At A Glance
- Dog Name: Baker
- Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
- Location: Richmond, VA area
- Main Issue: Selective hearing and reactivity around other dogs
- Program: Private sessions plus a 2-Week Board and Train
- Outcome: Stronger command responsiveness and improved ability to work calmly around dog distractions
The Challenge
Owner Sydney Whitmore reached out because Baker is a great dog, but distractions made obedience unreliable. Before training, Baker knew limited commands and was not consistent with them. Around other dogs, Baker struggled with reactivity, which made walks and outings stressful.
Sydney wanted real-world reliability, meaning Baker could respond to commands even when other dogs were present.
3. The Diagnosis & Solution
Selective hearing usually comes from gaps in clarity and consistency that show up under distraction. Reactivity often comes from over-arousal, frustration, or uncertainty around other dogs. Our plan combined foundational obedience with structured distraction proofing.
The custom plan we built
1) Foundation and follow-through (Private sessions)
Sydney and Baker began training to strengthen communication and make commands consistent.
2) Immersion and daily reps (Board and Train)
During the 2-week Board and Train, Baker received daily structure and repeated practice to build habits faster than occasional training at home.
3) Distraction exposure (dogs and real environments)
While boarded, Baker was exposed to many distractions so he could learn to stay engaged, respond to cues, and adapt to the presence of other dogs while continuing to work.
4) Go-home support (continued coaching)
After boarding, continued support helped Sydney maintain progress and troubleshoot as needed.
The Results
After Baker’s sessions plus his two-week boarding, Sydney reported major improvements in the areas that mattered most.
- Improved responsiveness to commands
- Better ability to work around distractions, including other dogs
- Progress continued weeks after training through consistent practice
- Continued trainer support helped maintain momentum
The Owner’s Reaction
“I have had the best experience with Off Leash K9 Training! My Bernese Mountain Dog (Baker) started training with Austin back in June. Baker is such a good boy but he can have selective hearing and reactivity around other dogs. Before training, Baker knew limited commands and wasn’t 100% with all of them. Additionally, Baker couldn’t even be around other dogs without being reactive. After Baker’s sessions and two week boarding, he has shown amazing responsiveness to commands. Baker was also exposed to many distractions while being boarded which allowed Baker to adapt to the presence of other dogs while continuing to focus on commands. Training is a continuous and never ending process, and Baker has continued to show his progress even weeks after his time with Austin. Even weeks after Baker’s boarding, Austin has been so helpful. He has continued to check in on Baker and remind me that I can always ask questions. If you’re thinking about training, I definitely recommend Off Leash and training with Austin!”
Sydney Whitmore
Ready to See Results Like Baker?
If your dog has reactivity around other dogs, selective hearing, or struggles to focus in public, you do not have to keep guessing. Get a clear plan and a trainer who supports you before, during, and after training.