Play School

Does your dog love toys… but forget you exist once they get one?

Or perhaps they’ll happily play at home, but the moment you take a toy outside they suddenly aren't interested?

Welcome to Play School – a fun, interactive clinic all about discovering how your individual dog likes to play and turning that play into a powerful training reward.

Food is a fantastic reinforcer, but it doesn't have to be the only thing in your training toolbox. Learning how to use toys and interactive play effectively can help build enthusiasm, engagement and a stronger connection between you and your dog.

And importantly – not every dog wants to play in the same way.

During the clinic we'll explore:

• Discovering your dog's individual play style
• Finding toys your dog genuinely enjoys
• Building interest and value in toys
• Making you part of the game rather than just the person holding the toy
• Tug, chase and interactive play
• Teaching a reliable toy release and restarting the game
• Helping dogs who grab a toy and run away with it
• Building confidence in dogs who aren't naturally very toy motivated
• Using play to increase connection and engagement
• Using toys as reinforcement during training
• Switching between excitement and calm
• Knowing when to start – and when to finish – a game

We'll experiment with different toys, movement and styles of play to discover what makes your individual dog light up.

Who is it for?

Play School is suitable for dogs who already love toys as well as those who seem to look at the expensive toy you've just bought them and think...

“No thanks.”

It's particularly useful for owners who would like to introduce more variety into their rewards, build engagement outdoors or learn how to use play more effectively within their training.

You don't need a toy-mad dog to attend.

You just need to be willing to get involved and have some fun together!

Small group | Reward-based training | Individual coaching