Ever wonder how some dogs manage to lie calmly at your feet at a noisy outdoor cafe or settle peacefully on a blanket in the middle of a bustling airport terminal? Raising an "adventure dog"—a pup you can take anywhere on the Treasure Coast and beyond without stress or embarrassment—is all about early training and smart socialization.
Today, we are shining the Client Spotlight on one of our favorite Goldstar grads: Lola, an adventurous little Havanese puppy, and her dedicated parents!
The Challenge: Setting a Travel-Loving Puppy Up for Success
Within two weeks of bringing Lola home, her owners reached out to Goldstar Puppy Academy. As first-time dog parents who travel frequently between Florida and the Northeast—and love hosting dinner parties at home—they knew they needed a puppy who could handle new environments with confidence and poise.
They didn't just want basic obedience; they wanted a lifelong companion who could navigate life's adventures smoothly right by their side.
The Solution: Goldstar's Puppy Sleepaway Camp (Board & Train)
To give Lola the absolute best foundation, she enrolled in our premier Puppy Sleepaway Camp (Board & Train). During her stay in trainer Gerry-Anna's home, Lola was gently introduced to new environments, sights, sounds, and balanced animals, while mastering foundational life skills such as:
- Rock-Solid Recall: Coming when called, even around exciting distractions.
- The "Place" & Settle Command: Learning to relax quietly on her mat on cue.
- Polite Manners: Mastering "Sit", "Leave It", and doorstep boundaries.
Following her board-and-train stay, Lola’s parents continued working with Goldstar through custom coaching to generalize her manners in real-world settings—including public parks, outdoor restaurant patios, and busy travel hubs.
The Real-World Result: 9-Month-Old Lola at Newark Airport
The true test of training comes in the real world—and Lola passed with flying colors!
At just 9 months old, Lola took her very first airplane flight. After remaining calm in her carrier under the seat throughout the flight, she arrived at Newark Airport during peak travel rush.
While crowds of travelers and rolling suitcases bustled around her in the middle of baggage claim, Lola quietly laid down on her travel mat and took a calm nap. No whining, no barking, and no anxiety—just total confidence and trust!
When they arrived at their northern home—a completely unfamiliar location for Lola—she went straight to her mat and rested peacefully after the long journey.
Why Early Puppy Training Pays Off for Life
Many puppies her age would be completely overwhelmed by airport noise and crowds, leading to stress for both the dog and the owner. Because Lola's parents invested early in structured board-and-train and consistent habit building, they set Lola up for a lifetime of stress-free travel and happy adventures.
Even when traveling thousands of miles away, Lola's family stays connected with Goldstar Puppy Academy through our virtual coaching sessions to ensure her manners stay sharp wherever life takes them!
Want an Adventure-Ready Puppy of Your Own?
Whether you're located in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, or Sebastian, you don't have to leave your pup behind or stress over chaotic behavior in public. With the right foundation, your puppy can become the polite, relaxed companion you love taking everywhere!
