Mack at the Park

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I took Mack to the park today. He enjoyed his walk with Pirata, Mackenzie and me. He did very well with the added distraction. He heeled great dragging his leash behind. At one point I did remove the leash, and of course, he did great. He is doing excellent for a four month old pup. Now with consistency at home, he is going to mature into a even more incredible companion!

Big Mack and "Stay"

Big Mack is virtually off-leash now. He occasionally drags his leash behind him, which I use only for guidance when needed. He will "heel", "sit" ,"down", "stay", "come", and "go to place". He is learning to do this things with more consistency and distraction. Mackenzie and the goats are a big help in that area. The only problem we have with Mack is not permanent issue. He is young. Being only 4 months old, he has a short attention span, a little puppy ADD. One big advantage we do have is that he is a very smart fellow and learns quickly. Gaining better consistency and attention will come with maturity. He has matured a lot while he has been here and gained a lot of knowledge to expand on as he grows into adulthood. As with all of our clients, we will continue to support you once he comes home to you so that you can help him through his adolescent phase.

Big Mack Learns "Place"

Big Mack is doing very well with his first week here. He has been taught all of the basic commands. We are now working on consistency with him. One of my favorite commands is "place". This command teaches him to be calm in the house and he has a place to be, not on the couch or under my feet (which can be dangerous, as you know, LOL). It is very important in pack leadership, that he learns that he has a place below you. It is ok, however, for you to allow him on the couch with you, but ONLY under your direction. He must not think that the couch is his. It is YOUR couch and sometimes you allow him up there with you. He has now learned that his bed is a calm and relaxing place to be. We have taught him that other things can be "place" as well, such as a bench, a bath mat, or any other thing that I designate for him to lie down on. He also enjoys snuggling with his bear on place. So cute.

Big Mack's Training Begins

Big Mack is learning how to adapt here and beginning his new training. So far he is learning to follow us on leash and come to a sit when we stop. He is also learning the "down" command and "stay". In the house, he is learning how to relax on his bed, which is now his "place" command. He occasionally gets excited and wants to move around the house, but for the most part, he is doing excellent with this command.

Big Mack

Big Mack
Male American Bulldog, 4 mo old
Owned by Marianne from Morganton, NC

Board N Train began on 10/9/09

List of problems as stated by owner:

• Not completely housebroken
• Play bites
• Doesn't come when called

Main goals owner wants to achieve:

• Come when called off leash
• Obedience off leash