13/05/2026
πΎ"He just wants to say hi!" (And why you don't have to just let it happen...)
Ever feel like your puppy has selective hearing the second another dog appears? π
In this video, Iβm talking about a recent one-to-one session with a gorgeous pup who loved running off to greet every dog in sight. Itβs a super common phase, but left unchecked, it can quickly turn into a stressful habit. Another dog may be fearful or recovering from an injury and wouldn't appreciate a puppy running up to them.
Here is how we tackled it:
The Long Line Safety Net: We attached a long line so the pup could still have freedom, but without the ability to practice the "wrong" behaviour (ignoring their owner).
Fun Focus Games: We made being close to Mum/Dad the most rewarding game on the planet.
The Distraction Ladder: We didn't start in a crowded dog park! We built up the focus games gradually, slowly adding in distractions as the pup succeeded.
Why am I sharing this?
Because I want you to know that you donβt just have to let your puppy run wild. You don't have to cross your fingers and hope they come back, and you don't have to feel embarrassed on walks. There are gentle, effective, and incredibly fun ways to build a rock-solid recall and great manners from day one.
Training isn't about killing their vibeβit's about giving them freedom safely!
Frustrated with your pup's selective hearing? Letβs fix it together. Drop a comment below or send me a message to book your own one-to-one session! π