Small Moments

Small Moments, Big Breakthroughs:

Why the Little Things You Do Each Day Shape Your Dog’s Entire World

If you’ve ever looked at your dog and thought, “Why is this still so hard?” please take a breath with me. You’re not failing. You’re not behind. And your dog isn’t stubborn, broken, or giving you a hard time.

Most of the real change in dog training doesn’t come from those big, structured sessions we imagine we should be doing.

It comes from the tiny things you repeat without even realizing it.

It comes from the compassion in your voice when your dog struggles.

It comes from noticing the small wins instead of chasing huge leaps.

It comes from meeting your dog where they emotionally are, not where you wish they were.

Breakthroughs Are Born in the Quiet Moments

When you show your dog how to navigate simple, everyday situations with calm, clarity, and connection, you’re actually rewiring their emotional patterns.

A one-minute “wait” before the door opens…

A soft “yes” when they check in with you during a walk…

A moment of choosing patience instead of frustration when their adolescent brain derails again…

These aren’t minor.
These are the foundation of everything.

And when repeated daily?
That’s where transformation lives.

Your Dog Learns Best When They Feel Safe

Behavior doesn’t change because we demand it.
Behavior changes because your dog feels understood.

When you take the time to notice their emotional state, whether they’re calm, buzzing with teenage energy, or overwhelmed, you respond in a way that teaches them:

“You can trust me. I’ll help you through this.”

Adolescent dogs especially need this. They’re experiencing big feelings in small bodies with very limited coping skills. Slowing down gives them space to learn without panic or pressure.

Awareness Builds Confidence for Both Ends of the Leash

Every time you adjust a training moment to your dog’s needs, you’re building emotional fluency together.

You start recognizing:

• When they’re truly ready to learn
• When they need support
• When they’re about to go over threshold
• When they’re asking for reassurance

This is where you become a team. Not a handler and a dog. A pair who speaks the same language.

Training Isn’t About Perfection, It’s About Connection

Progress doesn’t come from doing everything right.
It comes from showing up consistently with empathy and realistic expectations.

Even on chaotic days.
Even when your dog is having “a whole teenage moment.”
Even when you feel like nothing is working.

Because every small moment of connection becomes part of your dog’s emotional memory.

And that memory says:

“My human understands me.”
“I can try again.”
“I’m safe to learn.”

Your Daily Moments Matter More Than You Think

If you take nothing else from this, let it be this:

The breakthroughs you want will not come from pushing harder, they come from showing up softer.

A few seconds of patience…

A smidge of structure…

A sprinkle of compassion…

Repeated again and again…

That’s how you raise a dog who trusts you, listens to you, and feels safe in your world.

You don’t need perfection.
You just need small moments, done with heart, over and over again.

And you’ve already got everything you need to start.

If you want to learn more about creating training in small moments, join us for the January Turning Planning Struggles Into Strengths Workshop. 

Save the Date: January 6th at 11:00 AM

Zoom Link coming soon!

Play, Learn, Connect with Merry Movement Mania

 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:

• Confidence

• Focus

• Emotional regulation

• Body awareness

• 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:

• A doorway

• Streamers or ribbon

• Optional: reindeer antlers for adorable photos 

Streamer Doorway: Tape festive streamers across the bottom of a doorway to create a “Reindeer Jump” entry. Be sure to use a soft landing surface!

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

• Start with slow, thoughtful steps, gradually adding in more excitement, speed, and fun.

• 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

Movement inside this playful setup mirrors the real-world challenges dogs face during the holidays. Let’s break down what your dog learns each time they hop, step, or wait through the puzzle:

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:

• Doorways are pause points, not launch pads

• They get to move through when they’re calm

• 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:

• Body awareness

• Environmental comfort

• Spatial confidence

• 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:

• Make eye contact before releasing them through the door

• Match your pace to your dog’s confidence level

• Celebrate their successes with gentle praise or playful movement

• 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:

• Place 2–4 low hurdles (wrapping paper rolls, foam pool noodles, or towels rolled into “logs”).

• Hang a light “tinsel streamer curtain” in the doorway, or tape a few ribbons across at dog-height.

• 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

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.

Pawsitively Including Your Dog in the Holidays!

Don't Let the Busy Season Leave Your Best Friend Out

The holiday season is a whirlwind of shopping, decorating, and parties. We all tend to get busy, and sometimes, that means our beloved dogs are left out of the festive fun.

At Yooper Paws, we want to encourage all our friends to find meaningful and joyful ways to include your dog in the magic of December! After all, they deserve to share in the cheer.
🗓️ Your December Dog Checklist: 30 Festive Ways to Celebrate!


