainers and their pups, aimed at assessing and improving Zeus' ability to maintain focus in the presence of distractions. During our session, it became evident that while Zeus possesses an understanding of his commands, he still faces a little challenge when interacting with other dogs. With Zeus wanting to engage with the pups, it led to distractions that interfered with his ability to follow through. Recognizing the importance of reconditioning him to manage these distractions effectively, I utilized his e-collar by applying stim in conjunction with a verbal “off,” and was able to redirect Zeus’ focus back towards me. This method proved effective in re-establishing his concentration, allowing us to proceed with the training session. By the end of it, Zeus made improvement in his focus and responsiveness, showing his ability to work in an environment with distractions.
Zeus and I have been working on under. Under consists of having Zeus go under a designated object such as a picnic table or a bench. Teaching a dog to go under an object is a process that requires patience and consistency. To begin, we worked in my backyard with a few chairs since it is a calm and distraction free environment, where Zeus can focus on the task at hand. Choosing a comfortable setting will help him feel secure and more receptive to training. Once the environment is established, I introduced the chairs we practiced on as an object of interest and exploration. Encouraging Zeus to approach the chairs was done by simply allowing him to investigate the area freely. Once Zeus was comfortable around the chairs, the next step was to guide him to go under them. This was worked on by using a combination of leash tension and body positioning. I stood at the entrance of the space beneath the chair, holding the leash in a way that provides gentle but firm guidance. As Zeus approached the chairs, I applied slight tension to the leash, directing his movement toward the desired location. If he hesitated, I gave him a gentle pull, and only released tension when he made an intent. It took a few attempts, but by remaining patient and working at his pace, Zeus was able to follow through and we are now practicing under in public areas.
Zeus and I worked on his commands in a high distracting environment and he did very well. During our recent training session, Zeus demonstrated progress in his ability to maintain focus and composure in a high distracting environment. Throughout our heel work, Zeus consistently remained at my side, exhibiting a strong understanding of the command and a willingness to engage with me. His ability to check in through regular eye contact when in his stationary positions not only reflects his growing confidence, but also indicates a solid foundation in our communication and trust. This responsiveness is crucial for effective training, particularly in environments where distractions are prevalent. Moreover, Zeus' recall skills have shown improvement as he is becoming reliable as he sits in front of me when called. As he continues to display consistency in coming towards my front during recall exercises, I plan to introduce longer distance recalls utilizing a long line in the upcoming days. This will further challenge his skills and enhance his training, allowing for greater independence while maintaining a reliable response to commands.
Zeus and I drove out to a local park and worked on his recall a little more. We began our session utilizing a long line and working with short distances, ensuring Zeus was comfortable and successful in his responses. As I observed his progress, I systematically increased the distance to further challenge him and promote his learning. Throughout the session, Zeus demonstrated an understanding of his recall, showing his ability to follow through with the task. However, an area for improvement became evident during our practice as Zeus occasionally anticipated the cue to transition behind me and sit on my left. To address this behavior, I maintained ahold of his leash and reinforced the importance of waiting for my verbal cue before making any movements. By reminding him to sit and having him wait, I am fostering a more precise response to cues, thereby enhancing his overall compliance and focus. While Zeus has made significant strides in his recall training, it is clear that he would benefit from continued practice in this area. My approach will involve ongoing sessions that gradually build on his skills, ensuring he fully understands the expectations and responds consistently to commands. With dedicated effort, I am confident that Zeus will continue to achieve a higher level of reliability in his recall, ultimately enhancing his training outcomes.
Zeus and I worked on distinguishing his place command from his under command. Throughout his training program, Zeus has consistently demonstrated a solid grasp of both commands, which provided a strong foundation to work on them concurrently. To clarify the under command, I implemented a hands on approach where I guided Zeus towards the designated object while using a combination of verbal cues and directional pointing. This method allows him to associate the action with the command effectively. On the other hand, his place command involved a different strategy. I positioned ourselves at a distance from the object, instructed Zeus to sit, and then pointed to the target object, reinforcing the behavior I wanted him to exhibit. Initially, Zeus experienced some difficulty in distinguishing the two commands due to their conceptual similarities. However, through repeated practice and clear distinctions in my commands and gestures, he began to understand the nuances of each behavior. With several repetitions, I observed marked improvement in his ability to respond appropriately to both commands.
Zeus and I worked on come to heel. The objective was to teach Zeus to move into the heel position from a stationary state, which requires a combination of focus, responsiveness, and proper leash handling.
