Sammy Video 4

🐾 Sammy,our ARAN Animal Rescue NZ guest dog, is learning new choices with Papia
Today Sammy and Papia spent time working on something really important — teaching him the power of better choices.
Like many young dogs, Sammy’s first instinct when he’s excited is to spring straight up into people’s faces. It’s not “naughty,” it’s not defiance — it’s simply the behaviour that’s worked for him before. Dogs repeat what has value for them.
So instead of saying “don’t do that,” we’re helping Sammy discover behaviours that feel just as good (and actually get him what he wants) without the jumping.
Papia — our certified clicker trainer and Karen Pryor Academy professional — has been shaping calm, grounded alternatives: four paws on the floor, soft eye contact, sitting to say hello, settling back before approaching. Nothing forced, nothing pressured. Just clear feedback, good timing, and lots of tiny successes that build into big change.
You can’t replace a behaviour with nothing…
but you can replace it with something better.
And today, Sammy realised he has options — and that choosing them really pays off.
Follow his journey as he learns, grows, and practices these new skills with heart. This boy is smart, sensitive, and so ready for the world to make sense. 💜
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/pets-animals/dogs/dogs-to-adopt/listing/5676089408