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<h3>I didn’t grow up walking my dog around the block.</h3>No fences. No leashes. No scheduled “walks.” Just me, my dog, and wherever the day wanted to take us—well, when I wasn’t in school. We caught crayfish in the local creeks. Climbed over logs. Ducked under branches and chased trails that didn’t have names.None of it was planned.None of it was training.But it was everything.And honestly? I was lucky.My parents were obsessed with dogs too—we bred Scottish Terriers when I was little. I knew how to make puppies pee before I probably even knew how to run (gross… but legitimately true). I grew up in a tiny town called Sarsfield, the kind of place where I could bring my dog (or baby ducklings!) to school for show and tell. Where the forest, the fishing hole, and the fields were all open—not just to me, but to my dog, too.It was freedom. It was connection.And looking back, I’m pretty sure I lived the Disney movie version of childhood—at least for a kid who loved dogs. We even did obedience classes—especially with my malamute/wolf mix (the one I needed after watching White Fang and Balto on repeat). Sit, stay, heel? Sure, we learned those.But the most fun—and the most valuable part of life with dogs?Was the wild, playful, unknowingly purposeful way we lived together.That’s what shaped me. And now, it’s what shapes everything I teach.<figure id="figure-bvo1x2ukfhm8rap0pd"><img id="bvo1x2ukfhm8rap0pd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37N4CODF2gXdfGekFetuMGz9Rcmhq0qoKQh7rcDvJ3EYjUH1vgWvUfN9fANYX1h0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37N4CODF2gXdfGekFetuMGz9Rcmhq0qoKQh7rcDvJ3EYjUH1vgWvUfN9fANYX1h0.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><h3>Most Dogs Today Don’t Get That Kind of Life — And That’s the Problem</h3>Most people don’t get dogs for outdoor adventures — they get them for comfort, companionship, or calm in an overwhelming world. And that’s okay. But here’s what I’ve learned as a trainer:Even your tiny, laid-back dog still needs something to do. They still need to think, move, solve, and experience their world. That’s where enrichment comes in.And no — it’s not just frozen Kongs and puzzle toys. (Though those are great tools too.)<h3>What Is Enrichment for Dogs (and Why Does It Matter)?</h3>Dog enrichment is anything that allows your dog to engage their brain, body, nose, or instincts in a way that builds confidence, curiosity and connection.It’s what helps:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Nervous dogs feel safe</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Overstimulated dogs decompress</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Bored dogs feel challenged</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Shy dogs feel capable</li></ul>It’s not about “tiring them out. It’s about helping them feel regulated, resilient, and more connected to you.<h3>Enrichment Builds Confidence — Not Just Obedience</h3>I often ask clients this:"If you and your dog were lost in the forest… would they follow you?""Would they know how to handle it? Would they work with you as a team?"That’s what enrichment helps create. It’s not just about teaching commands. It’s about raising dogs who can adapt, solve problems, and move through the world with you — confidently.And you don’t need to live in the woods to do that. Even a quiet walk around your block can become enrichment with the right mindset and setup.<figure id="figure-2eoyoy3pcm8rc2lfl"><img id="2eoyoy3pcm8rc2lfl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fTYOODb4P5I9bew5klrPjgIDdfviaJpgWkt6cf9jGWSAXGfJmzMvlRmCkqSJON8.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fTYOODb4P5I9bew5klrPjgIDdfviaJpgWkt6cf9jGWSAXGfJmzMvlRmCkqSJON8.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Why I Started Offering Enrichment Classes in Norfolk County</h3>Because so many people were trying to train their dogs… before teaching them how to feel safe and think clearly. Some dogs aren’t ready for obedience right away — and that’s okay. They need a space where they can try, explore, and learn at their own pace.In my enrichment classes, we focus on:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Scent games and problem-solving</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Confidence-building with safe challenges</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Calm recovery strategies</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Sensory and social enrichment</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Teamwork — not pressure</li></ul>It’s about helping dogs rediscover who they are — and helping owners build stronger relationships in the process.<h3>The Benefits of Enrichment Go Far Beyond Toys</h3>Enrichment isn’t “extra." It’s not something you do when you’ve got time. It’s a foundation for behavior, learning, and confidence.When your dog gets to use their:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Nose (to explore and understand)</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Body (to move naturally)</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Brain (to solve and engage)</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Instincts (to feel fulfilled)</li></ul>…they don’t just behave better. They feel better. And that changes everything.<figure id="figure-8yjk1lf0dm8rarhkn"><img id="8yjk1lf0dm8rarhkn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/ehVV7TciGUndDFQhDgM04tadezbCZvnTsiU3dxef8nlug7PxECiOXCudokpH1Tvj.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/ehVV7TciGUndDFQhDgM04tadezbCZvnTsiU3dxef8nlug7PxECiOXCudokpH1Tvj.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined% 70%;"></figure><h3>What Enrichment Means to Me — and What It Can Mean for You</h3>Enrichment is how I grew up with dogs. It’s how I live with mine today. And it’s the heartbeat behind Street Wise Canine today. Because when your dog is confident and connected — when they feel like themselves — they don’t need constant obedience. They want to be with you, learn with you, and figure things out with you.That’s the kind of relationship enrichment builds.And if you’ve never seen your dog in that light… I’d love to show you what’s possible.– CherStreet Wise CanineFocused Dogs. Confident Owners.