We've compiled a list of 30 distinct ideas (one for nearly every day of the month) to help you get started. We've organized them into fun categories so you can easily pick the activities that fit your schedule and your dog's personality!

Home & Hearth Activities (10 Ideas)

These activities are perfect for chilly days, bonding indoors, and adding a personal touch to your décor.

1.  Make Holiday Dog Treats: Bake a batch of special, dog-safe holiday cookies.
2.  Make Cookies for Santa Paws: Bake human treats and dog treats side-by-side.
3.  Create a Homemade Gift for your Dog: Simple DIY projects are great for bonding!
4.  Make a Puppy Ornament: A wonderful keepsake to hang on your tree.
5.  Hang a Stocking for your Dog: Don't forget their spot on the mantle!
6.  Make a Puppy Christmas Card: Get that perfect photo for friends and family.
7.  Wrap a Present For Your Dog: Let them sniff and play with the wrapped box before the big day.
8.  Watch a Holiday Movie: Cuddle up on the couch and relax together.

      (We pretty much did this all week last week while I was sick. No photos!)
9.  Read a Book to Your Dog: The sound of your voice is comforting and calming.
10. Share a Treat By the Fire: A quiet moment of togetherness and relaxation.

Festive Outings & Adventures (7 Ideas)

Get out and experience the holiday sights, making sure to consider your dog's comfort level with crowds and noise.

11.  Christmas Lights Drive/Sniff-a-bout: Take a leisurely walk or drive to enjoy the neighborhood lights.
12.  Walk with a Friend: Combine a social visit with a much-needed walk.
13.  Play in the Snow: Embrace the cold and let them burn off energy!
14.  Tree Lighting Ceremony: If your dog is calm and crowd-friendly, attend a small community event. However if you're working with a fearful or fizzy dog, you can create your own tree lighting event at home!

15.  Puppy Playdate with a Friend: Schedule some fun social time with a dog your pup already knows.
16.  Take a Photo in Front of the Christmas Tree: Capture the perfect holiday memory.

17.  Hang a Paw Print Decoration on Your Door: Show off your festive spirit!

Generosity & Connection (7 Ideas)

The spirit of the holidays is about generosity. Include your dog in acts of kindness and strengthen your bond.

18.  Donate a Dog Toy: Have your dog pick out an old toy to donate to a local shelter.
19.  Donate Dog Food: Purchase an extra bag of food for a shelter in need.
20.  Have a Gift Exchange with Another Dog Owner: A fun way to get a new toy or treat for your pup.
21.  Prepare Treat Bags for Puppy Friends: Assemble small goodie bags for dogs you meet on walks.
22.  Sing Christmas Carols to Your Dog: They might not appreciate the tune, but they’ll love the attention!
23.  Dance with Your Dog: Put on some holiday music and have a goofy, fun moment.
24.  Dress Up Together: Keep it simple—maybe matching scarves or a new holiday collar.

Safety, Reflection, & Planning (6 Ideas)

Use the quiet moments of December to focus on your dog's safety, future, and celebrate your strong bond.

25.  Check for Dog-Safe Holiday Decorations: A critical safety check of all new ornaments, plants, and lights.
26.  Make a Training List/Plan: Set some fun, achievable training goals for the new year.

        Check out the Play Learn Connect Challenge this Month: Merry Movement Puzzles!

27.  Start a New Holiday Tradition: Maybe it’s a specific trail or an annual photo spot.
28.  Pause and Reflect About the Past Year With Your Dog: Appreciate the memories you’ve made.
29.  Letter to Santa Paws: A fun, playful way to list things your dog "wants" for the year!
30.  String Dog Bone Treats for a Christmas Countdown: Create a fun, edible advent calendar for your dog!

🚨 A Note on Safety and Comfort: Always Put Your Dog First!

It's essential that you consider your dog's individual needs when you look at this list!
If your dog doesn't like crowds, you wouldn't take them to a noisy Christmas tree lighting or parade. Skip it!

If your dog doesn't like to dress up, skip list items that suggest that or keep it super simple, like a new holiday-themed collar or bandanna.

Please be smart and do all the things you and your dog can have fun doing together as a team!

📸 Share Your Festive Fun!

Throughout the month, we will be posting additional blog entries on many of these items with detailed directions and ideas on how to do these things with your dog.

Bold means we've completed the activity and pictures will be posted soon! You can also check out our post from December 2024 to see what we accomplished last year.

Want to be featured? Email your pictures to dogtraining@yooperpaws.com or send them to us via Messenger. We love seeing your dogs and may even include your photo in a dedicated blog post!

Have fun & Merry Christmas from the Yooper Paws team!