Thinking Outside the Box: Turning Challenges Into Games- By Student Misty K.
Here goes my very first blog ever — I’m a little nervous, but excited to share what I’ve learned!
Do you have a dog that refuses to take medicine, won’t sit still for eye drops, or absolutely hates getting their toenails trimmed? I do! My dog is a Miniature Pinscher — and a rescue — which means he came with some strong opinions about what he will and won’t allow.
When we first brought him home, he wouldn’t even let me touch his feet, let alone trim his nails. And if you tried to force it, he’d nip — and sometimes even bite. I knew I had to get creative if I wanted to earn his trust and make these experiences positive instead of stressful.
The Toenail Game
After a lot of thinking (and a few near misses with those sharp little teeth), I came up with what I now call “The Toenail Game.”
Here’s how it worked:
First, I started by simply touching his feet. When he allowed it, I got really excited — cheering him on like he’d just done the greatest thing ever.
Once he was comfortable with that, we moved to trimming just one toenail. Again, big praise!
Every time he stayed calm, he got a reward — either a treat or a quick play session with his favorite toy.
Over time, he learned that letting me touch and trim his nails wasn’t scary — it was actually fun! Now, he’s happy to participate, and sometimes all he needs is a little praise instead of a treat.
The Eye Drop Game
More recently, my little guy developed cataracts due to diabetes. The vet prescribed daily eye drops — another potential challenge!
So, we turned that into a game too — “The Eye Drop Game.” Using the same method of calm touch, excitement, and positive rewards, we made it a routine that he enjoys instead of fears.
And the best part? I’ve never been bitten. I’ve been nipped at, sure — but never bitten!
The Lesson: Get Creative
Sometimes training doesn’t go according to the book. Every dog is different, and what works for one might not work for another. The key is to think outside the box, stay patient, and make every interaction a positive experience.
When you approach training with creativity and compassion, even the toughest challenges can turn into bonding moments.
Thanks for reading,
Misty 🐾