Not all progress is obvious. Some of the most meaningful changes in dog training happen quietly — without fanfare, without big “aha” moments, and without a clear before-and-after snapshot. Invisible progress might look like: - Shorter recovery time after a trigger - Fewer big reactions, even if they still happen - Choosing disengagement instead of escalation - Settling faster after excitement - You feeling more confident handling situations - A routine that feels easier than it used to These changes are easy to overlook because they don’t feel dramatic. But they’re often signs that learning is actually working. Progress doesn’t always mean: ❌ A behavior disappearing ❌ Perfect performance ❌ Zero mistakes Sometimes it means: ✔ More flexibility ✔ More trust ✔ Better regulation ✔ Less intensity And those things matter — a lot. 💬 What’s one small or quiet change you’ve noticed in your dog recently that you might have brushed off before? If it took time to build, it deserves time to be noticed 💚

Today is all about having fun and celebrating our dogs — no training goals, no pressure. Whether your dog loves costumes, tolerates them for 5 seconds, or just has a great story to tell, we want to see it 😄 You can share: - A photo of your dog dressed up - A throwback costume pic - A funny story about an outfit that didn’t go as planned - Or a creative “costume” made with bandanas, hats, or props Comfort always comes first — participation is about joy, not perfection. 💬 Drop a photo or share a fun story below! Let’s fill the feed with smiles today 🐕💚

Leash behavior isn’t just about the dog. It’s also about what’s happening on the other end of the leash. When we’re tense — worried about pulling, reactivity, or what might happen next — our bodies often respond before we realize it: - Hands tighten - Shoulders rise - Breathing gets shallow - Movements become less predictable Dogs are incredibly good at noticing these changes. Why this matters for learning Handler tension can unintentionally: - Add pressure to the leash - Change timing and clarity of cues - Increase arousal or uncertainty - Make the environment feel less predictable This doesn’t mean we’re causing our dog’s behavior — but it can influence how safe and clear the situation feels to them. A dog who feels tension through the leash may: - Pull harder - Scan the environment more - Struggle to disengage - React faster than usual Not because they’re being difficult — but because something feels different. What helps instead Supporting learning on leash often starts with supporting ourselves: - Pausing to check your grip and breathing - Softening the leash when possible - Creating distance before stress spikes - Practicing skills in easier environments - Using management without guilt Calm doesn’t travel through the leash automatically — but clarity and predictability do. A helpful reframe Instead of asking: ❌ “Why won’t my dog calm down?” Try: ✅ “What might my dog be feeling through the leash right now?” 💬 Have you noticed your dog’s leash behavior change when you feel more relaxed or more stressed? Awareness is a skill — and it’s one we can practice together.

Enrichment isn’t just about what we give our dogs — it’s about the choices we allow them to make. Choice-based enrichment means your dog gets a say in how they meet their needs: - Choosing which chew or toy to engage with - Deciding when they’re done - Picking between movement, rest, sniffing, or chewing - Opting in or out without pressure When dogs are given safe, supported choices, we often see: - Better emotional regulation - Increased confidence - Fewer “problem” behaviors - More engagement and calm Sometimes the most enriching thing isn’t adding more — it’s offering options and observing what your dog values in that moment. 💬 Chewsday question: What choice does your dog seem to value most right now? Sniffing? Chewing? Carrying something? Movement? Rest? There’s no right answer — just information. NOTE: I always recommend supervising your dog while they chew or play with toys to be sure to avoid any choking hazards.

New week, fresh start — and no pressure to be perfect. This week isn’t about fixing everything or mastering a long list of skills. It’s about noticing where your dog is right now and choosing one small way to support them. That might look like: - One calm walk instead of a long one - One short training session instead of several - More sniffing, resting, or decompression - Repeating a familiar skill that helps your dog feel successful Progress doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing what’s appropriate for this moment. 💬 Monday check-in: What does your dog need most this week — energy outlet, structure, confidence, rest, or connection? Name it, and let that guide your week 💛