Freshpuppy

Transitions are hard. When you shift from focusing on your dog to something else create a clear signal for them that you are transitioning from one thing to another.

I coach my students to cue an ‘all done’ and pair it with bathroom break, cookie scatter and/or chew.

For Fen and Lu I generally end with a snuffle or a ‘find it’ rep. In a particular context these games signal ‘the end’ of one thing and a gentle transition to the next. It signals to them my focused attention in them is going to shift.

Whatever you use to signal a transitions does not need to be fussy or hard to execute — keep it simple and consistent.

We can control the volume and intensity with distance and easily turn on and off. This makes a hairdryer an obvious choice for a ‘sound’ to introduce to a puppy. Plus if one will be used during grooming this work helps with comfort with the drying process. Thoughtful, strategic exposure to novel sounds with the focus always on the pup’s comfort and confidence with the process.