One thing that’s come up quite a few times this week with clients (and their lovely dogs!) is this:

“How do I actually integrate training into real life?”

It’s a great question. And the honest answer is…
Well, to begin with—you don’t.

Here’s what I mean...

You Can’t Train in the Chaos

Let’s say your dog runs off, barks at the postman, or jumps up at people.
What doesn’t work is waiting for these things to happen and then trying to train in the moment.

That’s like trying to learn to swim during a flood—too overwhelming, too fast, and far too late.

Instead, we need to set our dogs up for success before those tricky situations pop up.

So What Does Work?

Here’s a simple three-step approach that helps both you and your dog feel more confident and prepared:

1️⃣ Decide What You Want Your Dog to Do

Start by getting clear on what you’d like your dog to do instead of the thing you don’t want.

Examples:

Stay close on walks
Look at you when distracted
Go to their bed when someone comes to the door
Keep four paws on the floor when greeting people

2️⃣ Practise the Skill at Home

Once you know the behaviour you want, teach it in a calm, low-distraction environment first.

That might look like:

Watching the world out of the window calmly
Practising greetings with a friend who’s in on the plan
Rewarding your dog for checking in with you or staying calm during small, everyday moments

The goal is to build the behaviour long before it’s needed.

3️⃣ Set Up Controlled Practice Sessions

This is a big one. Instead of winging it on your usual walk and hoping for the best, plan training walks or home setups that allow for repeated, calm practice.

Think:

2 focused minutes of training
10 repetitions in a row of “find it,” recall, hand touch, “leave it,” or “stay”
Click and treat for calm watching, quiet moments, or appropriate responses to gentle distractions

Repetition builds confidence—for you and your dog.

A Note on Realistic Expectations

Some dogs need lots of practice. Others catch on quickly.
But the goal is the same:
Set your dog up to succeed before expecting it to work in real-world moments.

While you’re still building the skill, manage the environment:

Choose quieter walking routes
Use barriers or gates at home
Avoid putting your dog in situations where unwanted behaviour is likely to happen again and again

When It All Comes Together...

Once your dog feels confident and the behaviour has been rehearsed, then it’s time to bring it into real life.

That’s when you see the real magic happen—because your dog knows what to do, and you’ve both practised how to do it.

It might not be perfect straight away (that’s okay!), but it’s built on a strong, thoughtful foundation.

Final Thoughts

Training doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it doesn’t need to be all-consuming either.

Start small. Be clear. Practise intentionally.
And above all—be kind to yourself and your dog while you’re both learning.

Because real-life training?
It starts long before real life throws you the challenge.

Happy practising! 🐾💛

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🌿 Sit Down on Your Walk: A Simple Practice That Helps You and Your Dog 🌿

By test • July 10, 2025

This week in our Tuesday puppy class, we did something a little different. The sun was shining, the dogs were doing well, and instead of standing in a circle or walking around like we usually do… we all sat down. Right there on the grass, under the trees. Not just the dogs—all of us. I think a few people were quietly wondering if I’d lost the plot! 😄 But after a moment or two, something shifted. We all started to feel it. The stillness. The calm. The sense of just being—without rushing, without doing. The dogs relaxed. The humans relaxed. The whole energy of the group softened. And that’s exactly what I’ve been exploring lately with my own dog, Ronnie. From Walks to Watching Ronnie has had her struggles with reactivity on walks. She’s much more settled now, but I’ve been trying something new with her to help reinforce that calm. At the end of many of our walks, I’ve been packing a chew—a chicken foot, a rabbit ear, something she enjoys—and we just sit together. On the floor, on a bench, wherever we are. I let her chew, and we watch the world go by. She settles down in the same way she does at home on the sofa. It’s a different kind of relaxation—one that’s outside, in a world that used to feel overwhelming for her. To me, that’s huge. Why Sitting Down Can Help So many of us (and our dogs) are always on the go. Even when we think we’re taking it easy, we’re often still “doing.” But some dogs really need to learn how to do nothing and feel safe doing it. Sitting quietly together: Gives your dog a chance to decompress Reinforces calm behaviour without needing commands Helps build positive associations with the outside world Strengthens your bond—just by being near each other After just 10 minutes sitting quietly, we go home—and it finishes the walk off so gently. It feels complete. And calm. It’s Not All About “The Walk” You’ve probably heard me say: stand still on your walk and let your dog sniff—and I still stand by that! But now I’m saying this too: Sit down on your walk. If the weather’s nice, pack a little chew or snack. Find a peaceful spot. Sit down with your dog and notice how they respond. They might sniff around and settle beside you. They might sit and watch the world with you. Or they might just lie down and take it all in, like Ronnie does now. Whatever happens, it’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about slowing down, feeling good, and giving both of you space to just be. Give It a Try So next time you’re out, don’t feel pressured to keep moving. Instead, find a moment to pause. Or better yet—take a seat. Let your walk be about connection, calm, and the kind of rest that doesn’t always look like rest. Because sometimes, the best part of the walk is sitting still. 💛

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