Cooperative Care is a game-changing approach that teaches puppies to be willing participants in their own health care routines. By building positive associations and giving puppies choice and control, we create a foundation of trust that makes grooming, vet visits, and medical procedures less stressful for everyone involved.
Since you've already started working on the mat using Constructional Affection, you can now progress that practice into more deliberate Cooperative Care for Puppies. Begin with short, positive sessions of gentle touching in non-sensitive areas, such as behind the ears or on the chest. Pair all touches with high-value treats to reinforce the positive experience.
Protip: Use special treats reserved only for these sessions to make them extra rewarding.
Gradually extend the duration of touches, always watching for signs of discomfort. If your puppy shows any stress, go back to shorter, easier touches.
Introduce a "touch" cue before each handling session, using a consistent word or phrase like "touch time" to signal the start of the session.
Practice 2-3 times daily for 2-3 minutes each session, keeping them short and fun to maintain your puppy's enthusiasm.
Move to the next phase when your puppy eagerly anticipates handling sessions.
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Reward your puppy for maintaining position during gentle manipulations such as moving the elbow forward (do not touch toes).
Protip: Begin with brief touches and gradually increase duration.
Introduce mock tools (toothbrush handle, comb handle).
Protip: Let your puppy investigate tools first away from the mat, then reward for calmly allowing the item to be nearby.
Practice having your puppy hold still while you mimic grooming motions.
Protip: Use a soft brush or your hand to simulate brushing, eye cleaning, or foot wiping.
Incorporate a release cue to end each session.
Protip: Use a consistent phrase like "all done" to signal the end of handling.
Continue daily practice, gradually increasing difficulty and duration.
Protip: Always end on a positive note, even if you need to make the task easier.
Move to the next phase when your puppy calmly accepts brief handling of all body parts.
Head (eyes, ears, mouth)
Body (chest, shoulders, back, belly)
Legs (and feet)
Private areas
Introduce actual grooming tools slowly, allowing your puppy to investigate first.
Protip: Pair the sight and sound of tools with treats before using them.
Begin using tools gently and briefly, always watching your puppy's body language.
Protip: If your puppy shows stress, go back to easier steps or mock tools.
Practice vet-like procedures (looking in ears, opening mouth) with lots of rewards.
Protip: Go slowly and break procedures into tiny, manageable steps.
Remember, the goal is to create a puppy who's a willing partner in their own care. Never force a procedure if your puppy is showing stress—it's better to go slower and maintain trust. With patience and positive reinforcement, your puppy will learn that health care routines can be enjoyable experiences!
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