Encouraging Calm Moments & Emotional Regulation
Training young, high-energy dogs can be an adventure in it of itself, especially when they’re incredibly eager to explore and play! In today’s session, Biscoff and Bear, two fun-loving pups, show us the importance of combining playtime with moments of calm and focus.
After they’ve had a chance to run and release their energy, both feel much much more open to learning and responding to my cues, as well as offering desirable behaviours naturally. This approach lays the foundation for a trusting, communicative bond that you can then take through different environments and situations.
Let's look at each step taken and go over how this blend of play and calm training can make your walks smoother and more enjoyable.
1. Channeling Energy Before Training
Young dogs have high energy levels, and channelling that energy through play helps them focus on what’s next. For Bear and Biscoff, an open area to run is ideal. By letting them freely explore, they get what they need while becoming more coachable.
2. Rewarding Connection and Pauses
As the dogs start to get comfortable, we focus on including pauses during their play. Simple cues like “Find it” or “Come” help reinforce moments of stillness and encourage our dogs to slow down a bit. The goal isn’t to ask them to sit or follow rigid commands but to offer them subtle guidance back to calmness, or at the very least give them the opportunity to.
Too often to we associate play with non-stop go-go-go actions and feelings which is good, but becomes great when we're able to incorporate breaks and mental focus too, as a useful lifelong skill that dogs can benefit from. This mix of playful energy and behaving in a mellow manner helps build trust and reinforces that training can happen at any moment.
3. Leash Manners after Playtime
Once they’ve burned off some energy, it’s time to focus on leash manners or any skills that require a bit more focus and attention from your dog. Keeping a short but loose leash ensures they’re close yet free from tension, ideal for focused yet enjoyable walks. Biscoff’s high energy means she’s eager to sniff and explore, while Bear is naturally a little bit more relaxed while walking. Our goal is for both dogs to enjoy their walk without pulling or disconnecting from us, maintaining the same calm and light mood they displayed after their playtime.
4. Calm and Focused Walks
By the end of the session, Biscoff and Bear can walk even more calmly, enjoying a relaxed experience without feeling the need to explore frenetically. The leash is also then loose, at ease, and the training transforms from having to be quick and more monitored to a quiet and relaxing bond. This approach provides the best of both worlds: the freedom to be and the chance to connect calmly.
5. Reinforcing What We Want to See
At the end of a session that includes both enrichment outlets as well as moments of calmness, the dogs are naturally more cooperative. Training isn’t just about cues; it’s about nurturing moments where we all feel engaged and in tune with one another, whether you'd like that to be in very exciting and stimulating or calm and mellow situations. Rewarding the type of moments you want to see more helps our dogs learn to give us more of what we want, time and time again.