04/10/2026
Something I need everyone to hear!
When your dog does something wonderful, a great retrieve, finding their ball in the grass, recalling off a distraction or even just making a good choice, you are allowed to celebrate them.
I mention this a lot in classes because it’s a big deal to me. You can play with your dog as a reward for anything you like.
But let’s talk about scent detection. When your dog finds a hide, you can play with them. You can do food games. You can do toy games. You can take the time to enjoy what they’ve just done together.
Brie loves food first, then a toy to finish. Saga is all about her ball. And Piper loves her ball thrown for her to catch, followed by shoving it between your calves so you’ll pick it up and chuck it once more for good measure. Then she wants to launch into a game of tuggy with said ball.
They all have their own ideas about what makes a good celebration 😂
I used to think that taking the time to play meant I was holding people up. That I should hurry up and let the next person have their turn.
You know what I’ve discovered? People actually enjoy watching you play really joyful games with your dog.
So when your dog finds that hide, enjoy it with them. Give them the food game they love. Throw the ball. Have the tuggy. Let them show you which bit they want more of.
If you have a toy play dog, just play the game.
Tell me, is your dog a toy play or a cheese lover? What makes it the best day for them?
