At A Glance
Smokey is a 7.5-month-old Bernedoodle who began a 2-Week Board and Train Program with trainer Natalie at Off Leash K9 Training Pittsburgh. His main challenges included jumping on counters, jumping on people, becoming overly excited, and struggling to remain in position after receiving a command. His training plan focused on improving everyday manners, strengthening command duration, encouraging calmer behavior, and building a more reliable foundation in basic obedience.
Dog: Smokey
Breed: Bernedoodle
Age: 7.5 months
Trainer: Natalie
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Program: 2-Week Board and Train Program
Main Focus: Jumping, overexcitement, command duration, household manners, and basic obedience
Training Goal: Better manners, calmer responses, stronger command duration, and improved basic obedience
The Challenge
Before training, Smokey displayed several energetic young-dog behaviors that made everyday routines more difficult. He frequently jumped on counters and people, especially when excited.
Smokey also had difficulty remaining in position after responding to a command. Performing a command briefly was not enough. He needed to learn how to maintain that position, stay focused, and wait until he was released.
Smokey needed help with:
- Jumping on counters
- Jumping on people
- Managing overexcitement
- Remaining in position longer
- Waiting for a release after commands
- Developing stronger basic obedience
- Building better household and greeting manners
The goal was to help Smokey channel his enthusiasm into calmer, more manageable behavior.
The Training Approach
Natalie developed a training plan that addressed Smokey’s jumping and excitement while strengthening his overall obedience foundation.
Because Smokey struggled to remain in position, command duration became an important part of the plan. The training was designed to teach him that following a command means more than briefly sitting, lying down, or going to a designated place. He also needs to maintain the position until released.
Training focused on:
- Reducing jumping on counters
- Reducing jumping during greetings
- Encouraging calmer behavior around people
- Improving command duration
- Teaching Smokey to remain in position until released
- Strengthening basic obedience skills
- Creating clearer expectations and structure
- Improving follow-through after commands
The approach combined obedience practice with practical household manners that could support better day-to-day behavior.
Training Goals
The available information documents Smokey’s behavior at the beginning of training and the areas Natalie planned to address. Final results were not included, so specific improvements cannot yet be confirmed.
Smokey’s training goals included:
- Better manners around people and counters
- Less jumping during greetings and household activities
- Calmer responses when excited
- Stronger command duration
- More consistent basic obedience
- Better follow-through after receiving a command
- A clearer understanding of when he is released from position
These goals provided a focused plan for helping Smokey become calmer, more attentive, and easier to manage in everyday situations.
Trainer Insight
Young doodles often bring plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity into the home. Without consistent structure, that excitement can lead to jumping, counter surfing, and difficulty maintaining commands.
Command duration is especially important because obedience does not end as soon as a dog performs the requested action. Dogs must also learn to remain in position until they receive a clear release. This skill can support better manners, stronger impulse control, and more reliable behavior during daily routines.
Ready to Improve Your Dog’s Manners and Obedience?
If your dog jumps on people, reaches onto counters, becomes overly excited, or struggles to remain in position, professional training can provide clearer structure and expectations.
Schedule a consultation today with Off Leash K9 Training Pittsburgh to discuss your dog’s behavior and find a training option suited to your goals.
