For Puppies, Senior Dogs, Reactive Dogs, Adolescents, and more
Sensory Explorers is a structured and intentionally curated collection of novel objects, textures, structures, and materials presented in an open space to your dog with the goal of allowing him to engage his senses freely. The session is designed to give handlers a hands-off opportunity to observe their dogs exploration patterns with the guidance of a professional trainer. Boost your dogs confidence, learn about their structure, and enjoy a relaxed yet educational experience with Monica!
Monica will kick off her event with a live webinar and Q&A on Friday, 5/22 at 7pm EST. At her presentation, you’ll learn all about: – the holistic overview of dogs as a species – canine emotions and physical makeup – dog senses, nervous system, and body language – what Environmental Enrichment is, its history and benefits, and how to apply it at home
Monica will also be preparing you for your in person sessions so you’ll know exactly what to expect! This webinar can be purchased individually for just $20, or as part of the in-person sessions (see below). If you’re unable to make it live, you’ll receive a recording with your purchase.
In Person Sessions: Monday, May 25th with slots from 12pm-5pm
After watching Monica’s webinar, you’ll be prepared for your own 45 minute session with Monica at the BlueDog facility located at 160 Winthrop Ave, Lawrence MA! Sit back, relax, and enjoy watching your dog explore their very own sniff-ari. With so many different objects to explore, Monica will relay what she is picking up on as curiosity blossoms. She’ll walk you through what she is noticing in your dog’s body, confidence, and provide you with actionable steps to take home with you for even more fun, support, and comfort.
In person sessions are booked on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please start by filling out this informational form so Monica can prepare for your session, and we can ensure we have a time slot that works for you. The form will direct you to a check out link once completed. Your in person session time will be confirmed once we receive payment. The $100 payment includes your 45 minute in person session on Monday, as well as webinar access on Friday evening (and recording).
Puppies need positive experiences to build confidence and resilience in order to become the dogs we envision ourselves having out in public. Intentional and safe experiences turn our puppies into optimists, which can help them cope in the future through fear periods and novel interactions. Sniffing is the primary source of information for our dogs. Just like us, more information can give us more confidence and empowerment, this information can make our puppies more comfortable and resilient.
Senior Dogs or Dogs with Physical Challenges
For senior dogs or even dogs who are facing physical challenges or disabilities, enrichment can be tough to provide without compromising comfort. Sensory Explorers is built for observation so handlers can see exactly what works for their dogs or doesn't. By adjusting the height, textures, materials and more of the environment, we can provide a safer and more physically appealing space for our dogs. Easing pain and maximizing optimal physical space can lead to a happier dog and even less behavioral challenges. Environmental enrichment is a safe way to mentally stimulate your dog and incorporate gentle movement.
Reactive Dogs & Relief
Reactivity is commonly rooted in frustration or fear. By providing an off leash experience to gather information at their own pace, Sensory Explorers addresses both of those concerns. Handlers can gift their dog the opportunity to unabashedly explore and investigate to ease concerns, release tension, and enrich their minds without going overboard. The act of sniffing is decompressing for dogs since it gives them an outlet for a species specific behavior, provides them with information, and puts their mind at ease knowing that something is safe. While it may not always be safe to allow our dogs to investigate some things, giving them plenty of opportunity to do so when it is safe can build trust, provide clarity, and help regulate their emotions.
Adolescents & Regulation
Excitability is a common occurrence in adolescence. Your dog is going through the toughest developmental milestone of their life! That means that emotional regulation is sometimes impossible, which is why we need to step in to help them calm down. Sniffing is a wonderful way to do that. Not only does it lower their heart rate, but it can also provide information to settle any concerns your dog may have about something in the environment. Adolescence can bring changes in behavior, eating patterns, potty training, and even bring about what is called a fear period. This is where dogs can experience regression in confidence, and suddenly start to feel more concerns about things that had never bothered them before. Opportunities to investigate without pressure can build back up that confidence, teach them to bounce back after a fright, and help them go into the next experience with more positivity. They'll learn to regulate around novelty, search with curiosity rather than from fear, and overall develop coping skills that will last a lifetime!
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Private training in obedience, manners & leash training for dogs & puppies. Our trainers do not use corrective-based training aids. Our approach is always compassionate to your dog.
