“I take my dog on 2 walks a day, and we play fetch in the backyard, and he runs around the house all day, and STILL my dog does not know how to be calm. What am I doing wrong?”
Does this sound familiar? I hear this all the time from my clients. It seems logical that if we “tire” out our dogs then they will be calm inside the home. That they won’t chew on things and act crazy in the home and jump on people. Right?
Wrong.
I have a relative who consistently tries to quit smoking. Just because he goes to the gym and works out, and then goes home and takes a nap does not mean that he has quit smoking. It just means that he is tired from working out. Stopping a behavior is a mental choice, not just a tired body.
Exercising a dog to tire them out will just create a stronger, faster dog that can do the unwanted behavior longer than before.
To teach a dog how to be calm around exciting environments and people you will need to correct unwanted behavior, and then reward behavior that you DO want. If your dog barks at people that come into your home you can correct the barking, and then when the dog is calm and quiet you can reward them.
Stop exercising your dog to try and get good behavior. You will just find yourself frustrated and exhausted, and your dog will be up from their nap soon and ready to go again!
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The Real Reason Your Dog Loses Their Mind on Walks
Does your dog relax peacefully at home but transform into a pulling, barking, distracted mess the moment you head outside?
This common behavior isn’t a sign of stubbornness—it’s often the result of overstimulation and a lack of emotional control in new environments.
In this article, you’ll learn why it happens, the mistakes many owners unknowingly make on walks, and how the right training can help your dog stay calm and confident anywhere in Utah County, Salt Lake City, and beyond.
Long Walks vs. Training Sessions: Which One Really Creates a Better-Behaved Dog?
Many dog owners believe the secret to better behavior is simply taking their dog on longer walks.
But what if more exercise is actually making some behavior problems worse? While physical activity is essential, long, unstructured walks can build endurance while reinforcing habits like pulling on the leash, ignoring commands, and becoming overstimulated by the environment. In this article, you’ll discover why training sessions often produce better long-term results than endless miles, how structured walks teach self-control and focus, and why the combination of exercise and training creates a calmer, more enjoyable companion.
If you’ve been wondering why your dog is still hyper after an hour-long walk, this guide will help you understand what’s really happening—and how a smarter approach can transform your daily walks and your relationship with your dog.
How to Build Your Dog’s Confidence: A Complete Guide for Dog Owners
Does your dog bark at strangers, react to other dogs, or struggle with new situations?
Discover how to build your dog’s confidence through calm leadership, structured training, and simple daily routines. Learn the common mistakes that can unintentionally encourage fear and how to raise a calmer, happier, and more well-behaved dog with practical, proven techniques.
Perfect for dog owners looking for professional dog training advice in Utah County and Salt Lake City.
Protective or Possessive? The Truth About Dogs That Guard Their Owners
Is your dog truly protecting you, or are they acting out of fear and possessiveness?
Many owners mistake controlling behaviors for loyalty, but allowing your dog to make decisions about who can approach you can lead to stress, anxiety, and even aggression. In this guide, you’ll learn how to recognize the difference between protective and possessive behavior, why teaching trust is the key to a calm and confident dog, and the training techniques that create lasting results.
Whether you’re searching for expert dog training in Utah County or Salt Lake City, Utah, these practical tips will help you build a safer, happier relationship with your dog.