Teach “touch” and watch how often you use it. Touch = your dog targeting your hand with their nose. It may seem simple, but it becomes incredibly useful for training and everyday life. How to teach it: Hold your hand out a few inches from your dog’s nose. The second they investigate or touch your hand with their nose, mark with “good” or a click and reward. Repeat until they intentionally bump your hand. Add the cue “touch.” Slowly increase distance and practice in different locations. Simple skills often become the most valuable ones. Why we love it:
This week we’re focusing on the ears. A dog’s ears are one of the clearest indicators of how they are feeling in the moment, but they are also influenced by breed, structure, and natural carriage, so context always matters. Forward ears often indicate interest or engagement, especially when paired with a soft, relaxed body. Ears pinned back can suggest uncertainty, stress, or appeasement, but in some cases may also simply reflect excitement or movement. Ears that are constantly shifting or flicking can show that a dog is actively processing their environment and scanning for information. The key is not to read ears in isolation, but to look at them as part of the whole picture, including body posture, tail position, mouth, and overall energy. Next week we’ll break down another part of the body to help you better understand what your dog is communicating.
Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Whether you’re raising a future service dog, preparing a therapy dog for visits, working with an emotional support dog, or simply teaching everyday manners, every small win matters. The calm check in. The first successful heel. Choosing focus over distraction. One extra second of confidence. Great dogs aren’t built in a day. They’re built through consistency, patience, trust, and showing up even on the hard days. Keep going. The little moments become life changing ones.
**Available: Lilac – Golden Retriever ESA Prospect** 