Why Enrichment Matters So Much to Me

Mini Golden Doodle playing fetch in City dog park

<h2>Because “They Do It at Home” Doesn’t Mean They’re Ready for the Real World.</h2>It’s one of the most common struggles I see in training:“She sits perfectly at home… but outside? Total chaos.” “He knows it — I swear! But as soon as we’re at the park, it’s like he forgets everything.”Sound familiar?Here’s the deal: training in new environments isn’t just about repeating commands. It’s about reading your dog’s body language, confidence level, and emotional state — and making sure they’re in the right headspace to learn.<h2>How to Know If Your Dog Is Ready to Train in a New Space</h2>Let’s walk through 6 simple steps to figure out whether your dog is really ready to learn — or if they need a little more support first.<h3>Step 1: Do You Have Their Attention?</h3>If your dog is scanning the room, staring at a squirrel, or acting like you’re invisible… they’re not ready. Before you can teach, you need a dog who’s at least aware that you exist.TRY THIS:Call their name or make a funny sound. Do they look? Engage? Offer eye contact? If yes, move on.Call their name. Do they look? Engage? Offer eye contact? If yes, move on.If not, pause — and move back to an easier environment where you can get their attention. Rebuild that connection before asking for anything new.<h2>Step 2: Can You Get Their Attention Back?</h2>Even the most focused dogs get distracted. That’s normal. The question is: can you get their focus back easily? <ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>If your dog snaps back to you with a “what’s next?” vibe — you’re in a great spot.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">If they ignore you or stay zoned out, it means the environment is still too overwhelming.</li></ul><h2>Step 3: Ask for Something They Know Well</h2>Pick one of your dog’s favorite behaviors — sit, down, spin, paw, whatever. You’re not trying to train right now, you’re just checking:Can they perform something they know, even here?<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>If yes, it’s a green light to keep going.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">If not, slow down — build comfort, not complexity.</li></ul><h2><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Step 4: Watch How They Do It</h2>Not all “sits” are created equal.<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Do they sit confidently and quickly, or slowly and with hesitation?</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Do they look engaged — or unsure?</li></ul>Confidence matters as much as correctness. A hesitant dog is likely overwhelmed, and that means it’s not time to push harder.<h2>Step 5: Compare It to Their “Home Version”</h2>What does this behavior look like in your kitchen? If your dog does a happy, snappy spin at home but freezes outside — that’s your clue.You’re not looking for perfection. You’re looking for consistency and confidence.<h2>Step 6: Build Up, Don’t Dive In</h2>You wouldn’t ask a kid to do math in a nightclub. So don’t expect your dog to nail commands in a busy park if they’ve only practiced in your quiet living room.Start with low-distraction spaces and work your way up. Each new place should feel like a step, not a leap.Real Life ExampleWhen I take my Chihuahua, Little Thing &nbsp;somewhere new, I always ask for a “spin.”At home, she spins like she’s on Broadway — fast, happy, tail wagging. If she hesitates in a new space? I know she’s not ready or not comfortalbe in that environment.We go back to basics: attention, sniff, explore, connect.Once she’s spinning again with that same joyful energy — that’s my green light to train.<figure id="figure-yjwqa8ruhm8px9deu"><img id="yjwqa8ruhm8px9deu" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/a7C0MzBPfa0ORWSi8ryCh53WEANXQSPNonrFwlnyDz9cgxNFkVat0JqlXYfMpcJ8.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/a7C0MzBPfa0ORWSi8ryCh53WEANXQSPNonrFwlnyDz9cgxNFkVat0JqlXYfMpcJ8.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Final Thoughts: Training Happens at Your Dog’s Pace</h2>Training in a new environment is the goal — but only if your dog is mentally ready. When you slow down and check in, your sessions become:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>More successful</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Less frustrating</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">And way more enjoyable for both of you</li></ul>Because a confident, connected dog isn’t just easier to train — they’re more fun to live with.<h2>Want to Build Focus That Works Everywhere?</h2>This step-by-step process is part of what we teach in every class and private lesson at Street Wise Canine. Whether your dog is barky, unsure, or just too distracted to listen — we’ve got you.<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Classes happening now in Delhi, Ontario. View <a data-mce-href="https://streetsmartcanine.com/dog-training-classes-in-norfolk-county" href="https://streetsmartcanine.com/dog-training-classes-in-norfolk-county">our current classes.&nbsp;</a></li><li>Check out my <a data-mce-href="https://streetwisecanine.etsy.com/listing/1819149768" href="https://streetwisecanine.etsy.com/listing/1819149768">Building Food Motivation PDF </a>on Etsy — perfect if you want simple, step-by-step strategies.</li><li>Or dive deeper in our online course,<a data-mce-href="https://trainingdogsonline.ca" href="https://trainingdogsonline.ca"> Training Dogs Online</a>, where we walk you through how to turn even the pickiest eaters into motivated learners.</li></ul>– CherStreet Wise CanineFocused Dogs. Confident Owners.

