Clickstart Dog Training Academy

In all seriousness though, we brought the bubbles out for a reason! 🫧

Oakley and Hazy loved playing together but it’s equally important to practice pauses in play and parallel exploration.
Why? So that they don’t end up dog obsessed and reactive out of frustration if they can’t say hi to every dog they see.

Making the room more interesting and different is one way to help puppies take breaks from play and process things together calmly.

Oakley was much more fascinated by the bubbles than Hazy. To each their own 🤪

When I was a young girl, I had long, thick, curly hair.

When my mom brushed my hair, she was gentle and, more importantly, she listened to every flinch I made. She’d stop brushing if she hit a tangle. She understood that it hurt. Or that I was worried it would hurt.

My dad on the other hand would try to push through. He’d hold tighter and brush faster. I’d have to yell or cry for him to stop.

Who do you think had an overall easier time brushing my hair?

If my dad picked up the brush, I avoided him. I’d literally hide or start to tear up.

When my mom picked up the brush, I got in the chair.

Listening to your dog is more important than giving treats. It’s not about distracting them. It’s about creating a system of communication that your dog can trust and rely on.

Aggression isn’t necessary when they have a different way out. When we listen to their more subtle requests for a break.

Slow IS fast. In fact, it’s the only way. Strangle a dog until their tongue turns blue and I guarantee you they’ll only get harder and harder to groom in the future. What an absolutely horrific thing to do. We’re so glad our client chose a different path.