The Bucket Game In Action!

Once puppies are skilled at the “Touch and Feed” level of The Bucket Game, we can begin using the bucket with things like brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning and tooth brushing. Our goal is to transition to relaxed grooming and handling without a helper. When introduced positively, grooming can become a soothing, relationship-building activity for pups and their future partners and set them up for happy vet visits too!

What You’ll Need

• Food rewards
• Your “bucket”
• Grooming tools (e.g. brush, nail clippers, toothbrush, etc.)

Pre-requisites

• The puppy settles with the bucket on the ground (or low surface) in front of them without needing to be physically restrained.
• The pup remains relaxed and focused on the bucket while being touched, repositioned, or manipulated.

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Getting Started
Warm up by rewarding the pup a few times for settling with the bucket in front of them. Practice the “Touch and Feed” exercise a couple times with your hands empty, then repeat while holding the grooming tool. Stay at this step until the pup ignores the hand with the tool, eats the food you offer, and continues staring at the bucket. Gradually work up to using the tool then build up duration between rewards. If the pup gets unsettled, go back to an easier step a few times before trying to progress again. Reach out for help with troubleshooting if you are feeling stuck!

Work your way through all body handling and grooming skills so they can all be easily done by one person with a relaxed, comfortable dog:

• Looking at and touching legs, toes, tails, and bellies
• Looking at eyes, teeth, and inside ears
• Brushing all over, especially for our long-haired pups when their “feathers” start growing in along the legs, behind the ears, on the belly, and tail!
• Nail trimming
• Ear cleaning
• Toothbrushing
• Bathing

Here’s a Tip!

• Start with a grooming activity the puppy is most comfortable with while first teaching this skill (like brushing). Then you can progress to using it for more challenging grooming activities (like nail trims or ear cleaning).
• Use the Rules of Three to adjust the level of difficulty and gradually progress at a level that keeps the pup successful.
• When working on more challenging grooming skills, mix in some easier handling and keep sessions short! Progress and learning aren’t always a direct path and pups need regular breaks to process.
• If the pup is a little worried or hesitant about sticking around for certain grooming procedures, reach out for support in breaking down the skill into smaller pieces! In the meantime, continue providing necessary health care using a helper and/or high value food-filled toys.