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WEEK 5: Energy, Calm Entry, and Your Role as Leader

WEEK 5: Energy, Calm Entry, and Your Role as Leader

Hey there, future Alpha of your pack. This week is all about tone, timing, and teaching your puppy how to follow your energy-not just your commands. Because let’s be honest…

A squeaky “Hiii babyyyyy!!” as you walk through the door might be cute right now-but when that 85-pound Lab is leaping at your chest six months from now? Not so much.
So yeah… I’m pointing fingers. And it’s not at your dog.

🔊 It Starts With Your Frequency

Want a calm puppy? You better start showing up with calm energy.
Dogs don’t speak English. They speak vibe.

Before you even touch the crate, the leash, or the treat pouch, do this:

Breathe in for 4. Hold for 6. Breathe out for 4.
Do it three times. Reset your signal.

Because dogs don’t follow what you say. They follow what you broadcast.

🚪 Calm In, Calm Out (Crate Training Evolution)

Let’s stop the celebration parade every time your dog comes out of the crate.

Here’s the rule:

  • Calm entry

  • Calm exit

  • Calm response or no freedom

The method:

  1. Approach the crate silently.

  2. Open the door. If they rush? Close it again.

  3. Wait for stillness.

  4. THEN invite them out.

  5. No squeals. No baby talk. No drama.

When they come out, it should feel like you just opened the fridge. No applause needed.

🧠 Sit, Watch Me, Wait: Foundation with Tone

Now that your energy is in check, layer in these foundational cues:

  • Sit = Stop the chaos. Use it before meals, play, doorways, EVERYTHING.

  • Watch Me = Focus. Hold a treat by your eyes. Eye contact = reward.

  • Wait = Crate doors, entryways, food bowls. Teach pause before privilege.

But here’s the kicker: tone matters more than commands.

  • Calm = confidence

  • Hype = disorganization

  • Harsh = shutdown

🧘 Zen Reinforcement

You know what gets overlooked?
When your puppy doesn’t act out.

  • They lay down quietly? Reward.

  • They pause instead of jumping? Soft praise.

  • They check in with calm eye contact? Jackpot.

This is where emotional regulation training lives.
Teach your puppy to love the pause.

One slow stroke from between the eyes to the neck = better than 5 treats.

🧰 Tools for This Week

  • Sound machine for crate naps

  • Grooming mat for calm handling

  • Soft high-value treats

  • Optional clicker (if timing’s solid)

  • Your breath + body language = most important tool

📋 Weekly Action Items

  • Practice 3 crate exits with wait + calm cue

  • Train sit, wait, and watch me twice a day in low-distraction areas

  • Reward one spontaneous calm behavior daily

🎯 Real Talk from Monica

If you let your puppy fly out of the crate like a confetti cannon now, don’t be shocked when they’re leaping at your guests later.

You don’t need to yell. You don’t need to dominate.

You need to lead-with your tone, your timing, and your stillness.

Your puppy isn’t “being bad.”
They’re just mirroring your energy.

Lead well. And watch them follow.

Referral Incentive Program

Do you know someone who would love to join our fostering program and provide a loving home to one of our exceptional Labradors? If so, you can help us expand our community while earning a reward for your recommendation!
  1. Refer a Family: Share our fostering program with friends or family who might be interested.
  2. Application and Approval: The referred family must successfully complete our application process, be approved, and officially join our program.
  3. Dog Placement: Once the referred family is paired with one of our breeding Labradors, they’ll begin fostering.
  4. First Litter Milestone: After the first litter is born in their care (minimum of three salable puppies) and those puppies go home to their new families, we’ll send you a one-time $500 compensation as a thank-you for your referral.

Important Details:

  • The referred family must meet all fostering requirements and be a good fit for our program.
  • The compensation will only be issued after the dog successfully produces a litter of at least three salable puppies while under the referred family’s care.
  • Payment is processed once the puppies from that litter go home to their new owners.
  • This is a one-time payment per referred family.

How to Refer a Family:

  1. Direct them to our fostering page and encourage them to fill out our application form.
  2. Ensure they mention your name as the referring family during the application process.
  3. Stay in touch—we’ll update you on their progress through the program!   By participating, you’re not only helping us expand our network of caring foster families, but you’re also contributing to the success and well-being of our Labradors. Thank you for being part of our journey!