Notice the Good
Calmness • Optimism • Emotional Regulation • Connection
Description
This practice helps you and your dog slow down and appreciate calm, thoughtful moments. It teaches you to reward relaxation, self-control, and the small good choices your dog makes throughout the day — the moments we often overlook. By noticing and reinforcing these choices, your dog learns that making good decisions feels safe and rewarding.
How to Play
Begin when your dog is already relaxed or settled. Gently drop a piece of food near them or offer calm, quiet praise.
Repeat whenever you notice your dog making a good choice — resting quietly, looking away instead of barking, or pausing before reacting.
Try “ninja feeding” — quietly placing a piece of food by your dog’s nose while they’re resting, or softly whispering “good dog” without waking or exciting them.
Gradually practise this during mild distractions or moments that would usually cause excitement. Reward calm glances, disengagement, or other signs of self-regulation.
Over time, your dog learns that making good choices — not just being still — leads to gentle, positive reinforcement from you.
Why it Matters
Notice the Good helps you and your dog focus on what’s going right. It’s not about rewarding stillness, but recognising moments of emotional control — when your dog chooses calm over chaos, curiosity over fear, or disengagement over reaction. Reinforcing these quiet decisions builds optimism, confidence, and trust between you.
Tips for Success
Use calm praise, gentle touch, or soft food rewards.
Keep your energy low and relaxed.
Reinforce any positive choice, no matter how small.
Practise in everyday moments — this isn’t a “training” session.
The more you notice the good, the more your dog will offer it.