Mr Midnight
The Adventure Begins: 08/25/25
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
Campaign: 08/25-09/15/25
Mr. Midnight was such a joy to have for his three-week board & train! He is an incredibly sweet, sensitive boy with a lovely temperament, and he worked so hard on all his training.
During his stay, we focused on building a solid foundation and adding consistency and challenge to his existing skills in:
Loose Leash Walking
Polite Greetings
Household Rules and Permission
Settling
Confident Neutrality
Key Takeaways for Home
For Mr. Midnight’s continued success, the biggest focus should be on acclimation.
When you go to new places, take the time to let him look, sniff, and process before asking for attention or cues. He might appear distracted, but he’s really just taking it all in — that pause is what allows him to connect with you. Interrupting that process can make focus harder for him.
💡 Tip: Wait for his offered attention before starting your training session. This is his way of saying, “I’m ready to go!”
If you notice his focus start to dwindle, especially in high-energy places like group class (holy stimulation, Batman!), think about switching gears early. Move to a calm behavior like a down, a calm watch, or even take a short break away from the action. This helps him reset and stay successful.
At-Home Work
Relaxation Sessions with the Cat:
Use the Karen Overall Relaxation Protocol to systematically build his ability to settle.
Integrate the cat as a distraction — start with the cat still (a Churu can help) and progress to quiet movements, then play, as he succeeds.
Two people will make this easier, so plan sessions when someone can help!
Continue New Environment Exposure:
Take him to new places regularly, focusing on building up that “go anywhere, do anything” confidence.
Work on offered attention first, then layer in known skills.
Homework Support:
You have three months of Cast Guidance virtual coaching included!
You can send me videos of your training sessions at home, and I can check in weekly if you’d like for homework follow-ups or questions.
In-person follow-ups can be scheduled anytime you feel ready.
I am so proud of the progress Mr. Midnight made during his stay, and I’m excited to see how he continues to grow with you at home. Thank you for all the work you’re putting into his training — it truly makes a difference
Cut Scenes
Social Media, Featuring Mr. Midnight!
Director’s Cut
More from Your Pup’s Stay
The Quest
Post- Board and Train Follow Ups
Overview
Mr. Midnight has completed two prep sessions before his upcoming board and train stay. These sessions focused on:
Harness comfort and cooperative behavior
Energy and arousal regulation
Acclimation to baby-related routines, sounds, movements, and expectations
This document summarizes current progress and provides a worksheet for baby-prep planning.
1. Harness Comfort
Mr. Midnight adjusts well once the harness is on, but shows unease about its presence and the moment of putting it on. Training has focused on:
Gradual desensitization: Harness present but not approaching him; rewarding voluntary proximity.
Social play around the harness to create positive associations.
Shaping participation: Allowing Mr. Midnight to choose to investigate, touch, or target toward the harness before any attempt at placement.
During his board and train, we will continue this process with:
Building duration of comfort.
Adding cues for cooperative moments (chin rest, sustained hand target).
Increasing comfort with the harness moving, lifting, or being positioned.
2. Energy + Arousal Regulation
Mr. Midnight becomes wildly excited quickly, and this often reflects overstimulation rather than true play or engagement needs.
Current recommendations practiced with guardians:
Provide practiced breaks from engagement if he appears frantic, scattered, or unable to focus.
Switch activities if he escalates instead of settling.
Use calming patterns during play transitions.
Zoomie Game (for appropriate moments)
This game gives an outlet for movement while still maintaining some predictability.
Pattern:
Send him to a spot in the room → celebrate (no food reward)
Send to another spot → celebrate (no food reward)
End with a mat/place → reward.
Release him back up again.
Add simple cues (sit, touch, down) only when he is capable of offering them without over-arousal.
If he is too amped to think, do not use this game—shift to decompression.
3. Baby Acclimation Work
Introducing baby-related stimuli in a gradual, structured way helps Mr. Midnight feel confident as the household changes.
Themes introduced so far:
New sounds: fussing, cooing, crying, white noise
New movements: bouncing, swaying, burping motions
New equipment: swings, bassinets, carriers (even if not yet in use)
New routines: feeding, changing, rocking, waking overnight
Guardians were referred to Family Paws for additional support and videos.
We discussed creating a Baby Routine Map: a list of day-to-day activities and where they want Mr. Midnight positioned (on bed, on mat, behind gate, in rotation pen, etc.).
A starter worksheet is attached below.