05/20/2026
✨Downstays and Recall✨
A lot of people think training is all about teaching commands, but honestly a huge part of it is teaching dogs how to slow down, relax, and make good decisions even when things around them are exciting.
Downstays are one of my favorite things to work on because it teaches so much more than “lay down.” It teaches patience, impulse control, neutrality, and how to settle instead of constantly looking for stimulation.
We also spent time working recalls. A reliable recall is one of the most important things you can teach your dog. Not just for obedience, but for safety and freedom too. The goal is a dog that genuinely wants to come back to you, even around distractions.
A lot of today was just focusing on clarity, consistency, and rewarding calm decisions. No rushed expectations, no trying to make everything look perfect immediately just building understanding step by step.
The small moments where dogs choose calmness on their own are honestly some of my favorite parts of training. 💛
