The idea that calm breeds calm and arousal breeds arousal is especially important in the context of walks, because this is often one of the most emotionally charged parts of a dog’s day. Understanding this dynamic helps you set the tone and structure for a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable walk.
🌿 Calm Breeds Calm
When you bring calm energy to situations like preparing for the walk, leaving the house, and interacting on the walk, your dog is more likely to mirror that energy.
1. Preparing for the Walk
- Move slowly and mindfully.
- Speak in a soft, neutral tone.
- Handle gear like leashes or harnesses with quiet confidence.
- Wait for your dog to offer calm behaviors (like a sit or stillness) before proceeding to the next step.
✅ Tip: If your dog gets overly excited when they see the leash, put it down and wait. Try again when they’re calmer. This teaches that calmness earns progress.
2. Getting Out the Door
- Reinforce calm at thresholds. Ask for a sit or wait, and only open the door when your dog is composed.
- You set the pace and direction. Step out with intention and composure.
🧠 Remember: Bursting through the door in a frenzy sets the tone for a walk full of pulling, reactivity, or anxiety.
3. During the Walk
- Reward relaxed body language, checking in, and loose-leash walking.
- Stay grounded. If your dog gets excited or anxious, take a breath and slow things down rather than adding to the intensity. If you can’t stay grounded it’s a good idea to end the walk.
- Use pauses and calm voice markers (“nice job,” “easy”) to encourage a thoughtful rhythm.
🔥 Arousal Breeds Arousal
When arousal (excitement, frustration, anxiety) is met with more arousal — from us or the environment — it tends to escalate the situation.
1. Before the Walk
- If you rush around, speak in an animated voice, or grab the leash like it’s a party starter, your dog learns to associate walk prep with high excitement.
🚨 This can create a habit loop of spinning, barking, or frantic jumping before walks.
2. Exiting the House
- If your dog pulls and you follow, you’re reinforcing aroused behavior.
- Skipping thresholds reinforces the idea that excitement gets results.
3. On the Walk
- Reacting to reactivity (yelling “no!”, yanking the leash, tensing up) adds fuel to the fire.
- Engaging with overstimulation — like letting your dog lunge toward other dogs or chase squirrels — reinforces arousal-driven behaviors.
⚖️ Balance Tip: Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer
Your job isn’t to react to your dog’s arousal but to regulate the atmosphere. By staying calm and consistent, you teach your dog how to move through the world with more self-regulation and confidence.