How Movement Becomes a Powerful Training Tool
Part of our December Play, Learn, Connect Challenge!
The holidays bring joy, laughter, and… a whole lot of movement. People coming and going, packages arriving, kids running, decorations rustling, doors opening constantly.
For our dogs, this can be a lot to process.
That’s why this month’s Merry Movement Challenge focuses on one of the most powerful (and most overlooked) training tools we have:
Movement as Reinforcement
Many dog owners picture training as a dog sitting politely or holding still for a “stay.”
But here’s the truth:
Dogs learn just as much, if not more, from movement as they do from stillness.
Movement builds:
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Confidence
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Focus
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Emotional regulation
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Body awareness
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Connection with you
And best of all?
Dogs LOVE it.
Movement itself becomes a reward, not just part of the lesson.
This week, we’re kicking off with a joyful, confidence-boosting puzzle:
PLAY: Reindeer Ridge Hurdles
This is the first official challenge of our December Play, Learn, Connect series, and it’s a favorite because it mixes holiday fun with functional real-life skills.
How to Set It Up
You’ll need:
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A doorway
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Streamers or ribbon
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Optional: reindeer antlers for adorable photos
Practice the Pattern: Walk your dog up to the doorway → ask for a pause or wait → step through the door → invite your dog to follow on cue.
Repeat it with:
Slowly building up the height of the hurdle by adding more streamers
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Start with slow, thoughtful steps, gradually adding in more excitement, speed, and fun.
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Alternate between pause → move → pause
🎉 Every successful repetition teaches your dog that movement with control earns more movement; one of the strongest reinforcers we can offer!
LEARN: Why Reindeer Hurdles Teach Real-Life Skills
1️⃣ Movement Builds Focus
Stepping over obstacles or waiting politely at a doorway requires your dog to shift into “thinking mode.”
Each repetition reinforces: “When I move WITH my human, good things happen.”
2️⃣ Movement Strengthens Door Manners
Doorways are hot zones for excitement, rushing, jumping, and curiosity.
This activity teaches your dog that:
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Doorways are pause points, not launch pads
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They get to move through when they’re calm
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Waiting actually leads to the fun part
3️⃣ Movement Helps Dogs Regulate Big Feelings
Holidays mean surprises: ding-dong! squealing guests! packages dropping! rustling bags!
Reindeer Hurdles teach your dog to manage arousal by practicing small bursts of motion layered with tiny pauses.
Movement becomes a tool to regulate, not escalate, their emotions.
4️⃣ Movement Builds Confidence
Tip-toeing over wrapping paper rolls or walking through streamers builds:
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Body awareness
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Environmental comfort
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Spatial confidence
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Willingness to try new things
Even hesitant dogs often brighten up when movement becomes a game.
5️⃣ Movement Becomes the Reward
Instead of always giving treats, the “reward” for waiting at the door is…
➡️ getting to go through
➡️ running the next part of the puzzle
➡️ exploring
➡️ moving with you
When movement becomes the reinforcer, you get more natural, lasting behaviors.
CONNECT: Build Joy and Teamwork This Week
At the heart of this challenge is connection—you and your dog moving as a team.
Here’s how to deepen connection while doing the Reindeer Hurdles:
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Make eye contact before releasing them through the door
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Match your pace to your dog’s confidence level
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Celebrate their successes with gentle praise or playful movement
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End with a cuddle, sniff walk, or goofy dance together
Every step you take together builds trust.
Every doorway wait builds communication.
Every streamer hurdle builds joy.
This is the magic of movement-based training:
It teaches skills while strengthening your relationship.
Mini Homework for Patrons: Reindeer Hurdles Doorway Challenge
This week, you’ll combine Reindeer Hurdles with practical doorway manners to help your dog build impulse control, focus, and calm movement in one joyful micro-session.
Set Up Your Reindeer Hurdles Path:
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Place 2–4 low hurdles (wrapping paper rolls, foam pool noodles, or towels rolled into “logs”).
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Hang a light “tinsel streamer curtain” in the doorway, or tape a few ribbons across at dog-height.
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Mark a simple “wait spot” on each side of the door (mat, towel, or taped box).
Your Goal:
Teach your dog to pause, think, and move politely through a normally exciting space—the doorway!
WEEK 2: Navigate Holiday Chaos with Candy Cane Lane
SETUP & PLAY
Create your festive Candy Cane Lane with decorations, lights, and props:
Wrapping Paper Roll Cavelleti:
Lay 3–4 rolls for your dog to step over. Builds confidence on uneven surfaces.
Tunnel of Lights:
Hang lights just above your dog’s head using chairs or household objects.
Guide your dog calmly through the tunnel.
Deck the Round-a-bout:
Circle a bucket, cone, or chair decorated with ornaments, then flow back into the previous obstacles.
Practice:
Start slow with treats guiding the path.
Increase pace as your dog gains confidence, moving through all three obstacles without stopping.
Add Leave It challenges: scatter empty boxes, ornaments, or stockings to practice impulse control.
LEARN: Building Confidence & Holiday Awareness
Young dogs are naturally curious about decorations.
This activity teaches them to:
Avoid stepping on or disturbing holiday supplies
Navigate changing environments confidently
Maintain focus under distractions
Young dogs are naturally curious about decorations.
This activity teaches them to:
Avoid stepping on or disturbing holiday supplies
Navigate changing environments confidently
Maintain focus under distractions
Key Tip: Controlled exposure pairs fun movement with impulse control, teaching dogs decorations are to navigate, not chew, knock over, or chase.
CONNECT
Take 2–3 minutes walking calmly with your dog, rewarding engagement and soft eye contact.
Reinforce stepping over, walking around, or ignoring holiday items.
Take 2–3 minutes walking calmly with your dog, rewarding engagement and soft eye contact.
Reinforce stepping over, walking around, or ignoring holiday items.
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