Half Moon In Training
Consistency and positive reinforcement are essential to successful dog training. Dogs learn best when desirable behaviors are rewarded, which helps them build confidence and develop reliable habits.
Yesterday, Sal Romano, proprietor of Delighted Pets in nearby Brewster, New York, came to my farm to continue training my French Bulldog puppy, Half Moon - this time with her mother, Luna Muna, joining the lesson. The mother-and-daughter duo worked together in a fenced area, practicing both on and off leash. Their session included short periods of exercise, rest, obedience training, and reward-based drills. Training takes patience and repetition, and time, but for now, Half Moon is enjoying the process and "learning something new every day."
Here are some photos, enjoy!
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- Half Moon is ready for anything. My 11-month old puppy is full of energy and spunk and is adored by everyone at the farm.
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- Here she is waiting patiently for her trainer, Sal, to arrive, while watching some activity around my kitchen.
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- The morning started a little chilly, but Half Moon and Luna Muna were eager to work with Sal. First, Sal allows the two to play a little in the pool area to use up some of their energy.
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- The two are very close and love to play with each other all the time. Sal also thinks it is good to let the dogs play away from the rest of the pack.
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- Next, Sal puts Luna Muna on a lead to see how she heels and whether Half Moon follows – it goes very well.
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- Luna is a show dog and already knows how to walk obediently at Sal’s side, but Half Moon wants to explore on her own.
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- Half Moon is very confident at the farm – and very curious to sniff, which is another vital activity, providing mental stimulation, environmental awareness, and emotional enrichment.
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- But it doesn’t take long before she comes close to Luna Muna again. And the three walk nicely together around the pool.
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- A mother dog can model good behavior if she is already trained, but a puppy still needs independent socialization and human-led training for healthy development.
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- Sal quickens his speed, so the dogs are more attentive and focused, keeping the training fun.
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- Half Moon’s attention span is short – about 12 to 20 minutes in total, but it can be longer if it is mixed with breaks of play and rest. Sal uses the opportunity to practice recalls back to him and Luna Muna when she is at a distance.
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- Next, a little rest and work on the command “down,” which is a cue that tells the dog to lie flat on the ground with its belly down and remaining still until released. Don’t confuse it with the command “off,” which is often used to cue the dog to get off furniture, a certain space, or even off a person.
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- And then “doggie sit-ups” – asking the two to “sit” and then “down,” sit” and then “down.” It is very important for a dog in training to have a consistent group of words to work with, so they are not confused.
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- Always provide fresh water when working, but give it in small, frequent amounts with breaks between drinks to prevent gulping and reduce risks like bloat.
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- After the break, Sal gives the dogs another play session, stopping occasionally for a sit or a recall.
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- When training is fun, dogs are more motivated, engaged, and willing to learn — making it a form of enrichment rather than a chore.
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- Half Moon is happy to learn and eager to please. Occasionally, Sal offers small treat-rewards to make the drill even more successful, especially amid distractions.
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- Sal also allows the two to wrestle, which tires them out. As the saying goes, a tired dog is a good dog.
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- And finally, “down.” Good girl.
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- Sal, Luna Muna, and Half Moon walk back to my Winter House for a well-deserved nap. Dog training is a gradual process that requires repetition, consistency, trust, and patience. And so far, Half Moon, and Luna Muna, are doing great.
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