K9 zen time6/12/2023 Practice for just 5-10 minutes at a time a few times a day regardless of how far through the steps you get, end on a good note, and always start briefly back at the beginning for a refresher before adding new steps at the next training session. There is no reason you need to rush through all of them. Please note that there are several steps to this game that increase in difficulty. The game is easiest if you and your puppy are familiar with clicker training (or using a verbal marker), but can be done without it. I will describe the steps assuming that a marker is used, but if you are not using one then just substitute “treat” for “mark and treat”. For more advanced versions of this game, you also need a small bowl or food storage container. You only need a few simple supplies: Yourself, your puppy or dog, and a good supply of small, high-value treats. This simple truth is at the heart of all reward-based dog training, but I find that Puppy Zen takes advantage of it in a way that makes it particularly easy to see results almost immediately. Behaviors that are reinforced (that is, that succeed in getting the puppy what s/he wants) continue, and behaviors that are not reinforced (are not successful at getting the puppy what s/he wants) fade away. Puppies come hard-wired to experiment with trying different behaviors to get the things they want. My preferred game for teaching impulse control is usually called “Puppy (or Doggie) Zen” or “It’s Yer Choice.” Puppy Zen is an extremely simple, fun and positive game that in addition to self-control teaches the puppy how to offer and choose between behaviors, builds trust and confidence between puppy and trainer, and naturally leads to teaching “Leave It,” another important skill every dog should know. Impulse control is a great foundation for future training, teaching a dog to “learn how to learn”, and is surprisingly easy to teach. It’s easy for one of my favorite general “building block” skills, impulse control, to get overlooked in the fray. Having Mak attend Zen Doggy Den gave him the chance to learn the very important social skills puppies need, while getting lots of play.Socialization, puppy class, house training, manners, handling, obedience… with all the things to think about, it can be overwhelming to try to raise a puppy or help a new dog transition into a new life with you. Given he is a Lab/Blue Heeler mix this was amazing! He also knew when we pulled into the parking lot where he was and who he was going to see, he would run to the door in so much excitement and greeted everyone with a wiggly butt and lots of licks. Mak attended 3 to 4 days a week and he LOVED it! He made so many friends and would come home tired. It provided so much comfort, I signed him up! She was very sweet and very thorough in explaining the process and what Mak’s day would look like. To start, the owner Julie is fantastic, I was very nervous about leaving Mak in an unknown place and with pretty much strangers but she took the time to email with me and answer all my questions. ![]() ![]() My experience with Zen Doggy Den was absolutely amazing!! I couldn’t be happier with the services myself and my puppy Mak received. ![]() I can't say thank you enough to Zen Doggy Den!! ![]() Mak couldn't be happier!! We saw such a difference in just the first week of him attending.
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