When we first met Goose, his social skills were… let’s just say, not refined. In his early days with us, Goose had to stay tethered to a trainer during social classes because we couldn’t trust him to make the right decisions around other dogs. He was prone to making things more chaotic.
But fast forward to today, and Goose is one of our star “Teacher Dogs”!
We now trust Goose to roam off-leash during class, confidently greet new dogs, and even help us teach social skills. Dogs learn best from other dogs, and Goose has become an incredible teacher. So, what makes a Teacher Dog special?
Here are 3 qualities of a great Teacher Dog:
1. Welcoming Committee
Teacher Dogs are natural greeters. They calmly approach new dogs without overwhelming them. They seem to want the new dogs to feel welcome. Our teachers help ease the anxiety of new dogs coming into class, making them feel comfortable and safe. Imagine one of our teacher dogs like Goose, welcoming your dog to class.
2. Patient
Teacher dogs are patient with socially awkward or pushy dogs. They don’t overreact when things get tense; instead, they model good behavior and help guide less experienced dogs without getting frustrated. This kind of awareness and patience is something we want for every dog we train.
3. Respected by Other Dogs:
It’s amazing to watch a Teacher Dog at work. Other dogs naturally respect their calm, confident demeanor. There’s no need for dominance or aggression—just pure leadership by example.
Could Your Dog Become a Teacher Dog?
If you’re sitting there thinking, “My dog could never do that,” remember that Goose started in the same place. With the right guidance, training, and consistency, many dogs can learn to become a calm, confident leader in social situations.
Our structured social classes are designed to help your dog develop these skills. Whether your dog is reactive, anxious, or just needs a bit of extra help with social skills, we can guide them on this journey.
Imagine your dog being the one who sets the tone for the group, greets new dogs confidently, and models good behavior for others to follow. It’s a possibility for many of the dogs we meet each day, and we’d love to help your dog get there.
