See Spot Play

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06/18/2025

It’s impossible to summarize my entire philosophy into a few slides*, but here goes: A life without play is not a good life. A life with play is. I do mean that a life with butt scritches is better than one without (depending on the receiver), but it goes a lot deeper than that.

Play seems so easy, but it isn’t always. Sometimes we think we’re playing, but we’re not. We can build habits of play that allow it to come more naturally. There are lots of little ways to be playful, like making up little songs while we cook or wiggling our bodies or choosing a different way to drive home from work.

We can ask ourselves if we’re playing against or with our dogs. In tug, do we always try to win? Or does our dog get to win just as often? Are we reversing roles? Are we laughing? What sorts of choices do our dogs make and get to make? Where can we add in a bit more choice and agency?

Are we listening to our dogs? Are we letting them teach us how to play? Are we attuning ourselves to them and what they’re asking of us? Are we being present with them?

We can ask ourselves if we’re adopting a playful way of life. Do we question the status quo? Do we let ourselves be a little bit uncomfy? Do we try to flex our muscles of wonder? Do we try to create ways for others to also be more playful? Are we promoting freedom and liberation?

I’d probably also say that a life without dogs isn’t a good life either, so the best life is one playing and finding joy with dogs. What do you think?

*I have written whole books and chapters on this! Playing with ideas is one of my favorite ways to play, though I know it’s not for everyone.

ID in comments

06/03/2025

The playful confidence of these pups getting all the way to source is just so delightful. Some of them are parkour pros and others were too nervous to place a paw on anything just a few months ago. Look at them go! Not to mention, they worked through lots of environmental distractions at a busy park!

From Chihuahuas to Pyrenees and everything in between, nosework is for them all!

01/16/2025

Lots of us are spending time inside or in smaller spaces due to weather, air quality, sickness, etc. It can start to feel a bit cramped, literally and figuratively.

I've also heard so many of my students say that their dogs find hides "too fast" at home compared to in class. That's okay! It's good, and not surprising, for dogs to have confidence and competence where they spend a lot of time. We don't need to have our dogs solve a super challenging puzzle every time.

Still, we do want to change things up. Luckily, there are ways to modify our familiar environments that 1) aren't very much work and 2) create fun new challenges for our dogs and us.

What variations are you going to try out?

08/05/2024

Every August, I start to feel really glum that summer is winding down. The rhythm of the school year is in my blood. I was a college professor for the past decade and now am starting a Master's program in Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare this fall. I love school! But I still hate the end of summer and the closing off of so many open possibilities that seem to go with it.

So, in an effort to create better feelings and treat the new school year as a new beginning, I'm launching the Dog Days of Summer Play Challenge! I'd love for you to join me.

What if developing a better life for you and your dog didn't have to feel like a chore? What if you got to learn more about your dog and yourself? What if you carved out just a few minutes a day for fun? I can guarantee that future you will be pretty happy that you did.

Each week, I'll share some tips, tricks, and ideas for you to try out. Tag me in a post or story for entries to win prizes from , and (Prizes are open to anyone in the US. I love supporting our local businesses, so I will substitute if you're not in the Wisconsin area. Contest not supported by or affiliated with Instagram. Details to come! ).

Don't have a dog? That's ok! You can try a lot of the same things with your cat, hamster, child, best friend, etc. Everyone benefits from opportunities to play!

What do you say? Wanna play?

08/01/2024

On Monday, one of my students exclaimed, "I'm just so glad to be around other dog people!" Welcome to the club, fellow snerd (sniffy nerd)! 🤓

If you're like me, you might love digging into alllll things dog. I may just be geeking out because I have access to a research library again, but I wanted to share some super cool science. I 100% believe that the more and better we can understand about our dogs, the better their and our lives can be. Plus, science as a discipline is embedded in and informed by culture (including all its problematic legacies), so the more conversations we can have about investigating presuppositions and approaching things critically, the better.

If you're more in the tl;dr camp, that's cool, too! You don't have to be a scientist to be wowed by your dog.🐶

I'll explain a bit more about the studies in the comments.👇🏻

There is so much more that could be said for all of this. We're only beginning to scratch the surface of the world of olfaction for dogs and they have so much to teach us. Can we approach them with more curiosity and accept that invitation into their world?

07/08/2024

🐶 I started nosework with Lily because, as a one-year old Lab with endless energy, she desperately needed something to do. She was also very reactive to other dogs, so walks in our urban environment often left me feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. On a whim, I signed us up for an intro class, and haven't looked back since.

🐕Little did I know what was in store with this journey! As Lily developed a love for searching, she developed skills in patience, engagement, and focus. Her reactivity has decreased significantly as we learn to navigate new environments together. I've developed such admiration for her and learned to be the teammate she deserves.

🐾 Anyone who knows my dogs knows how much Lily and JJ differ. While Lily prefers constant activity and being the center of attention, JJ gladly chooses naps and quiet. Still, JJ loves nosework, too! His style is his own and I've learned so much about him and his unique personality. Plus, as an older boy, he's happy for mental stimulation that's not too taxing on his body.

💜 Most of all, I had no idea the community I would find. We started in isolation just as things were opening after peak pandemic. The dreams of adventures with a dog were squashed when the reality of anxiety and reactivity hit. Yet, nosework offered opportunities for both of us. While Lily got to learn and play without worrying about other dogs, I got to form friendships and connections with such incredibly awesome and interesting people I never would have met otherwise. And, of course, I've gotten to meet sooooo many dogs. What could be better than that?!

✨ Feeling like you should have started nosework yesterday? It's not too late! Comment “All the sniffs!” below to receive a free getting-started guide. Your dog will thank you!

06/06/2024

How amazing is this montage from Barking Dog Images?!? Nadia was so easy and fun to work with, and expertly captured each dog in their element!

05/12/2024

🐶 Does your pup use your hands as a chew toy? Is keep-away her favorite game? Does your older guy no longer enjoy the things he used to?

🐕 Join Canine Einstein and See Spot Play for a unique workshop on June 8 and 22 that will give you practical ways to turn frustrating play into fun!

This one of a kind event will review the power of play for you and your dog, covering topics like:

🐾 What play is and what it's important

🐾 The different types of play

🐾 Examples of games and play techniques for you and your dog to make your play even more fun

We have two options:

1. Register with your dog for both days- you and your dog will be able to practice the games with hands-on support from the presenters.

2. Register without your dog, but be able to practice at home and submit a video for feedback! This is a great option for dogs who might not be ready for a group class.

✨ All who attend will be entered to win a raffle basket from local small businesses!

Register today- space is limited!

04/05/2024

When I first adopted Lily and JJ, it felt like training was a battle of wills. There were big feelings all around. With some great mentoring, I started viewing our relationships as playful collaboration rather than a competition for authority.

Enter all the sighs of relief. Training is no longer a chore, but a highlight of the day. In fact, I often don't think of it as training. Instead, we have some projects we're working on together with play and games as our foundation.

Living with dogs can be super hard! I will be the first one to agree with that. But life with dogs can -and should- be joyful!

I specialize in sensitive and reactive dogs - those pups who just have a more difficult time in the world and whose humans often end up feeling overwhelmed or hopeless. I'll help you develop skills to navigate the world and build your dog's confidence and calm using humane and science-backed methods. With several years experience as a professional educator living, working, and playing with dogs, I’m firmly committed to setting all learners up for success and growing that joy.

Tell me more about you! Leave a comment telling me your dog's favorite way to play.

Address

Milwaukee, WI

Website

http://seespotplay.myflodesk.com/linkinbio

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