If you’ve ever felt like no matter how many training tips you try, recall hacks, loose lead tricks, or reactivity fixes, nothing seems to work, you’re not failing. You’re missing the foundation.

In this episode of The Mindful Dog Parent, I explain why calm has to come before training, what calm really means, and how to start creating calm connection with your dog today.

Calm isn’t about being zen all the time or never losing your temper. It’s about creating shared safety - the moment your nervous system tells your dog’s nervous system, we’re safe here. From that place, training actually works.

💛 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why dogs (and humans) can’t learn in survival mode
• What “calm connection” really means - and why it’s the missing piece in most training plans
• How your emotional state directly impacts your dog’s behaviour
• Three simple ways to start building calm today:

1. Keep one anchor routine consistent
2. Add micro pauses before cues
3. Spot the small wins and track progress

🐾 Your gentle challenge this week:

• Choose one anchor routine for you and your dog
• Create one reset point daily
• Write down one micro win every day

• Calm is foundational in dog training, as it creates a state of shared safety between the owner and the dog, facilitating learning and connection.
• Behaviour change in dogs is not merely about adding more cues, but rather about achieving a calm emotional state for both the owner and the dog.
• Implementing predictable routines, taking micro pauses, and recognizing small wins are essential practices for building calm and connection with your dog.
• Calm connection is achieved through co-regulation and is not about perfection; it is about fostering a safe environment for both the dog and the owner.

Join here: lavendergardenanimalservices.co.uk/calm-connection-challenge

🎧 Listen on your favourite podcast app

🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q0o5QFQnmkk

Follow me on Instagram: @lavendergardenanimalservices