Part 3: Calming Trifecta; Sniffing, Licking, and Chewing

May 16, 2024
by Hillary Alexander

There are three habits native to all dogs. I call them, “The Calming Trifecta; Sniffing, Licking, and Chewing.”

Sniffing, Licking, and Chewing are three activities that help puppies stay grounded in busy places with lots of distractions. They do this by lowering a puppy’s heart rate and narrowing his focus by directing it downward, into the earth. This literally brings a puppy into the moment.

Up Next: Optimal Learning Series – Part 4 Game On; Puppy Taste Test – Finding the Best Treats to Use for Your Puppy

Latest Blog Posts:

Part 2: Preparing Your Puppy for the Great Outdoors

We’ve talked a bit about creating an optimal environment for your puppy at home. What about outdoors, where all bets are off? This is an important question because every puppy is unique. In my Nursery we have puppies of all ages, sizes, and breeds and it is important...

Part 1: Creating an Optimal Learning Environment For Your Puppy

In my quest to create the optimal puppy environment, I have discovered that cultivating a calm, predictable environment is key to everything from potty training to a puppy’s ability to focus, to learn and retain new skills – even to rest properly. “And yet, visit the...

A Reunion with Luna. Working with Shy or Fearful Puppies

Meet Luna, a Jumpstart Puppy graduate who mastered several challenges we frequently see with shy and fearful puppies. Join us as we practice, "Go Say Hi!" - first in the Nursery, then in a mall. To meet Luna today you’d never guess how fearful she was during during...

The Talk. A Primer on Potty Training

Welcome to The Talk, a conversation about Potty Training, how to set up your puppy at home and more important - ensure her success! Join us along with Katie and Coco, a 9 week old doodle puppy on their Visit to the Jumpstart Nursery in April, 2024. I also would like...

Multi-Dog Households and Puppies

It is important in multi-dog households that each puppy or dog has a quiet place of his own (more on this in another chapter). Puppies and even dogs can easily become competitive for attention, food, treats, toys, even formerly unimportant items can become the focus...

Puppy Introductions; Optimal Encounters and Interactions

When you have an opportunity to introduce your pup to a new dog, I suggest you take a moment to assess the situation. I always ask the owner if their dog really enjoys puppies. This surprises a lot of people. I mean, who doesn’t like puppies?  As it happens, many...

What a Puppy Sees

I love sharing new ideas, especially when they change how people view their puppy. This one in particular tends to shock people when they realize their puppy’s point of view is so different from our own. Want to have some fun? Take your cell phone and shoot some video...

Game On – Teaching Self Control

How to moderate your puppy’s play. Grab the best treats you can think of; roast beef, a bit of chicken, something special and different. Let your puppy begin to play with another. Observe how stimulated and energetic their play becomes. Before things get too over the...

More Ways to Learn

Schedule a Visit to the Jumpstart Nursery.

If you live in or near Marin, California this is a great way to socialize your puppy. Nursery Visits are by appointment only and take place on Wednesday at 3:00PM.

Learn More About Our Program

  • Jumpstart is a daylong, 4-week program for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months old, specializing in socialization, training, and potty skills. You can learn more about the Jumpstart Puppy Program HERE.
  • Live near Marin, California? We invite you to visit the Jumpstart Nursery with your puppy. You can schedule your visit to the Nursery here.

  • Live far away? You can still join us in the Jumpstart Nursery via online Puppy Boot Camps and Courses.