To initiate this training, I would first ask Zeus to sit or down, ensuring he was in a calm and controlled position. Once he was settled, I would take a step forward, simultaneously tapping my leg to encourage him to follow. This approach is designed to create a clear visual and auditory cue for Zeus, helping him understand the desired behavior. Initially, Zeus encountered some challenges with this command. He displayed a bit of hesitance, which is common in the early stages of learning new commands. However, I utilized gentle leash guidance to assist him in the process. By applying slight pressure on the leash and providing positive reinforcement when he made progress, Zeus gradually started to understand the concept of moving into the heel position. As a result of our focused practice, Zeus began to show improvement, demonstrating an increased willingness to respond to the heel command and follow my cues more effectively.
Zeus and I had some playtime at a local park. Since he is a very energetic pup, we played a game of fetch to release it. Playing fetch with a high energy dog like Zeus can be one of the most effective and rewarding activities for both you and him. This interactive game not only provides essential physical exercise, but also serves as an outlet for mental stimulation, which is particularly important for his type of breed. High energy breeds thrive on vigorous exercise, and playing fetch allows Zeus to engage in a full body workout, which can help to improve his cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and maintain a healthy weight. By having him run and retrieve, Zeus burns off excess energy, which can prevent the development of behavioral issues often associated with pent up energy, such as excessive barking, chewing, or hyperactivity. Beyond physical benefits, fetch also provides significant mental stimulation. Dogs are naturally inquisitive and thrive on challenges. By introducing variations in the game such as changing the throwing distance, using different types of toys, or incorporating obstacles, you can engage Zeus’ brain and enhance his problem solving skills. This mental engagement is vital for preventing boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Furthermore, fetch can strengthen his basic obedience commands, thereby promoting better obedience and enhancing the bond between you both.
Training a dog to be off leash is a rewarding goal for many pet owners, but it requires careful preparation to ensure the safety and well-being of both the dog and the surrounding environment. One effective method to facilitate this transition is to begin with Zeus wearing a leash that is allowed to drag. This approach serves several critical functions in the training process, promoting gradual acclimatization to off leash freedom while maintaining control over Zeus. Allowing the leash to drag provides him with a sense of freedom while still being tethered to me. This helps Zeus learn to navigate his environment with increased confidence and independence, which is essential for off leash training. By dragging the leash, he can explore, sniff, and engage with its surroundings without the immediate constraint of a leash, thereby reducing anxiety and building positive associations with off leash scenarios. This method also offers me a means of control. If Zeus becomes overly excited or starts to wander too far, I can easily step on the leash, and also rely on the e-collar stim to regain control without the need for panic. This fosters a sense of security for both Zeus and I, allowing for a more relaxed training environment. The dragging leash acts as a safety net, giving me the ability to intervene if necessary while rewarding his exploration and curiosity. He did very well, and I will continue to work this way with Zeus the next few days, as we practice in more public settings.
Zeus and I worked on all of his commands with his leash dragging. I focused on strengthening his command responses while having his leash drag to promote independence and self control. Despite some distractions from the presence of a trainer filming the session, I effectively applied e-collar stim as a corrective tool to redirect Zeus' attention and maintain his focus on the tasks at hand. The combination of his leash dragging and the e-collar allowed for a balanced approach, facilitating both guidance and autonomy. This method not only helped Zeus remain engaged despite external distractions, but also contributed to building his confidence in responding to commands reliably. As a result of this focused training, Zeus demonstrated noticeable improvements in his responsiveness and overall behavior. His ability to follow commands under varied conditions indicates a good foundation for future training sessions that will lead to his off leash experience.
Zeus and I drove out to the pier in Santa Monica today. Most of Zeus's training sessions at this location have involved the use of a leash, which has provided a sense of security but may have limited his ability to perform independently. By shifting to the format we are using now, I intended to challenge him further and encourage better self control in a stimulating environment. As we began the session, I prompted Zeus to perform a send away to place, aiming for him to maintain a sit position on a bench. However, he encountered some difficulty with this command, demonstrating a tendency to leap off the bench or transition into a down position. I addressed this behavior by pairing the use of the stim on his e-collar along with a verbal sit, and I was able to guide Zeus back to the correct position. This approach not only provided him with immediate feedback but also strengthened the expectation of maintaining his sit command. While Zeus showed promise during the session, it is clear that he requires additional practice to solidify his understanding and execution of the sit command in a variety of contexts. The distractions present at the pier can be challenging for him, but I am committed to continuing this line of training as this ongoing work will be essential in ensuring that he can perform consistently, even in high distraction settings.