Can Your Dog Really Focus in a New Environment? Here’s How to Tell.

A Black and Chocolate Labrador puppies raiding a spilled bag of dog food - 5 weeks old

<h3>&nbsp;Let’s bust one of the biggest training myths out there.</h3>If I had a treat for every time someone told me their dog “just isn’t food motivated,” I’d never have to buy hot dogs again.Here’s the truth: All dogs are food motivated.They might not act like it right now, but trust me — food is wired into your dog’s brain from day one. Literally.Puppies are born blind, deaf, and completely helpless — and yet, what’s the first thing they do? Root around for food. That drive never disappears… it just sometimes gets dulled or redirected. And that’s where we come in.<h3>So why does your dog turn their nose up at treats during training?</h3>If your dog doesn’t go bananas for snacks during training, it’s not because they don’t like food. It’s usually about howfood has been used (or not used) in their past experiences.Here’s what might be going on:<h3>&nbsp;1. The Reward Doesn’t Feel Earned</h3>If food just appears with no clear reason — like tossing treats around “just because” — your dog might not connect it to their own behavior. They don’t understand why they’re getting it, so it doesn’t hold value.<h3>2. Food’s Been Used as a Bribe</h3>If you’ve ever waved a treat around saying “Sit, come on, sit… SIT!” — you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. But this turns food into a distraction, not a reward. Your dog focuses on the food, not the learning.<h3>3. Training Moved Too Fast</h3>If your dog doesn’t understand what’s being asked, even the best snack in the world won’t make it click. Confused dogs shut down — especially if they’re sensitive or easily overwhelmed.<h3>4. Food’s Just… Boring</h3>If your dog gets the same kibble every day, from the same bowl, with no effort required — food loses its magic. Why work for something they can get for free?Here’s the good news: Food motivation is not a fixed trait. It’s a skill. And just like recall, leash walking, or focus — it can be built.<figure id="figure-g6put7sv59m8pwk5kh"><img id="g6put7sv59m8pwk5kh" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1469571428/photo/womans-hands-giving-some-treats-to-her-dog.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=QmjYp9_XzxjnmiUZVbHyNZAwm257-DdSz3J8VYNN6VE=" alt="Woman's hands giving some treats to her dog" title="Woman's hands giving some treats to her dog" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 65%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="65%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>How We Turn “Meh” into “Motivated”</h3>In our program, we show you how to:<ul style="list-style-type: square;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: square;"><li>Use food the right way (no bribing or begging)</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Build excitement around mealtimes and training sessions</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Create structure and consistency so your dog wants to engage</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Use food to teach, not just to treat</li></ul>And the best part? This isn’t about spoiling your dog. It’s about building communication, clarity, and cooperation. You’re rewarding effort. And that matters.<h3>“But Cher… my dog is different.”</h3>Okay. But let me ask you this: Does your dog eat meals?Then yes — they care about food. They just haven’t learned how it fits into training yet. Once they do? You’ll be amazed at how quickly they light up when you reach for a treat pouch.<h3>Food Isn’t a Bribe — It’s Information</h3>We don’t use food to beg our dogs to behave. We use it to mark and reward the behaviors we want more of. It’s one of the fastest ways to show your dog, “Yes, that! Do that again.”And don’t worry — food doesn’t stay forever. Once behaviors are strong and reliable, we fade food out and bring in other rewards. But building the foundation? That starts with value.<h3>Want to Learn How to Build Food Motivation?</h3>Check out my<a data-mce-href="https://streetwisecanine.etsy.com/listing/1819149768" href="https://streetwisecanine.etsy.com/listing/1819149768"> Building Food Motivation PDF on Etsy</a> — perfect if you want simple, step-by-step strategies.Or dive deeper in our online course, <a data-mce-href="https://trainingdogsonline.ca" href="https://trainingdogsonline.ca">Training Dogs Online,</a> where we walk you through how to turn even the pickiest eaters into motivated learners.You can have a food-motivated dog. You just need the right approach — and a little support.– CherStreet Wise CanineFocused Dogs. Confident Owners.

