For me, it’s one word that transforms everything: Break.
At TOLO, we believe that a great dog begins with a great puppyhood. It’s during those early months that we lay the foundation for a dog’s entire life. As a Puppyhood Trainer, I’ve come to believe that the most powerful thing we can give our dogs is clarity—clarity about when to focus, when to relax, and how to switch between the two. And that belief comes from a place most people wouldn’t expect: my time in the military.
Where It All Started: “Lock In”
During my deployment to Afghanistan, I served under some truly remarkable leaders—one in particular who took me under his wing. He’d been deployed multiple times before, and compared to his time in Iraq, Afghanistan felt like a vacation. But what made him so impactful on my life wasn’t just his experience—it was his mindset.
Any time things got intense or unpredictable, he’d look me dead in the eyes, calm and composed, and say: “Lock in.” Shoulders back, eyes clear—those two words meant everything. No distractions. No thinking about anything other than the task at hand. I watched him close his eyes, put in his earbuds, and completely zone out the world. When he stepped out of the vehicle or aircraft, he became someone else—hyper-aware, present, locked in. And when the danger passed and he cracked a joke, I could finally breathe again. His switch had flipped back, and everything was normal.
That man has seen hard times, and he’s one of the toughest, kindest people I’ve ever met. He taught me that strength isn’t just physical—it’s mental. And now, years later, I bring that same lesson into my dog training every single day.
Dogs Need to “Lock In,” Too
When I first started training Service Dogs over a decade ago, I quickly realized dogs can’t—and shouldn’t—work all the time. They need a balance. They need to be great dogs and great workers. So I started using vests to signal when it was time to work. Vest on: high expectations. No sniffing, no distractions—just focus. Vest off: time to relax, play, and just be a dog.
That method worked for a while… until it didn’t. Eventually, even with the vest on, I’d see dogs looking back at me like, “I know I’m supposed to be working, but I just can’t right now.”
That’s when it hit me. The vest wasn’t enough. What they needed wasn’t just a uniform—it was a mental cue. Just like my leader taught me to “Lock In,” I needed to teach my dogs when to switch on and off. That’s when I discovered the power of the Break command.
What Is “Break”?
Break is a magical word in our training. It tells your puppy: “You’re done. You’re off the clock. Be a dog again.”
It teaches them that there’s a time to focus and a time to relax. And when they understand that difference, they can give their full attention when it matters most—because they trust that a break is coming.
For example: when I walk a dog, they’re on break. They’re allowed to sniff, walk ahead, and enjoy the world. But if I see something distracting—an off leash dog, a group of kids, or anything that might overwhelm them—I give the Heel command. Instantly, we’re back in work mode. The puppy comes to my side, and stays there until I say “Break” again.
This moment does two things:
- Establishes Leadership – I’m guiding when it’s time to work and when it’s time to play. They do not have to guess. They just have to follow.
- Establishes Expectations – The puppy knows exactly what’s expected of them in each moment because there is a clear division between working hard and playing hard.
How to Teach Break
Once your puppy knows Sit and Down, you’re ready to teach Break. Here’s how:
- Start Simple: Ask your puppy to Sit. Reward them. Then take a step back, say “Break” in a cheerful tone, and encourage them to come toward you for a treat or praise.
- Reward the Transition: Make a big deal out of Break—love, praise, maybe even a quick play session. You want your puppy to associate the word with a joyful mental shift.
- Build Duration: As they get better, wait a little longer before saying “Break.” You’re teaching them patience and focus.
- Use Doors as Opportunities: Before going outside, have your puppy Sit and wait. Then say “Break” to release them through the door. This is a perfect real-world moment to practice.
- Incorporate Into Walks & Training: Use “Break” often. It’s your way of telling them: “You’re free.” And when you’re ready to re-engage, give a command like “Come” or “Heel” to signal that break time is over.
Why It Matters
Teaching your puppy “Break” from an early age builds their mental strength. It teaches them how to shift gears—just like my leader taught me in Afghanistan. They learn to “Lock In” when needed, and they feel safe knowing when they’re free to just be themselves.
A mentally strong dog isn’t just obedient—they’re confident, connected, and calm. And a dog who knows how to turn it off will always be better at turning it on.
At TOLO, we train with love, structure, and intention—because They Only Live Once. If you’re raising a puppy, start with Break. It might seem small, but it unlocks something big: trust, clarity, and a dog who’s truly ready to live a great life.
Ready to help your puppy learn when to “Lock In” and when to just be a dog?
Join our Puppyhood Program and experience personalized, science-based training built around your pup’s development and your real life. Let’s raise a great dog—together.