Tag: daily dog walks

A Recipe for Calm

Posted on by Invermere Pets

When I walk my dog I think about making a calm sandwich… it’s similar to the campsite philosophy… bring your dog home calmer than when you started.

My recipe – start with 10-15 minutes slow, on leash, do some leash drills or figure 8s to make sure your dog is in a heel or follower state. If you must add some high energy activity add that after a calm leash start. Use structured play or take breaks between frisbee throws to help with impulse control. Take another 15-20 minutes of leash walking to cool down and return home in a calm state.

A physically tired dog is NOT the same as a mentally fulfilled and calm dog. If you use high energy physical exercise and your main activity to tire out your dog, you will have to do more every day to meet their endurance. Your dog will just get better, fitter, faster, stronger and it will take a longer bike ride, and more throws of a stick, and they will just keep demanding more and more. 

I learned all this the hard way, I have an amped up adrenaline junkie dog with a lean physique! But I promise you, my dog is as tired, if not MORE, after a slow leash walk around town. She has to work her brain to pay attention to me. She has to think about our walk, where we are, and who is around us. When our walks are calm and slow, she maintains that vibe in the house for hours after. All dogs need good physical exercise, but draining their brain makes them a different kind of tired, and a calm tired is a good tired.

Make sure you are choosing more activities from the Calm column below…

Activities that Create Calm:

Slow Leash Walk
Appropriate potty and sniff time
Threshold Training
Crate Time
Structured Play
Chewing a benebone
Place Training
Calm Affection
Clear directions, say it once
Parallel Walks with a friend


Activities that Build Excitement:

Off-leash Chaos
Excessive Sniffing or Marking
Jumping in the Car
Free Roaming in the House
Access to Toys
Treats, food puzzles or games
Following you around the house
Excited Greetings
Too much talk, conversation
Rowdy Playdates, Daycare, Dog Parks

Happy dog walking!
: ) Shannen

On-leash walks.

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Why I choose to keep dogs on-leash.

I believe the most important part of dog walking is bringing your dog home at the end of the walk (call me crazy!) I always keep new-to-me dogs on a leash until we get to know each other better. Walking on a leash builds a connection because we are (literally) connected! A leash is a great communication tool and provides lots of valuable feedback.

Keeping your dog on a leash keeps everyone safe. Your dog might have great recall with you, but will they listen to someone new? Is your dog a runner, wildlife chaser, or garbage snacker? Is your dog spooked by loud noises, startled or distracted? These are some of the little unknowns and risks that I would rather not explore.

But my dog needs to run off leash or with a pack to be tired!

You might think, “My dog needs to run off leash in order to be tired.” I can move pretty fast, ask anyone that has ever tried to walk with me. I cover a lot of ground so your dog will get plenty of physical exercise. Walking with a different person will keep their brain switched on, which in turn will also make them tired. It’s a new person to listen to, new places to walk and there are so many different smells along the way to keep things really interesting!

Some people confess, “My dog pulls!” Mine too, but we keep training every day! With your dog, I work on leash skills while we get to know each other. We practice a nice calm sit at the door, we stop on our walk for check-ins, or we do drills to help with leash awareness and handling.

And, after time, your dog might progress to off leash fun – some dogs may never get to that point – and that’s ok! When your dog is so excited to see me on our walk days, then we can try off leash time in small controlled settings. Sometimes we go to an empty tennis court to do quick recall drills or we will go to quiet trails or parks and spend a few minutes to build up to more off leash time.

Keeping your dogs happy, healthy and safe is my top priority. Keeping your dog on leash is the best way for me to keep that promise!

Thanks again for choosing me and keeping me busy!

: ) Shannen

Last Minute Help?!

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Last minute bookings or cancellations are not a problem!

Your day is crazy and now you won’t be home to let your dog out? I will always try to accomodate a last minute walk or home visit into my flexible dog walk days. If you are stuck just send me a quick text or call and I’ll do my best to help you and your dog.

Do you have a scheduled weekly walk or pet sitting dates already booked. Cancellations are OK. I know life happens and plans change. Just send me a message and let me know if we need to cancel or reschedule. There is no cancellation fee. I can probably fill the time with another booking, or even enjoy some time to myself… either way it’s all good!

Invermere Pet Services is here to help keep your pets happy and healthy. Contact me to arrange a quick meet and greet or to book dog walks or pet sitting!

Spring in the Valley

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Winter is slowly melting away and spring has finally arrived in the Columbia Valley! I am loving the longer days and warmer temperatures. This certainly makes all my dog walks much more enjoyable.

Spring break means many families had the opportunity to travel and that means I am busy pet sitting. Thank you so much to all my friends and clients for trusting me with your pets.

Many clients that had to postpone trips have now been able to reschedule and book me for pet sitting. My availability is limited in the coming months, but I will always do my best to make it work! I am available for dog walking on Monday, Thursday and Sunday – contact me to book a time!

Looking ahead to spring and summer… I will be taking a quick visit to Vancouver April 10-19. I will also be away July 1-5!

Thanks again for keeping me busy, fit and active, I definitely have a spring in my step these days. I love all the good dogs and cute cats that I meet… seriously, your dog is my favourite!

: ) Shannen