My Dog Just Isn’t Food Motivated” — Or Are They?

Close-up of Schnauzer Breeders sticking out tongue

You’ve probably seen your dog go to town on a frozen Kong, peanut butter smear, or lick mat and thought, “Well, at least they’re busy.” But what if I told you that licking isn’t just a way to keep them occupied — it’s one of the most effective calm-down strategies we can offer?Many dogs naturally turn to licking when they’re overwhelmed. It’s not a quirk — it’s a built-in coping strategy. And when we use it thoughtfully, licking can become one of the simplest and most effective ways to help dogs regulate their emotions.<h3>Why Licking Works to Calm Dogs</h3>Licking isn’t just something dogs do — it’s something they’re wired for. From the time they’re tiny puppies, licking is one of the first ways they find comfort and connection. It’s how they bond with their mom, explore the world, and feel safe.As they grow, that same action sticks with them as a natural way to settle their emotions. Think of it like a built-in stress relief switch.When a dog licks, their body starts to shift gears — breathing slows, muscles relax, and their brain begins to release feel-good chemicals that help them settle down. It moves them out of “go-go-go” mode and into something softer, calmer, and more focused.You’ll often see dogs lick:• When they’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed• After something exciting or overstimulating• As a way to come back down from a stressful situationIt’s not a bad habit or a weird quirk — it’s a tool their body uses to find balance.And when we give them healthy ways to practice it, it becomes a really powerful part of emotional recovery and regulation.<figure id="figure-i3cenat81ym8n65qdm"><img id="i3cenat81ym8n65qdm" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1705546358/photo/close-up-of-a-beagle-licking-its-paw-focusing-on-the-mouth-and-tongue.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QVxIHcmr5GczvZzCXK8_zvRlaQPVZ5F95n_iyqMQMBY=" alt="Close-up of a Beagle licking its paw, focusing on the mouth and tongue." title="Close-up of a Beagle licking its paw, focusing on the mouth and tongue." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1705546358/photo/close-up-of-a-beagle-licking-its-paw-focusing-on-the-mouth-and-tongue.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QVxIHcmr5GczvZzCXK8_zvRlaQPVZ5F95n_iyqMQMBY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>But Not All Dogs Start There</h3>Some dogs don’t immediately find licking relaxing — especially if they’re already worked up or don’t have a strong food drive yet. That’s totally normal.In those cases, licking needs to be introduced while the dog is already feeling calm and safe. It becomes something they associate with quiet time and comfort — but that connection sometimes needs to be built first.Like any skill, the calming benefits of licking often need to be conditioned over time. With consistency and the right timing, most dogs begin to settle into it and start using it as a tool to regulate their own energy.<h3>How We Use Licking as a Recovery Tool</h3>In training sessions — it’s easy for dogs to get overstimulated. Even fun stuff like games, social time, or new skills can push them close to their threshold. That’s where licking comes in.We use it during what we call “calm or recovery periods” — short breaks where dogs can reset. Offering a licky roller between activities helps them come down from excitement and stay emotionally balanced for whatever comes next.<blockquote>It’s not a bribe. It’s a tool for teaching nervous systems how to chill.</blockquote><figure id="figure-w03p22ygigm8n67hq2"><img id="w03p22ygigm8n67hq2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/148465706/photo/feeding-a-golden-retriever-peanut-butter.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=hx88N5NjBh8_SnxqeQYQaVHhkuq3bMtWZUX9wqlCR2c=" alt="Feeding a Golden Retriever Peanut Butter" title="Feeding a Golden Retriever Peanut Butter" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/148465706/photo/feeding-a-golden-retriever-peanut-butter.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=hx88N5NjBh8_SnxqeQYQaVHhkuq3bMtWZUX9wqlCR2c=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>When to Offer Licking as Recovery at Home</h3>You don’t need to be in class to use licking as a recovery tool. Try it when your dog is:• Coming down after a walk or a play session• Feeling anxious from guests, noises, or grooming• Struggling to focus during training• Winding down before bedtimeYou can also use licking preventatively — before your dog gets overstimulated, not just after. Offering a lick mat during dinner parties, thunderstorms, or after a training breakthrough helps teach them how to self-regulate.&nbsp;<h3>Want to Try It?</h3>Start simple:• Spread wet food or peanut butter on a silicone lick mat and freeze it• Roll a bit of canned food onto a textured toy (or use a licky roller)• Time it right — offer during quiet moments or just before your dog starts to escalateLicking isn’t just enrichment. It’s nervous system support. And for a lot of dogs, that makes all the difference.<h3>The Bottom Line</h3>Licking isn’t just about treats. It’s about giving your dog a healthy, natural way to feel calm and safe — especially in a world that can feel loud or confusing sometimes.If your dog struggles to settle, gets overwhelmed easily, or just needs a little help calming down, licking might be the tool you didn’t know you were missing. Whether your dog’s a little spicy or just unsure, there’s always a way forward — and it doesn’t have to be stressful. Let me know if you want help figuring out what works best for your dog. – CherStreet Wise Canine

