Calm Comes Before Freedom

By George Walker, Walker’s K9 Services – Tucson, AZ

Many owners give their dog freedom first and then try to calm them down. That order is backwards. Excitement fed by freedom only escalates behavior.

Before opening doors, unclipping leashes, tossing toys, or greeting guests, require calm. A sit, down, or brief pause of stillness teaches your dog that self-control is what unlocks privileges. Over time, dogs begin offering calm behavior automatically because it’s the fastest way to get what they want.

Freedom isn’t a right—it’s a reward for good choices.

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