5 Ways Your Energy Affects Your Dog’s Training

Have you ever felt like your dog wasn’t listening, even though you were giving clear commands? Or maybe you’ve noticed your dog acting anxious or reactive, seemingly out of the blue? The truth is, dog training isn’t just about commands and treats; it’s also deeply connected to your energy.

Dogs are incredibly sensitive creatures. They can pick up on subtle cues that we humans often miss, including our emotions, body language, and even our intentions. This means that your energy directly impacts your dog’s behavior and training progress, for better or for worse.

Here are five key ways your energy can affect your dog’s training:

1. Your Emotions:

Dogs are like emotional sponges. They can sense when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, fearful, or angry, and these emotions can directly impact their behavior. For example, if you’re feeling anxious during a training session, your dog may become distracted, reactive, or even shut down completely.

Tip: Before you start training, take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Visualize a calm and positive outcome. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break and come back to it later.

2. Your Body Language:

Dogs are masters of nonverbal communication. They pay close attention to your body language, and inconsistent or unclear signals can confuse them. For example, if you’re saying “stay” but leaning forward, your dog may interpret that as a cue to move.

Tip: Practice your body language in front of a mirror. Make sure your posture is confident and your signals are clear and consistent. Ask a friend to observe you and provide feedback.

3. Your Intention:

Dogs can sense your intentions, even if you don’t verbalize them. If you’re hesitant or unsure about a command, your dog will pick up on that lack of confidence. This can lead to them questioning your authority and becoming less responsive.

Tip: Before giving a command, take a moment to visualize the desired outcome. Believe in your ability to achieve it, and project that confidence to your dog.

4. Your Breathing:

Your breathing patterns can also affect your dog’s energy. Shallow or rapid breathing can create anxiety and tension, while deep, slow breathing can promote calmness and relaxation. Dogs are sensitive to these subtle shifts in your energy and will mirror your state.

Tip: Practice deep, slow breathing techniques to calm yourself and your dog. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.

5. Your Beliefs:

Your beliefs about your dog can have a powerful impact on their behavior. If you believe your dog is stubborn or difficult to train, that belief can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Dogs can sense your expectations, and they will often rise (or fall) to meet them.

Tip: Focus on your dog’s positive qualities and celebrate their small successes. Shift your mindset from “My dog is stubborn” to “My dog is learning and growing every day.”

Conclusion:

As you can see, your energy plays a crucial role in your dog’s training. By becoming more aware of your emotions, body language, intentions, breathing, and beliefs, you can create a more harmonious and effective training experience for both you and your dog.