Licking Isn’t Just Cute — It’s a Calming Exercise for Dogs

You know that moment when you so much as breathe near the cheese drawer, and your dog comes running like you just announced free steak for life? That, my friend, is a conditioned response in action.Conditioned responses are what make dogs brilliant learners—and also what make them stare deep into your soul every time you so much as crinkle a food wrapper. But what exactly is a conditioned response, and why does it matter for dog training?Let’s break it down—without too much science.<h3>What Is a Conditioned Response? (And Why It’s Why Your Dog Knows “Fridge” But Not “Sit”)</h3>A conditioned response happens when your dog learns to associate one thing with another—whether you meant to teach them or not. It’s a learned behavior, unlike an instinctual response (like tail wagging or chasing squirrels like they owe your dog money).Example #1: You put on your sneakers → your dog loses their mind because sneakers = walk.Example #2: The doorbell rings → your dog barks as if an intruder has entered your home to steal all your throw pillows.Example #3: You open a treat jar → your dog materializes out of nowhere, sitting at Olympic-level speed.These responses don’t happen just because. They happen because of classical conditioning, a psychological concept pioneered by Ivan Pavlov—you know, the guy with the dogs who drooled at the sound of a bell? Turns out, he was onto something.<figure id="figure-jxej87olsqm8iqy3g9"><img id="jxej87olsqm8iqy3g9" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/645261100/photo/pregnant-women-and-a-dog.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kQSSFyj8FbyHLlrcw74TVMObMWhLoarhTz7f6bybTzg=" alt="Pregnant women and a dog" title="Pregnant women and a dog" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/645261100/photo/pregnant-women-and-a-dog.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=kQSSFyj8FbyHLlrcw74TVMObMWhLoarhTz7f6bybTzg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Pavlov’s Dogs: The OG of Conditioned Responses</h3>In the late 1800s, Pavlov discovered that if he rang a bell every time he fed his dogs, they eventually started drooling justat the sound of the bell—even when food wasn’t present.The dogs had learned the pattern: Bell = Food → Drool.<ul><li>The bell was originally just a neutral sound (meaningless to the dog)</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">The food naturally made the dogs drool (an unconditioned response).</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Over time, the bell became paired with the food, so the dogs started drooling at the bell alone.</li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">And just like that, conditioned responses were born.Now, let’s bring this into your actual life.<h3>Conditioned Responses in Dog Training: Your Dog Is Always Learning</h3>Whether you realize it or not, your dog is picking up conditioned responses all the time. Some are intentional (like training cues), and some are… well, less ideal (like when your dog starts barking at 5 p.m. on the dot because that’s when dinner usually happens).Intentional Conditioned Responses (The Ones You Want!)<ul><li>Marker Words &amp; Clickers – Saying “Yes!” or clicking a clicker before giving a food reward teaches your dog that the sound predicts something good. This builds faster learning.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">The Attention Sound – Teaching your dog to stop, look, and listen when they hear a specific sound helps with reactivity, engagement, and focus.