🧠 1. Name Game
Goal: Teach your pup to respond to their name.
How: Say their name in a happy tone. When they look at you, mark it with a "yes!" and treat.
Why it works: Builds focus and sets the foundation for recall.
🏃 2. Recall Hide-and-Seek
Goal: Reinforce coming when called.
How: One person holds the pup, the other hides in another room and calls the pup’s name. Praise and reward when they find you!
Pro tip: Start easy, then add more distance and distractions.
🐾 3. Touch Game ("Nose to Hand")
Goal: Teach them to target your hand with their nose.
How: Hold out your palm. When your pup sniffs or touches it, say "yes!" and treat.
Use it for: Redirecting attention, polite greetings, recall.
🪑 4. Place Game
Goal: Teach calm behavior and impulse control.
How: Send your pup to a mat or bed with a cue like “place.” Reward for staying there.
Make it fun: Toss treats or use toys to lure them back to the spot.
🎾 5. Fetch with Rules
Goal: Teach impulse control and release commands.
How: Ask for a “sit” before tossing a toy. Use "drop it" when they bring it back, then reward with another toss.
Bonus: Builds patience and responsiveness.
🚦 6. Red Light, Green Light
Goal: Teach “stop” and “go” on cue.
How: Walk with your pup and randomly stop. Reward when they stop with you.
Add cues: Use “go” and “stop” to build verbal understanding.
🤹 7. Puppy Obstacle Course
Goal: Build confidence and coordination.
How: Use cushions, broomsticks, boxes, etc., to create a mini agility course. Lure them through with treats.
Keep it safe: Use low, soft objects for puppies.
👃 8. Find It (Sniff Game)
Goal: Stimulate their nose and mind.
How: Toss a treat and say “find it!” Gradually increase difficulty by hiding treats under cups or in snuffle mats.
Why it's great: Calming and naturally rewarding.
🎩9. Magic Hands
Goal: Teach impulse control and polite treat-taking.
How: Hold a treat in your closed fist and let your pup sniff. The moment they stop pawing or licking and back off even slightly, say “yes!” and reward with the treat. Repeat until they wait calmly for the treat every time.
Why it’s great: Reinforces calm behavior around food. Builds self-control in a fun, low-pressure way. Great foundation for more advanced training like leave-it or gentle taking.
🎓 Sit, Stay, Thrive: Training Tips Every Dog Needs 🐶
Crate training = comfort confinement! 💤
Done right, a crate becomes your pup’s cozy, safe space to relax and recharge.
Click here to learn how to make crate training a calm and positive experience! 🧸❤️
Treats, Praise, Play: The Power of Positive Rewards in Training!🎉
Using rewards the right way turns learning into fun and builds a stronger bond with your pup!
Click here to discover how to motivate your dog with love, not fear.
Thinking muzzles are scary? Think again! A muzzled dog is not a bad dog! 💡
Muzzle training can be a positive, stress-free way to keep your pup (and others) safe and comfy.
Click here to learn how to make muzzle time no big deal!
House Training a Rescue or Adult Dog: Yes, It’s Possible! 🏡
Bringing home a rescue or adult dog is incredibly rewarding—but what if they’re not house trained? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s totally doable with patience and the right approach. Here’s a quick guide to help both you and your new furry friend succeed.
Chewed Shoes, Clues, and Puppy Blues — Let’s Fix That Chomp Chaos.
Your pup isn’t out to ruin your life — they’re just teething, bored, or curious! Learn why dogs chew (and how to save your shoes, couch, and sanity) with simple, fun solutions.
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