Calm Dog Worksheet Part 1 Meet My Dog
Every lead trainer needs to know their dog!
Name:
Date:
The Lead Trainer's Report
My dog's name is:
Description (circle all that fit):
Big Small Fast Fluffy
Other:
When My Dog Has Big Energy, He Might:
What does your dog do when he gets excited?
Move a lot (wiggling, jumping, zooming)
React fast (moving before thinking)
Not listen right away (ears are too busy)
Get in trouble even when he’s not trying
Turn the page for your Training Tools...
Dog Trainer Teacher Guide Dog Trainer Tactics
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Framing with Respect: Avoiding Offense
Metaphors are powerful, but they must be handled with care. The goal is to empower the student, not compare them to an animal. Use these guidelines to ensure the lesson is supportive and respectful.
The "Trainer" Role
Always position the student as the Expert, Professional, or Lead Trainer . They are the human in charge who has a specialized job to do.
The "Dog" Role
The dog is the student's energy or impulses , not the student themselves. The dog is high-performance, athletic, and enthusiastic.
Say This:
"Your dog has amazing, champion energy!"
"As the Lead Trainer, what's your plan?"
"We need to help your dog find a job to do."
Avoid This:
"You're acting like a wild animal."
"Be a good boy/girl and sit down."
"Your dog is being bad or disobedient."
Step-by-Step Facilitation
1 Professional Partnership
Explain the metaphor by comparing it to professional sports or working teams (like K9 units or high-performance athletic dogs).
"You know how professional trainers work with the fastest, smartest dogs? Those dogs have Big Energy . They aren't 'bad'—they just need a great partner to show them where to use that energy. You're that partner."
2 Normalizing Challenges
Acknowledge that even the best trainers have tough days when their dogs don't listen right away. It's part of the job!
3 Strategy Selection
Let the student choose. Giving them autonomy reinforces their role as the "Lead Trainer."
Pro Tip: Share the Metaphor
If the student likes it, use "dog talk" in private moments. "Hey Trainer, looks like the pup is getting the zoomies. Want to try a training tool?"
Dog Trainer Clinician Guide Dog Trainer Tactics
Clinician Facilitation Guide
Clinical Utility
This intervention uses Externalizing Conversations (from Narrative Therapy) to separate the student from their ADHD symptoms. In a clinical session, this allows the clinician and student to collaboratively "observe" the behavior as a separate entity, reducing defensive responses and building a stronger therapeutic alliance.
Maintaining Respect & Empowerment
Student as the Expert
Position the student as the Lead Trainer . They have the lived experience and "expert knowledge" of how their dog (energy) behaves.
The Energy as the Partner
The "dog" is the neurobiology/impulses . Treat the dog as having positive intent (play, protection, excitement) but needing direction.
Clinician Dialogue:
"It looks like the dog is doing the zoomies today. How can you, the Trainer, help him focus?"
"Your dog has amazing speed! That's a champion trait."
Avoidance List:
Never use the metaphor as a euphemism for "being bad."
Never use animal commands ("Down!", "Stay!") directly to the student.
Therapeutic Facilitation
1 The Externalizing Interview
Work through Section 1: "My Dog"
Ask: "When did you first meet this dog? Does he show up more at home or school? What's his personality?" This builds rapport through play.
! Rapport Booster: The Champion Sketch
Use the Champion Sketch Activity here. Drawing the dog (a Brown/White Boston Terrier) makes the externalization concrete. It turns the symptoms into a specific character the student can care for.
2 Mapping the Influence
Work through Section 2: "Big Energy"
Ask: "When the dog gets in trouble, how does he trick you into joining him? What does he do to your ears so you can't hear?" This shifts blame away from the student.
3 Trainer Skill Building
Work through Section 3 & 4
Identify "Training Tools." In the "Get Help" section, clarify that the Clinician/Parent is the Assistant Trainer or Coach .
Generalization Tip
Invite the student to teach their parents how to be "Assistant Trainers" using the strategies they selected today.
Calm Dog Worksheet Part 2 My Training Toolbox
Tools to help your dog find their focus!
What Helps My Dog Calm Down?
Check or circle the tools that help your dog best:
Move
Walk or stretch
Give a big squeeze
Breathe
Slow breath in and out
Hand on belly
Focus
Draw or color
Chew something (gum)
Get Help
Assistant reminds me
Coach stays calm
The #1 Training Secret:
What helps your dog the most?
Trained Dogs Learn To:
PAUSE
LISTEN
TRY AGAIN
Champion Sketch Activity Champion Sketch
Every trainer needs a picture of their partner!
How to Draw Your Boston Terrier:
1
Square Head
2
Pointy Ears
3
White Mask
4
Round Eyes
5
Small Snout
6
Brown Patches
Draw Your Partner Here
Lead Trainer: Your Partner is Ready for their Close-up!
Champion Sketch Final Reference Champion Sketch Reference
A picture of your training partner!
Your Finished Champion:
Boston Terriers have big, round eyes and large ears . Draw yours with a square head and a white stripe!
Square head
White stripe
Training Partner Sketch
Brown & White Boston Terrier Lead Trainer Partner Sketch
