Building Bonds

12/14/2025

💦 Water Confidence Starts in Puppyhood 💦

In puppy class this week, we worked on something that doesn’t always get talked about—learning to tolerate water.

From baths and rainy walks to muddy paws, water shows up in our dogs’ lives whether they love it or not. Instead of forcing puppies to “deal with it,” we teach them how to feel safe, curious, and in control around water.

During this session, we also learned something important about Ofi—he’s not a fan of having his paws touched or wiped. So we slowed things down and worked on building positive, predictable experiences with paw handling, too.

✨ What this looks like in class:
• Letting puppies explore water at their own pace
• Pairing tricks and treats with paw handling
• Respecting communication and adjusting the plan
• Building calm, confident responses for real-life care

These early lessons matter. When puppies learn that new sensations are safe and optional—not forced—we set the stage for lower stress all around.

Confidence first. Skills second. Relationship always 🐾

12/12/2025

Puppy class is about building skills that last a lifetime.

At Building Bonds, our puppy classes focus on:
• Emotional regulation
• Engagement with their humans
• Comfort with handling
• Learning in a safe, low-pressure environment

Because what puppies learn now shapes how they handle the world later.

🐾 Puppy classes now enrolling in Tucson
🔗 Link in bio

12/10/2025

Puppy parents — let’s talk about socialization and safety.

Yes, Arizona is seeing a rise in parvo cases. And yes, protecting your puppy’s health is absolutely important. But fear shouldn’t prevent you from giving your puppy the positive early experiences they must have during their critical socialization window. These weeks only happen once — and what your puppy learns (or doesn’t learn) now shapes them for life.

You can keep your puppy safe and socialize them thoughtfully.
Here’s how:
✨ Choose a reputable, force-free Puppy Preschool class like the one offered at Building Bonds.
– Vaccination records should be checked and updated regularly.
– The classroom should be sanitized before and after every session.
– Your trainer should work alongside your veterinarian’s vaccine schedule to keep your puppy protected.

✨ If your puppy is recovering from illness like Giardia or still shedding from a virus like parvo, you don’t have to pause socialization completely.

– Socialize your puppy indoors with novel sounds, objects and tactile experiences.
– Try stroller or wagon social outings.
– Watch the world from a safe distance in your vehicle.
– Pair new sights, sounds, people, and places with calm, positive experiences at home or outdoors where exposure risks are controlled.

Hiding your puppy away until they’re fully vaccinated means missing priceless opportunities for building resilience, emotional well-being, and social comfort in the real world. Balance is key — not avoidance. Safe, structured, confidence-building experiences are the goals.

Work with your veterinarian and a qualified force-free trainer to create a plan that protects your puppy’s health and supports healthy behavioral development.

Your puppy deserves both safety and opportunities to build resilience in this most critical stage of development. 🐶🧡

P.S. In the nine years of offering puppy preschool classes for undervaccinated puppies, we've never had a case of parvo in our classes. NEVER.

Keep up on your vaccinations for adult dogs. Adult dogs can get parvo too.
,
We use Clean Break to clean our indoor areas.
https://rubberfloorsandmore.com/product/clean-break-disinfectant-detergent/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
We use Wysi-Wash to clean our outdoor areas.
https://www.wysiwash.com/products

We wanted to share an important update with our pet families. Several clinics in Arizona are seeing an unusual rise in parvo cases. The good news is that parvo is highly preventable with the proper vaccinations. If you’re not sure where your puppy is in their parvo series, or if they need to get started, please give us a call. We’re here to help keep your little one protected and healthy!

12/10/2025

Meet our new friend, Ruby Rose! 🌹🐾

Her mom shared that Ruby Rose usually hides and trembles when new people visit, so we set the bar low and let her set the pace. And wow… did she shine. ✨

Early in our session, she bravely peeked out from her hiding spot. Soon she was taking tossed treats, then gently taking them from my hand, and eventually even doing a little training with me, learning the nose-to-hand touch. 👃🤝

As the session went on, her confidence kept growing. She came closer, gave me a few curious sniffs, and even chose to lie down on the floor between her mom and me. This is a huge sign of trust for a very fearful dog.

For a first session, this was extraordinary. We’re so proud of Ruby Rose and can’t wait to see where her bravery takes her next. 💗🐶

12/10/2025

GOOD LIFE Academy, where your dog gets to be a dog! - https://mailchi.mp/buildingbondstraining/glaseptoct-10343289

12/09/2025

Congrats to Sunday's Puppy Preschool and Puppy Kindergarten Level One grads!

12/08/2025

PPGA Scholarship program - OPEN FOR 2026 APPLICATIONS

We are very proud to announce that the Scholarship Program is back for 2026 - and now open for applications.

The program helps three new, potential, or emerging trainers with the costs of gaining recognised qualification and aid their career as a pet training professional.

Find out more, and apply now, via our website: https://www.ppgaustralia.net.au/PPGA-Scholarship-Program

12/07/2025

New Class Alert: Manners Level One in Sahuarita!

If you’ve been waiting for a weekday group class — here it is!
Join us starting Monday, Jan 5 • 1:30–2:20 PM at Anamax Park for a 6-week Manners Level One class designed to help dogs of all ages develop polite, practical life skills.

We’ll work on:
• Focus around distractions
• Calm greetings & impulse control
• Loose-leash walking foundations
• Practical cues for everyday living

Support between sessions is built in — you’ll receive video tutorials to keep you progressing each week.

🐾 Registration is now open! Visit buildingbondstraining.com
📍 Anamax Multi-Purpose Room • Sahuarita

(Link to sign up in comments!)

12/05/2025

From the Behavior Desk: December Highlights - https://mailchi.mp/buildingbondstraining/from-the-behavior-desk-december-highlights

12/04/2025

✨🐾 Daisy wants everyone to know… BAT is where it’s at! 🐾✨

Our girl Daisy showed up ready to learn, observe, and make great choices today—and she crushed it. Behavior Adjustment Training (BAT) gives dogs like Daisy the space and support they need to feel safe, confident, and successful in real-world situations.

With a little distance, a lot of empowerment, and plenty of tail wags, Daisy says:
“Let me choose calm? I got this!”

Way to go, Daisy—showing everyone how beautiful thoughtful behavior can be. 💛🐶

12/03/2025

11/30/2025

Congratulations to Queso for once again, finishing the doggy escape room in record time! Fun and Pup cups were enjoyed by all!