Hati
The Adventure Begins: 06/06-07/04
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
Board and Train: 06/07-07/05
Overview:
Hati is a sweet, sensitive mixed-breed pup who struggles with fear in unfamiliar environments and around new people. During her four-week stay, we focused on building her confidence and comfort through supportive, choice-based exercises tailored to her needs.
Training Focus Areas:
Nosework: We introduced basic scent games to encourage environmental exploration. Nosework can help dogs build confidence by engaging their natural instincts in a rewarding and low-pressure way.
Movement Puzzles: Adapted from The Moving Canine, these structured problem-solving activities support confidence through exploration and body awareness. They allow dogs to safely interact with their surroundings in ways that promote curiosity and agency.
Chin Rest (Start Button Behavior): This foundational skill gives Hati a way to communicate readiness and willingness during interactions, especially with unfamiliar people. Practicing this empowers her to feel more in control during social introductions.
Implementation & Progress:
These skills were introduced gradually and practiced both indoors (with new people) and outdoors (in novel settings) in short, well-managed sessions. Hati showed growing confidence, particularly when sessions were predictably structured and centered around her comfort.
Recommendations for Home:
Continue using Nosework and Movement Puzzles as primary confidence-building activities in new or mildly challenging environments.
Once Hati has had more practice, these same tools can be used in known locations (like your store) with low-level exposure to moving people, to gradually build confidence around new individuals.
Management is critical—ensure that Hati's setups are safe and positive for everyone involved. Choose low-distraction environments, limit duration, and watch her cues closely.
Reading Her Body Language:
Hati is expressive when relaxed, but can shut down when overwhelmed. Compliance alone (e.g., sitting quietly) is not a full indicator of comfort. Look for:
Tail wagging
Offered eye contact
Loose, fluid body movement
Voluntary treat-taking
Being attuned to these signs will help ensure that her training continues to build both confidence and joy in navigating the world.
07/10 Follow Up
🧘♀️ Relaxation & Management
Introducing the Overall Relaxation Protocol can be a great way to help Hati settle—especially in the store, where unpredictable noise and movement can feel overwhelming. This protocol builds calm behavior through structured, low-stress exposure.
It may also be helpful to set up tether points downstairs so you have quick leash-up spots available for both management and training setups.
🧍♂️ Shifting Reinforcement to John
We also talked about creating some clear reinforcement opportunities where John becomes the primary source of rewards for all three dogs. This includes rewarding simple behaviors like attention, proximity, and basic cues—especially before Laura enters the space. During these setups:
Laura should remain passive and treat-free.
The dogs should only get reinforcement (treats, praise, interaction) from John.
You can pair this with the Relaxation Protocol or run it as a separate session.
This approach helps adjust the emotional associations the dogs have with each of you and can be really helpful in rebalancing interactions.
🐾 Grooming, Nails & Equipment
Finally, we touched on setting up a routine for nail trims, grooming, and gear (like harness and leash) desensitization. Starting with the chin rest as a start button is a great foundation. From there, you can build voluntary, low-pressure participation in handling routines.
As always, keep sessions short and structured, and watch Hati’s body language closely—her cues will let you know when she’s comfortable and ready to move forward.