Spooky Boxer Puppy Starts Public Access Training

Mr Duke has started his exposure to the big world out there! As little as a week ago it was nearly impossible to walk this super nervous & insecure out in public without him darting out of the way of something, or spooking at unfamiliar sounds!

We’ve been working hard on conditioning Duke to defer to his human, and look to the person that’s holding the leash with the most value. Tuning out the world and listening to his person are critical in developing a healthier state of mind, and knowing his place and role within his relationships. This process has involved a comprehensive program based in PERMISSION ONLY ACTIVITY, where every step and choice he’s made, has been managed and dictated by ME. This has slowed down his issues with emotional processing, creating a bit more self awareness!

We headed to Lowes to start solidifying his obedience in an all new atmosphere. And Miss Daisy joined along to show Duke that it’s not all that bad out in the real world. Lowes is loaded with things a dog has never seen! And for Duke, unfamiliar sounds can have him flip to an unhealthy headspace.

Working around a ton of distraction like this desensitizes Duke to the unfamiliar, and helps him learn to defer to me when confronted with triggers that concern him. Having a grounded, confident Leader to guide him through the experience, while also holding him accountable for any panic or irrationality, is key. Duke then learns to look to his person instead of being overly concerned about everything else around us.

Nice job sweet boy!