09/05/2026
🎾🐾 PLAY IS TRAINING. And it’s a part we never want to overlook!
Check out Trainer Monica and her Board & Train pup Hank having an all-out play session! 😂💙
It might look like they’re taking a break from training…but there’s actually a LOT happening here.
Intentional play can help build engagement, confidence, trust, motivation, and the relationship between a dog and their handler. For a working breed like Hank, it also gives him an appropriate outlet for all that German Shepherd energy and drive! 💪🐶
And here’s something we really want owners to understand: your dog should WANT to interact with you.
We don’t want the environment to always be more exciting than the person holding the leash. When you learn how to become part of the fun, you become more relevant to your dog—and that can carry right over into training. 👏
There’s a time for structure.
There’s a time for obedience.
And there is ABSOLUTELY a time to get silly, bring out the toy, and PLAY. 🤪🎾
Training shouldn’t take away your dog’s personality or joy.
Build the relationship. Build the engagement. Have FUN with your dog. ❤️
Looks like Monica Green & Hank have that part covered! 😂👏🐾