Who loves to see their dog excited? We talk in high-pitched energetic voices to our dog when it’s time to go for a walk, eat dinner, leave the house, and even go for a car ride. It gives us the warm fuzzies when we think we see our dog excited for these activities.
I’m here to tell you to STOP IT.
There are VERY few dogs who can handle getting ramped up with excitement and then make GOOD choices. Would you ramp your kids up and then expect them to sit still in church for 3 hours? Or promise you are going to Disneyland and then expect them to fall asleep?
This is EXACTLY what we are doing to our dogs.
We encourage our dogs to go out of their MIND with excitement for a walk, and then we have the ability to be surprised when they bark, yank us around, and lunge at people on walks. We encourage our dogs to bark when the doorbell rings, and then wonder why we can’t get them to calm down?
We encourage out-of-control behavior (through ignorance of dogs as a species) and then wonder why they bark, bite, jump and destroy things in our home.
There is a time and place for excitement. You can play chuck-it at a park, run with your dog, go camping, go swimming and have designated toy times.
Help your dog make good choices. Speak calmly, teach them what’s expected in the home…and remember to include designated “fun” days!
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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.