dogWISE 

You’ve heard me talk about transition points: pausing at doors (on both sides), pausing after getting out of the car. I’ve even noted GET THE YA-YA’s out before you go on a walk. Well, here are a few other things to consider. A dog who can check in is ready for their walk. If beginning a walk with your dog means they’re already bursting with excitement; rushing through the door, pulling toward everything they see, or having difficulty listening because the walk is simply too

Over the past few weeks in class, we’ve been focusing on an important concept: The skills you build at home are the same skills that help your dog succeed out in the real world. That’s why we’ve spent time working on things like: Calm at the doorway More connected walks Relaxing around distractions Settling in new environments These may seem like separate exercises at first, but they all work together. When dogs learn how to slow themselves down, stay connected to their hand

Daily walks are an important part of caring for a dog, but not every walk serves the same purpose. While many walks focus on exercise, pace, or polite leash behavior, a decompression walk is designed to support your dog’s mental and emotional health. Rather than emphasizing distance or obedience, this type of walk allows dogs to move slowly, sniff freely, and explore their surroundings at their own pace. For dogs who are anxious, overstimulated, reactive, or bursting with ene