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Loose Leash Walking – If every time your dog walks nicely, they get a food reward, they begin associating a loose leash with good things happening.</li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Accidental Conditioned Responses (Oops.)<ul><li>Jumping at the Sound of a Leash Clip – If you only clip the leash on right before walks, your dog will learn that sound = EXCITEMENT, making it harder to get out the door calmly.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Running Away When You Say ‘Come’ – If ‘come’ only happens when fun is about to end (like leaving the park), your dog may learn that “Come” = No More Fun → Run the Other Way.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Overreacting to the Doorbell – If every time the doorbell rings, excitement or chaos follows (people arriving, yelling, dogs getting shooed away), the doorbell itself becomes a trigger.</li></ul><h3>How to Use Conditioned Responses to Your Advantage</h3>Conditioned responses aren’t just about recognizing what your dog is already doing—they’re about using it to shape better behavior.<ol><li>Be Intentional – If your dog is always making connections between things, make sure you’re creating the ones you want. Reward the behaviors you want to see more of.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Reinforce What Matters – If you want your dog to focus on you more, start rewarding voluntary check-ins throughout the day. If you want calmer door greetings, practice reinforcing sitting when people arrive.</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);" data-mce-style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal);">Break the Unwanted Patterns – If your dog loses their mind when you grab the leash, pick it up at random times without actually going for a walk. If they ignore “Come,” start using it for good things (like meals, play, and treats), not just “fun is over” moments.</li></ol><figure id="figure-vct2bsbe2km8iqz835"><img id="vct2bsbe2km8iqz835" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2101445453/photo/female-dog-steals-cheese-from-the-table.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rUI3tR9R7ZCgGjoWiUgjDy7CvASVp-ksC0iudZUd73w=" alt="female dog steals cheese from the table" title="female dog steals cheese from the table" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2101445453/photo/female-dog-steals-cheese-from-the-table.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=rUI3tR9R7ZCgGjoWiUgjDy7CvASVp-ksC0iudZUd73w=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Final Thoughts: Train the Dog in Front of You</h3>Dogs aren’t born knowing what we want from them—they learn through association. Every single day, your dog is picking up on patterns, cues, and signals from the world around them (and from you!).Whether it’s conditioning them to pay attention to a marker word, teaching them that the leash doesn’t always mean go time, or (finally) breaking the 5 p.m. dinnertime protest barks, understanding conditioned responses makes you a bettertrainer.So, what’s the next conditioned response you want to teach? And if your dog already has a PhD in cheese drawer detection… well, at least you know how it happened.<h3>Want to learn more about using conditioned responses in training?</h3>Join one of our group classes in Delhi, Ontario!From building food motivation to teaching focus &amp; engagement, we help dogs learn in a way that makes sense for them.<a data-mce-href="https://streetsmartcanine.com/dog-training-classes-in-norfolk-county" href="https://streetsmartcanine.com/dog-training-classes-in-norfolk-county">Sign up now!</a>Cher WoodStreet Wise Canine

