Chelsea | Staffordshire Mix | Bakersfield, California
Welcome, fellow dog enthusiasts!
Today, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Chelsea, a spirited Staffy mix who has captured our hearts with her undeniable charm and unique personality. As Chelsea embarks on her journey with us through our two-week board and train program, we invite you to join us in unraveling the layers of her story and witnessing her transformation firsthand.
One of the first questions many ask about Chelsea is, “Is she good with people?” The answer: mostly. Chelsea exhibits a friendly demeanor towards most individuals, but there are moments when she displays a hint of skepticism towards certain people. This discerning nature speaks volumes about her ability to assess situations and respond accordingly, a trait we admire as we embark on this journey together.
To truly understand Chelsea, we asked her family to share three things they adore about her. The responses paint a vivid picture of her endearing qualities: the way her entire body wags with uncontainable joy, her sweet snore that serenades them as she peacefully sleeps in her car crate, and her intelligence that shines through in every interaction.
Of course, no dog is without their challenges, and Chelsea is no exception. Her family has identified three areas where she could benefit from some extra support: dog reactivity, difficulty with the “stay” command, and struggles with separation anxiety. These are common issues that many dog owners face, and addressing them requires a personalized approach tailored to Chelsea’s specific needs.
Since her adoption on December 10, Chelsea’s family has been on a journey of discovery, getting to know her unique quirks and preferences. Initially, they were cautious about socializing her with other dogs due to her unpredictable behavior. Like many rescue dogs, Chelsea came with her own set of challenges, including a tendency to put her front paws on people and jump onto furniture, as well as a lack of basic commands like “sit.”
However, with dedication and the right guidance, Chelsea has already made significant progress. She no longer jumps on furniture or her family members without permission, a testament to the effectiveness of positive reinforcement training. And while her journey is still unfolding, her family remains committed to helping her overcome her obstacles and become the best version of herself.
As we embark on this journey with Chelsea, we are reminded of the transformative power of patience, understanding, and tailored training methods. Every small victory is a step forward, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Together, we will support Chelsea as she gains confidence, learns new skills, and blossoms into a well-adjusted companion.
Stay tuned for more updates on Chelsea’s journey, and may her story inspire you on your own path with your beloved furry friends.
Until next time, happy training!
Pupdate 2:
Date: Tuesday January 30th, 2024
Weight: 63.25lbs
Morning Feed: half
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
On Chelsea’s initial arrival, she displayed signs of timidity, understandably overwhelmed by her new surroundings. To ease her transition, I allowed her to explore freely, acclimating herself to the environment at her own pace. Today marked a fresh start as we delved into training sessions, focusing on mastering all five essential commands. Through patient practice and encouragement, Chelsea showed remarkable progress by the end of our sessions. Her body language spoke volumes – she appeared less tense, her tail was no longer tucked, and she exhibited fewer flinches when receiving affectionate pets. Keep up the great work, Chelsea! Your dedication and progress are truly commendable.
Pupdate 3:
Date: Wednesday January 31st, 2024
Weight: 63.25lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Today presented a significant challenge for Chelsea, as she navigated being in the vicinity of other dogs. Despite the difficulty, she showed progress by remaining in the same space without escalating into aggression. Although she occasionally gave warnings, such as growling and displaying stiffness, she did not engage in any aggressive behaviors such as lunging. It’s evident that Chelsea experienced some discomfort, but she demonstrated resilience by working through this mental block. Overall, it was commendable progress, and I’m proud of her determination and effort. Keep up the good work, Chelsea!
Pupdate 5:
Date: Friday February 2nd, 2024
Weight: 63.25lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Chelsea’s progress in acclimating to other pups is evident as she reached a significant milestone today by closely interacting with my own dog, Dante. Given Chelsea’s tendency towards fearfulness, it’s crucial to expose her to calm and reassuring canine companions. This session marked a notable achievement, with Chelsea concluding it on a positive note. Her ability to overcome her apprehensions and engage with Dante showcases her growing confidence and adaptability. Excellent job, Chelsea! Keep up the great work!
Pupdate 6:
Date: Saturday February 3rd, 2024
Weight: 63.25lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Chelsea’s progress is evident as she consistently makes positive strides. Notably, she has shown a reduction in pulling behavior during heeling exercises, positioning herself on my left side with increased ease. Her healthy appetite and evident enjoyment of her meals, particularly her kibble, are indicative of her overall well-being. Furthermore, Chelsea is excelling in extending her command execution, demonstrating a commendable understanding and responsiveness. These improvements collectively highlight her dedication to training and signify a promising journey towards enhanced obedience and companionship.
Pupdate 7:
Date: Saturday February 4th, 2024
Weight: 63.25lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Chelsea’s joyful tail wag is a testament to the blossoming bond between us. Witnessing the transformation from a timid arrival with a tucked-in tail to now confidently wagging it in public places brings immense joy. Her increasing confidence is evident not only in her expressive tail but also in her improved performance with sit and down commands. It’s truly heartening to see our relationship flourishing, marked by Chelsea’s growing comfort and enthusiasm in various situations.
Pupdate 8:
Date: Monday February 5th, 2024
Weight: 63.25lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Chelsea’s progress is evident as she continues to improve steadily day by day. Her attentiveness and intelligence shine through, making her a remarkable companion. We remain committed to reinforcing her good behavior consistently while also ensuring she’s exposed to various distractions, fostering her adaptability and resilience.
Pupdate 9:
Date: Tuesday February 6th, 2024
Weight: 64.26 lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Chelsea continues to excel during our trips to Lowe’s. She appears less phased by the presence of humans, demonstrating growing confidence in such environments. Maintaining her position on my left side while walking on heel, she shows impressive discipline. Additionally, she is making great strides with her sit and down commands. Keep up the hard work, girl!
Pupdate 10:
Date: Wednesday February 7th, 2024
Weight: 64.92 lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
During our visits to Home Depot, we remain dedicated to reinforcing all commands with Chelsea. Her enthusiasm for work is palpable, and she thrives in such environments. With her strong food motivation, she continues to make strides, showing improvement in her interactions with other dogs. Notably, she’s become noticeably more relaxed when receiving affection, no longer as tense as before. This progress is commendable – great work, Chelsea!
Pupdate 11:
Date: Thursday February 8th, 2024
Weight: 64.92 lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Chelsea is an incredibly sweet and friendly companion! She thrives in the company of other pups whom she trusts, displaying excellent social skills. Ensuring that both Chelsea and the other dog are in a calm state is vital during socialization sessions. This practice promotes positive interactions and fosters strong bonds between them.
Pupdate 12:
Date: Friday February 9th, 2024
Weight: 65.13 lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Chelsea adores her training partner, Anastasia, forming a genuinely affectionate bond between them. Their interactions are consistently kind and gentle, reflecting their mutual respect. Chelsea demonstrates exceptional behavior by comfortably sharing space with Anastasia and even sharing meals without displaying possessiveness or aggression. Keep up the great work, girl!
Pupdate 13:
Date: Friday February 10th, 2024
Weight: 65.13 lbs
Morning Feed: all
Evening Feed: all
Training Highlights:
Today’s training session took place at Los Angeles State Historic Park, and Chelsea excelled in adapting to the new environment, showcasing commendable performance with her commands. Her obedience is noteworthy, coupled with her affectionate and gentle nature, making her a joy to work with. Chelsea’s attentiveness in public settings and her calm demeanor further underscore her exemplary behavior.
