Bruno
The Adventure Begins: 06/08/2025
Coaching Resources
Start Here
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Start Here 〰️
The Handbook is a lengthy read, but has just about everything you might need to know when starting a program. This is the absolute best place to start with your training package.
Start Here
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Start Here 〰️
Guild Hall is a client portal within my website - you’ll find classes and events available only to past and present clients there, as well as discounts on certain future services. You’ll also find recommended outlets for your dog, including sports, events, and sniffspot information.
Character Sheet
Session Zero: 06/09/2025
Recommended Training Package:
Thank you again for taking the time to meet with me and share more about life with Bruno. I know this hasn’t been an easy stretch for your family, and I really appreciate your honesty and openness about the challenges you’ve been facing.
Bruno is clearly a bright, active adolescent with a lot of potential, and it’s completely understandable that his energy and curiosity have been overwhelming at times—especially with everything else you have going on. I want to emphasize that your dedication to helping him grow into a family-friendly companion is not only possible, but absolutely on track with the steps we’re beginning.
Session Summary: In our session, we focused primarily on management and enrichment, which are foundational to setting Bruno up for success in training and daily life. Given his likely breed mix and developmental stage, it’s not surprising that he’s finding creative (if inconvenient!) ways to get his needs met. Our goal is to shift that creativity into productive outlets.
Key Takeaways & Recommendations:
1. Management in the Yard:
Tethered Run Setup: A safe, low-supervision option to allow Bruno some freedom to move without the risk of fence escapes. This also gives the kids space to interact and practice training, while still being able to step away if needed.
2. Enrichment Tools & Ideas:
Flirt pole for energetic chase games
Clean Run Tug Toys for chase and tug, with safer distance for kid hands
Dig Pit within his tether range, stocked with hidden chews and treasures
Chews: Consider long-lasting edible options like antlers, Himalayan Yak Chews, hooves (for outdoors), and tracheas (stuffable). Gorilla Chews are a good option if wood is his preferred material of choice.
Toppls: Let the kids get creative with frozen stuffing recipes for chaos-time redirection
Scatter Feeding: Progress from short-range to full-yard kibble searches to boost mealtime engagement
Handful Training Sessions: Quick bursts of fun tricks or cues using a handful of kibble—easy to squeeze into your day
Longer-Term Enrichment Ideas:
Sniffspots: Great for adding novelty and freedom to his outings
Dog Pacer Treadmill: A great option to explore for consistent indoor exercise, especially when outdoor time is limited
Additional and Recommended Resources:
"Jobs for Kids" Handout (attached here)
Enrichment Made Easy Webinar – available on my website, perfect for families balancing limited time with high-energy pups
Looking Ahead: I believe Bruno would benefit tremendously from a Board & Train stay, especially considering the scope of challenges and the family’s full plate. A short trial stay is an option to assess how he adjusts to the crate in a new environment. If he does well, I recommend a three-week program, ideally between July 2-23, which includes:
Full stay and training support (3 handoff sessions)
The Beginner Online Class
3 months of Cast Guidance
Beyond that, we can evaluate if continued support through the Sidekick Academy (kids & dogs) or Starting Zone: Power Up (arousal regulation) would be helpful when they re-open later this year.
Let me know how you’d like to move forward or if you have any questions at all. I'm here to support you and your family every step of the way!
It has been such a pleasure having Bruno with me these past three weeks! He’s a fun, active boy, and we worked hard together on some of his biggest challenges. Below is a summary of his progress, what to keep in mind at home, and some next steps for you and the family.
Training Highlights
Engagement in new environments: Bruno practiced both cued and offered engagement in different locations. Continue taking him to new places (a block over, a nearby park, etc.) to reinforce calm engagement and treat-taking. Watch his body language — his naturally high, curved tail may drop lower when he’s unsure.
Polite greetings: We practiced calm greetings with new people. At home, I recommend sending him to his mat/place when guests arrive. A family member can reward him for staying there, and once he’s settled, release him (ideally dragging a leash) to a treat scatter at the guest’s feet.
Arousal regulation: Bruno worked on balancing excitement and calm. For now, when play gets rowdy, he should practice sitting quietly and doing “look at that” instead of diving into the action. The Off Switch Game (like freeze dance) is a great way for the kids to help him practice self-control while still having fun.
Daily routines & management: Bruno benefits from planned settling, especially during evenings when energy is high. Short sessions of mental exercise (training games, puzzles, problem-solving tasks) are just as important as physical exercise and will help build his frustration tolerance and patience.
Special Considerations
Cats: Bruno showed strong interest in the cats. For now, I recommend either separating him when loose in the house, or ensuring the cats have safe zones out of reach. Carefully managed introductions (with Bruno relaxed, rewarded for calmness, and given treat tosses away from the cats) will make this safer and less stressful for them.
Resource guarding with dogs: I noticed some mild guarding around other dogs with high-value items. While I didn’t see this directed at people, I recommend using a simple prevention protocol: drop a high-value treat for him whenever you approach while he has something special. This helps him associate human approach with good things happening. Keep an eye out for early signs of guarding (freezing, hovering, hard stares) so we can stay ahead of it.
Homework at a Glance 📝
Practice engagement in new places (reward calm focus + treat-taking)
Use mat/place for greetings → release with a treat scatter
Play the Off Switch Game with the kids for self-control practice
Plan short “settle times” in the evening (include puzzle toys/mental games)
Keep Bruno separated or carefully managed with cats
Reward Bruno for calmness when near cats or when you approach a valued item
Send me videos + choose a check-in day that works for you
Ongoing Support
You have three months of Cast Guidance virtual coaching included. Please feel free to send me videos of his training at home! If it’s helpful, let me know a day of the week that works best for quick check-ins on homework or questions. We can also schedule in-person follow-ups whenever you’re ready.
Remember Cast Guidance includes:
🎓 Access to the full library of recorded workshops, webinars, orientations, and the Lore Arcana
🧠 Weekly Office Hours for live Q&A and coaching
🎯 One Skill Check per month (30-minute virtual session)
📽️ Up to 5 minutes of video review weekly, with homework feedback
🎟️ 10% off all classes and workshops
I know Bruno can be a challenging boy at times, but with consistency, structure, and the right support, I believe you’ll continue to see great progress. I’m here to help every step of the way.