Conditioned Response in Dogs: Why Your Dog Knows the Sound of Cheese Before Its Name

<h2>Born to Adapt, One Sense at a Time</h2>Imagine being born into this world, but you can’t see, you can’t hear, and your only skill is wiggling toward something warm and hoping it’s your mom, not a random sock. Welcome to the life of a newborn puppy.Unlike humans, who come into the world screaming like they just got evicted from the best Airbnb ever, puppies enter life in total silence and darkness. No sights, no sounds—just touch and scent guiding their way. It’s like nature said, “Alright, let’s take it easy on these little guys. We’ll ease them into reality.”And that? That is desensitization in its purest form.Puppies aren’t just capable of adapting to the world over time—they are biologically programmed to do it in a slow, controlled way. Nature, in all its wisdom, decided that instead of hitting puppies with the full sensory experience at birth, they’d get onboarded gradually—kind of like an automatic software update, but way less glitchy.This slow sensory rollout isn’t a mistake—it’s a survival strategy.<img id="af1qbqycxm8h8jdsn" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1901584714/photo/running-playful-puppies-white-yellow-labrador-back-yard-grass.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=7xv0gyvisMBUwwaSWkUfVeN5lGoh0AweTZwPcAm2Q2U=" alt="Running Playful Puppies - White Yellow Labrador - Back Yard Grass" title="Running Playful Puppies - White Yellow Labrador - Back Yard Grass" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1901584714/photo/running-playful-puppies-white-yellow-labrador-back-yard-grass.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=7xv0gyvisMBUwwaSWkUfVeN5lGoh0AweTZwPcAm2Q2U=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><h2>Why Puppies Start Life in Darkness and Silence</h2> If puppies were born with fully developed vision and hearing, the world would be too much, too soon. Imagine a brand-new puppy seeing bright lights, hearing loud noises, and trying to process it all at once—sensory overload city.Instead, nature does something genius: it makes sure their senses come online one at a time, allowing them to process the world in small, manageable doses.Here’s how that timeline plays out:<ul><li>Weeks 0-2: No sight, no hearing. Just warmth, scent, and touch. This prevents puppies from panicking at unfamiliar sights or sounds before they even have the brainpower to process them.</li><li>Weeks 2-3: The eyes begin to open—but vision is still blurry, like looking through a foggy windshield. This ensures they aren’t overwhelmed by movement and shapes all at once.</li><li>Weeks 3-4: The ears start working, but everything is muffled and distant—kind of like when you’re half-asleep, and someone tries talking to you. This gradual sound introduction prevents shock responses to loud noises.</li><li>Weeks 4-8: The world sharpens into focus. By now, the puppy has had weeks of safe, controlled exposure to their environment, allowing them to adjust without fear.</li></ul><blockquote> This slow-release sensory experience is nature’s built-in desensitization process.&nbsp;</blockquote><figure id="figure-d7uyg4ys0em8h8m7r2"><img id="d7uyg4ys0em8h8m7r2" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/353upPZVtjCa3zkBQ0b2jNATary2bdShLJfmfPjKCFdRHKsmskbzqCmQ8Zz06Dhf.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/353upPZVtjCa3zkBQ0b2jNATary2bdShLJfmfPjKCFdRHKsmskbzqCmQ8Zz06Dhf.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The Evolutionary Reason Behind It</h2>Let’s rewind thousands of years to when dogs were still wild animals. Their ancestors, wolves, relied on slow sensory development to keep their young safe from danger.A wolf pup born with full sight and hearing would be endlessly startled by movement and noise—wasting energy on panic rather than learning. By delaying sensory development, nature ensured they began processing their environment only when their brains were ready, and in a slow, gradual way. This step-by-step introduction prevented sensory overload, allowing them to adapt at a natural, manageable pace—exactly as nature intended.This evolutionary strategy still exists in our modern dogs. Puppies aren’t supposed to face the world all at once—they’re designed to learn gradually, absorb information in small doses, and adapt at their own pace.And yet, as humans, we often ignore this process entirely.