Zippity Do Dog Training and Behavior Modification

06/01/2026

Day 31
These next few days will focus on readings that don’t necessarily focus on dog training or dog welfare. But address trauma, belief systems and perspectives. This is still another recommended read for the (un)balanced trainers.
And anyone else that works in animal welfare.

“The Body Remembers”
The Psychophysiology
of Trauma and Trauma Treatment
By Babette Rothschild

Note: you can find videos here of my clients working with their dogs while I coach them.

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

Because Royce loves to train so much and struggles with transition a “transition” activity (or toy) can be offered to Royce signaling that training has finished. A licki bowl smeared with a small amount baby food, yogurt and unsweetened apple sauce is offered because 1. the act of licking is soothing for a dog and 2. It will last for several minutes. Once Royce is finished he is offered something else to do like a chew toy and that licki bowl goes away until after the next training session.

05/31/2026

While we wrapped things up Royce took a voluntary break. This boy has come a long way in just a few short weeks.

05/31/2026

Training breaks should always be given to dogs between training sessions. For dogs that are not used to daily training, a session might look like 40 seconds to 1 minute and you build from there. Training should always feel good and the dog should always have the choice to opt “in” or “out”. Taking breaks is especially important when you have a dog like Royce, who loves to train, that you remain mindful and offer those breaks while building his training stamina.

05/31/2026

This game can be used during inclement weather inside as well as “hides” outside in advance. Aside from great enrichment this also has great impact on a dog’s emotional state and can help with emotional regulation. Did you know?

While the front part of your dog’s nostrils take in air, those slits on the sides are there to allow the air to escape when your dog exhales.

What is more, as the air flows out of those slits, it creates a swirl of air.

These small currents of air, seemingly exiting from the side of the dog’s nostrils, are not gone for good, but rather lift more particles of odor off the sniffed surfaces which are then once again suctioned for further investigation.

Discover more interesting facts about dog noses: https://pethelpful.com/dogs/30-Facts-About-Your-Dogs-Nose-You-Didnt-Know-Until-Now

05/31/2026

Today was raise criteria day. Teach the skill, add the cue to the skill (to label the skill for the dog), then ask for the cued behavior, practice with distractions, (all previously done). Today we added distance within view, increasing criteria and stepping out of view. Next week we practice outside.

05/31/2026

Day 30
Another recommended read for the (un)balanced trainers.

“Inspiring Resilience in Fearful and Reactive Dogs”

IMHO this book should be required reading for every dog trainer, (aspiring) or otherwise.

Note: you can find videos here of my clients working with their dogs while I coach them.

05/31/2026

Mansfield Animal Shelter
There must be someone out there who will be a match. I will offer the following to her new adopter:
1. Free Consultation 1-hour to assist with transition into new home.
2. Free (Two) 1-hr training sessions.