After a bad walk: how to reset, for both of you
3 min read
Every reactive or excitable dog has bad walks, even dogs that are improving fast. What matters is what you do next.
In the moment
- Stay quiet and turn away. Get distance first, talk later.
- Once you're clear, scatter a few treats: "find it". Sniffing helps your dog come down.
- Head home if you need to. Ending early is fine.
The next day
- Have an easy day: a decompression walk, or a short game at home.
- Stress hormones take a day or two to settle, so give extra distance for the next few walks.
- Log it anyway. Bad days in the chart show you the pattern, and how much quicker the recoveries get.
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