<h2>Why Desensitization Matters for ALL Dogs</h2>If gradual exposure is how puppies are designed to learn, why do we expect adult dogs to instantly adjust to things?This is where so many training mistakes happen. People assume that because a dog is grown, they should be able to “just deal with it.” But whether it’s a puppy or a full-grown dog, their nervous system still functions the same way.Desensitization isn’t just for puppies; it’s a core principle of how dogs adapt to their environment throughout their entire lives. It determines whether they see the world as safe and predictable or chaotic and terrifying.Dogs who aren’t properly desensitized become reactive, fearful, or aggressive because their brain never got a chance to learn what’s normal.<h2>The Danger of Skipping Steps</h2>When puppies (or adult dogs) miss out on gradual exposure, their nervous system basically throws its hands up and says, “Nope, I don’t trust this.” That’s when you get:Overreaction to normal things (barking at every single garbage can like it’s out for blood).Fear-based behaviors (hiding from ceiling fans like they’re UFOs).Aggression or anxiety (because their brain perceives new things as threats).A dog who hasn’t been properly desensitized is like someone who’s never parallel parked before and suddenly has to do it in front of a long line of impatient drivers. They might get the car into the spot, but I guarantee next time they see a tight parking space, their heart rate is gonna spike, and they’ll circle the block 10 more times just to avoid it.<h2>Why This Matters for Training</h2>Here’s where things go wrong: we get impatient. We want our dogs to just get over things instead of giving them the time to process like nature intended.Imagine living in a quiet, isolated cabin for years—then suddenly being dropped into the middle of a busy city. You’d panic, right? That’s exactly what happens when we overload our dogs with too much, too soon. Example: Your dog is scared of the vacuum.<ul><li>If you suddenly turn it on right next to them, their nervous system goes into survival mode.</li><li>But if you introduce the vacuum gradually—letting them sniff it first, then turning it on at a distance, and slowly working closer over time—they learn that it’s just another part of their environment.</li></ul>Dogs are wired to learn this way. They aren’t stubborn. They aren’t dramatic. They’re running on an evolutionary timeline that we need to respect.<h2>The Takeaway: Train the Way Nature Intended</h2>Desensitization isn’t a fancy training method—it’s a fundamental part of how dogs are designed to learn. If we respect that, training becomes way easier (and way less dramatic).<ul><li>Introduce new things gradually.</li><li>Make experiences positive, not overwhelming.</li><li>Let their brain process change at its own pace. </li><li>At the end of the day, dogs aren’t stubborn—they’re just running on evolution’s timeline. If you work with their DNA instead of against it, you’ll have a confident, well-adjusted dog instead of one who thinks the mailman is a home invasion.</li></ul>If you want to learn what desensitization is all about, check out our blog "Desensitization in Dog Training: The Art of Not Losing Their Mind". <h3>Want More Guidance? Check Out Our Training Resources</h3>Grab a copy of my<a data-mce-href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1819149768/editable-dog-training-guide-customizable?etsrc=sdt" href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1819149768/editable-dog-training-guide-customizable?etsrc=sdt"> Building Food Motivation PDF</a> on Etsy to start building your dog’s engagement and focus.Dive into my <a data-mce-href="https://trainingdogsonline.mykajabi.com/offers/hZqAB4c7/checkout" href="https://trainingdogsonline.mykajabi.com/offers/hZqAB4c7/checkout">Online Course at Training Dogs Online,</a> where we walk you step by step through proven training strategies for real-life success.-Cher Wood

Why Desensitization Is Built Into Your Dog’s DNA

Street Wise Canine

Bringing out the best in your dog, one lesson at a time.
We focus on bringing out the best in your dog by training the dog in front of you—helping them become engaged, motivated, and eager to learn. Whether it’s building confidence, resolving behavior challenges, or fulfilling their natural instincts through enrichment, we train in a way that makes sense for your dog.  Training shouldn’t feel like a chore. It should be clear, effective, and something your dog enjoys. That’s what we’re all about.


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Conditioned Response in Dogs: Why Your Dog Knows the Soun...

Why Desensitization Is Built Into Your Dog’s DNA