Zeus and I worked on some off leash exercises in my front yard with no distractions. Training Zeus to be off leash in a safe, enclosed area is an essential step in ensuring an obedient companion, particularly before venturing into public spaces. An enclosed training environment allows for controlled exposure to the concept of off leash freedom. In these secure settings, Zeus can explore his surroundings without the risk of encountering distractions or hazards that are commonplace in public areas. This controlled environment enables me to focus on his commands, ensuring that Zeus responds reliably to verbal cues and gestures. The absence of external distractions significantly aids in strengthening positive behaviors, allowing Zeus to understand and internalize the importance of obedience. An additional benefit is the opportunity for us as owners to continue building trust and confidence in our dog’s abilities. As we witness our pups successfully respond to commands and navigate their environment without a leash, we can feel more secure in our decision to allow off leash freedom in public spaces.
Zeus and I have been working on hand signals. Teaching hand signals offers a multitude of benefits that extend simple obedience training. One of the primary advantages is the enhancement of communication between Zeus and myself. Dogs in general are naturally attuned to visual cues, and incorporating hand signals into training can bridge the gap between human verbal commands and canine understanding. This form of communication is particularly valuable in noisy environments where verbal commands may be difficult for Zeus to hear, or in situations where a quieter approach is necessary, such as hunting or working scenarios. Moreover, hand signals can significantly improve Zeus’ responsiveness and reliability. When he is trained to respond to both verbal commands and hand signals, Zeus develops a more comprehensive understanding of what is expected of him. This dual approach reinforces learning, as he can associate the visual signal with the desired behavior, leading to quicker comprehension and execution of commands. As a result, this method can enhance overall obedience and reduce confusion. Hand signals also contribute to mental stimulation. The process of learning and applying new cues challenges his abilities, promoting engagement, reducing boredom, and it can also help mitigate behavioral issues that stem from excess energy or lack of stimulation. Furthermore, it can enhance training in various contexts, such as agility, obedience competitions, or canine sports. Participants in these activities often find that visual cues can improve performance and precision, as dogs can focus more intently on their handler’s movements rather than being distracted by environmental noise or other stimuli. This focus can lead to better results in competitions and also make it a more enjoyable experience.
During my training session with Zeus, we focused on his send away to place and under off leash. Zeus demonstrated remarkable progress during our session, showing his capability and willingness to learn. While he went under the bench instead of placing on it during one of our reps, I effectively guided him through the correction process and successfully redirected his behavior. Despite the presence of distractions such as people having a cookout in the distance and a girl with her pup nearby, Zeus displayed focus and determination to carry out the assigned tasks. This experience highlighted Zeus's resilience and adaptability, as well as his ability to maintain concentration in challenging environments. Through consistent training, Zeus continues to show great potential for further development and success in his training journey.
Zeus and I have been working on his food manners. He does very well with waiting, and will mostly go into an automatic down before I place his bowl down. For Zeus, I recommend the use of a slow feeder to address the issue of fast eating behavior. Fast eating in dogs, also known as "wolfing down," can lead to several health concerns such as choking, bloating, obesity, and digestive issues. By incorporating a slow feeder into Zeus’ feeding routine, you can help promote better eating habits and improve his overall well being. Slow feeders are specially designed bowls or puzzle like devices that are structured to make it more challenging for dogs to access their food quickly. These feeders typically feature obstacles or compartments that require the dog to slow down and work to retrieve their food, encouraging them to eat at a more moderate pace. This not only prevents gulping but also stimulates their natural foraging instincts, providing mental stimulation and enrichment during meal times. One of the key benefits of using a slow feeder is the reduction of the risk of various health issues associated with fast eating. By slowing down the eating process, Zeus will have better digestion, decreased likelihood of choking, and a lower risk of developing bloat, a serious condition that can be life threatening. Additionally, slowing down meal times can help prevent obesity by promoting a feeling of fullness and preventing overeating. Introducing a slow feeder to his feeding routine can also help improve his behavior and overall temperament. Dogs that eat too quickly may exhibit food aggression or anxiety around meal times. By implementing a slow feeder, you can help reduce these negative behaviors and create a more positive feeding experience for him. It is a simple yet effective solution to address the issue of fast eating and promote healthier eating habits in your furry friend. I strongly recommend trying out a slow feeder to see the impact it can have on Zeus.
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