Tag: dog training tips

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

5 Training Tips to use every day

Posted on by Invermere Pets

Here is a list of our top 5 most important training tips to use every day:

1. Choose the right gear. We recommend a slip leash or a martingale collar + leash for the most effective communication. A flexi leash or long line is perfect for recall training or a relaxed sniffy walk. Save the (properly fitted) harness for sports like bikejorning or running. See our Loose Leash Training Tips!

2. Say it once! Talk less to your dog and they will listen more. Be firm and say your command once (don’t repeat commands “sit, sit, Sit, SIT! SITSITSIT!” or ask your dog “can you sit?” Then, WAIT for them to complete the request. Give them a small correction and reset if needed.

3. Small changes can have big results. Adding small amounts of structure, routine or adding a few boundaries can go a long way. Practicing waiting at the door to be released, eye contact before a meal, or permission to enjoy a couch cuddle will help with leadership in the eyes of your dog. You’re the boss!

4. Consistency is key! Staying consistent and following through with the rules is so important. If the rules keep changing your dog will struggle to understand what is expected of them. Make sure all family members are on the same page and are giving the same message.

5. SLOW, CALM, WAIT. Three important keys to success. Slow down your walk, be intentional with a nice loose leash. Practice and train calm. Calm before a walk, calm in the house, calm greetings. Be patient! Wait for them to settle around distractions and wait until they are in a calm state to receive treats or rewards (including affection). You get what you pet!

And remember, you are a confident, calm, capable dog handler!