Michele Pouliot • ClickerExpo New York (2026)
When we think of dog training, we often separate behaviors into tidy categories: obedience,
tricks, service tasks, or medical training. But what if the lines between them aren’t as clear as we think? Often, the same behaviors that help dogs learn to participate in their own grooming and care begin with the same foundations as fun trick training. And that same overlap can be incredibly powerful for service and guide dog handlers as well.
From Tricks to Tasks
Think of a dog placing its chin on a handler’s hand. As a trick, it might be quick, cute, and fun. But as a cooperative care behavior, this same action could be the foundation of a calm, steady chin rest during a veterinary eye exam.
What other tricks can transform?
- Paw targeting can turn into presenting a paw for nail trims or serving as a medical alert for a service dog.
- Spinning or turning can be shaped into positioning for grooming or physical exams, or to assist a handler with mobility support by aligning at a specific angle.
- Head targeting (chin rests) can be helpful during ear cleaning or eye checks, or it can be used as a service dog to apply deep pressure therapy for its handler.
The transition from trick to task is often about increasing the criteria: longer duration, maintaining behavior in distracting or uncomfortable environments, or adding varying propsl. In the accompanying video, Michele Pouliot demonstrates how a trick of a dog putting their head in a hat can turn into learning to wear a muzzle. You can see that once the behavior of putting the head inside the hat is on cue, Michele is able to generalize the behavior to different objects, so that once the muzzle is presented, there’s no hesitation.. To increase the duration of the behavior, Michele pays special attention to where she places the reward; in this instance, within the cue for the behavior itself!
All Training Is Connected
At ClickerExpo New York, Michele will help you look at training through a new lens. You’ll discover how behaviors you thought were just “for fun” might have practical applications you’ve never considered. And you’ll learn how to build reliable, confident behaviors that work across environments and situations.
Where Everything "Clicks"
Connect ideas, skills, and community in two unforgettable ClickerExpo experiences.