Training Tips from Gizzy (and Cherie): Issue 14

🐾 Training Tips from Gizzy: The Great Sports Field Conspiracy 🐾

GUYS. GUYS. Can you even believe it?! We’re getting a BIG. SPORTS. FIELD. I’m talkin’ grass for zoomies, space for tricks, and maybe even a little room for dramatic rolling. And okay, fine—it’s not just for me… but let’s be real: it’s mostly for me. 😎

This week has been totally bonkers around here! Cherie has been running around like a human whirlwind, and I’m over here like, “Sooo... when do we plant my fetch field?”

Apparently, rain messed everything up for a while (seriously? rude). But Mike says it’s finally warm enough for the little baby grass seeds to sprout—yay! So it’s been all hands (and paws) on deck to get the ground ready.

And you guys... there were tools, tractors, rakes, dirt flying everywhere... and NOT ONE SINGLE THING was for me. Not a shovel-sized chew toy in sight. Naturally, I offered to help—I’ve got excellent digging experience—but Cherie said that’s a no-go. Something about me being “too little” and “not safe” and “not allowed to operate heavy machinery.” 🙄

But here’s what she told me that really stuck:

“While the humans work, dogs need a job too.”

Because if we don’t have one? We get... well, creative. (Not that I would. Ever. Probably.)

So this week, I had to pull out my least favorite skill: chilling out. That’s right, while everyone was planting my dream field, I had to practice staying calm and hang out in my “quiet place.” Like, what even. I’m a high-performance athlete! I'm BUILT for motion!

But Cherie says if I get really good at settling while the humans work, that means I can go more places with her. Including all the places with tractors, trailers, and training days. So yeah, okay—I guess it’s worth it.

Oh, and fun fact: Cherie says I can’t drive the tractor. But I’ve seen Junior jump into the van driver’s seat literally every time she gets out. He totally can drive the van.  If he can do it, I’m sure I could figure it out. I didn’t argue (this time), but the day will come. 🐾

Anyway, if you also wanna hang out with your humans while they’re being boring and productive, here’s how you can be the best farm (or backyard) buddy ever:

🌾 Gizzy’s Tips for Being a Chill Work Buddy 🌾

🛋️ Practice Settle Time – Start inside where it’s quiet. Teach your pup to relax on a mat or in a crate for short periods. Add treats, chews, or puzzle toys to keep it positive.

📍 Use a “Place” Cue Outdoors – Create a designated mat, bed, or shaded crate near your workspace. Reward your pup for staying there calmly while you move around.

🔊 Train Around the Noise – Gradually expose your pup to tools, tractors, or lawn equipment from a distance while playing games or giving treats to build confidence.

🎾 Give Them a Job – Whether it’s chewing a Kong, working on “watch me,” or sniffing out scattered treats, keep their brain engaged!

🐾 Take Micro Training Breaks – When you pause your work, call your pup over for a quick trick or focus game. It builds engagement and makes them feel like part of the crew.

So yeah, maybe I didn’t get to drive the tractor (yet), but I did get to work on my skills and hang out near the action—and that means more future adventures for me! You can totally do it too.

Drop into the Facebook Group and tell me: do YOU have a work zone setup for your pup? Got any cute pics of your dog supervising your projects? I wanna see ‘em!

Until next time, keep wagging (and stay outta the seed bags)!
Love,
Gizzy 🌱✨