oduction: We’ve all been there—you’re out for a walk with your gundog, and suddenly, they start pulling on the lead, excitement building, and before you know it, you’re speeding up too. It’s easy to get caught up in their energy, but what if I told you that the way we feel directly influences how our dogs behave?
Understanding Energy: Dogs are incredibly intuitive animals. They sense our emotions, and their behaviour often mirrors our energy. When we’re calm and focused, they feel safe and relaxed. But if we’re anxious, frustrated, or distracted, our dogs pick up on that and may start to act out—becoming more excitable, pulling on the lead, or even getting reactive.
Breaking the Stress Loop with PAWS: One of the simplest ways to break this stress loop is by using a technique I teach called PAWS—Pause and Wait, then Start again. It’s an easy, mindful exercise that helps both you and your dog reset when things get too intense. Here’s how it works:
1. Pause: The moment your dog starts pulling or getting over-excited, stop where you are. Don’t yank the lead or shout—just pause.
2. Wait: Take a deep breath and wait. Give your dog a moment to calm down and reconnect with your energy.
3. Start Again: Once your dog has settled, start walking again, but at a more relaxed pace. By doing this, you’re teaching your dog that calm behaviour leads to movement, and excitement won’t get them where they want to go.
Why PAWS Works: By stopping, you break the flow of tension and excitement. The act of waiting gives your dog a chance to reset, and when you start again calmly, you’re reinforcing positive behaviour. This technique also helps us as handlers—by pausing, we can check in with our own energy and regain calm before continuing.
Conclusion: Next time you’re out walking, try PAWS and notice how your dog responds. By becoming more mindful of your own energy, you can create a stronger bond with your gundog, built on trust and calm leadership.
If you’re interested in learning more ways to build a deeper connection with your gundog, download my free guide on mindful walking. Together, let’s create a harmonious walking experience!
