Lucky Dog Season 8 Episode 21 Training Wheels

In Lucky Dog season 8 episode 21, titled "Training Wheels", dog trainer Brandon McMillan meets a four-year-old terrier mix named Lucy who has a lot of energy and a few behavior issues. Lucy was found on the streets and surrendered to the animal shelter, and is now in need of a new home.

The episode begins with Lucy nervously pacing in her kennel, but as soon as she sees Brandon, she runs up to him with enthusiasm. Brandon notes that Lucy is a very active dog who needs a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. He takes her to his training facility, where he starts the process of teaching her basic obedience commands.

First, Brandon works on leash training with Lucy, as she tends to pull when she sees something interesting. He teaches her to "heel", which means she walks calmly next to him without pulling on the leash. Brandon emphasizes the importance of consistency when teaching a dog a new behavior, and praises Lucy when she performs the command correctly.

Next, Brandon introduces Lucy to the obstacle course in his training facility. The course includes ramps, tunnels, and a balance beam. Brandon encourages her to explore and try each obstacle, rewarding her with treats and praise when she succeeds. He notes that this type of physical and mental stimulation is important for a high-energy dog like Lucy to prevent destructive behavior.

Throughout the episode, Brandon also works on Lucy's manners, teaching her to sit, stay, and come when called. He uses positive reinforcement techniques, including treats and praise, to encourage her to perform the behaviors he wants. He also explains that it's important for Lucy to have rules and boundaries, so she knows what is expected of her in her new home.

While Lucy is making progress with her training, Brandon notes that she still has some fear issues that need to be addressed. Specifically, she is afraid of loud noises like fireworks, thunder, and gunshots. Brandon works on counter-conditioning Lucy to these sounds by playing recordings of the noises at a low volume while giving her treats and affection. He gradually increases the volume over time, helping her to associate the sounds with positive experiences instead of fear.

Throughout the episode, Brandon emphasizes the importance of adoption and finding the right home for Lucy. He notes that adoptable dogs like Lucy often need a little extra training and attention, but can make wonderful pets with the right family. He also reminds viewers that there are many dogs like Lucy in animal shelters all over the country, waiting for their forever homes.

In the end, Lucy graduates from Brandon's training program, and he introduces her to a potential adopter who is looking for an active dog to join his family. The adopter is impressed with Lucy's progress and energy, and decides to give her a forever home. Brandon reminds viewers that every dog deserves a loving home, and encourages them to consider adoption when looking for a new pet.

Overall, "Training Wheels" is an upbeat and heartwarming episode of Lucky Dog that showcases the importance of training and adoption for shelter dogs like Lucy. Brandon's positive reinforcement techniques and dedication to helping dogs like Lucy make the series both informative and entertaining for dog lovers everywhere.