This week we made a big jump forward in training. We began layering in the e-collar over the obedience commands the dogs already know. This allows us to start building clear, consistent communication at a distance and gives us a way to reinforce commands in real-world situations—not just in a controlled environment. At the same time, we introduced distractions. This included new environments, added movement, and controlled exposure to other dogs. The goal here is to start teaching the dogs how to stay focused and responsive even when something more exciting or stressful is happening around them. This is where training starts to become more practical. It’s no longer just about knowing the command—it’s about choosing to follow through despite distractions. You’ll likely notice moments where your dog is working through hesitation or testing boundaries. That’s normal and expected at this stage. This week is all about building clarity, accountability, and confidence as we raise expectations. We’re setting the foundation now for reliable, real-world obedience moving forward.