There is balance in all things, dog training included. I get calls everyday of dogs out of balance and in desperate need of reestablishing an equilibrium. I believe that one of the most serious influences of this imbalance is the overused and grossly incorrect phrase “a tired dog is a happy dog”. A tired dog is just a tired dog and an anxious dog is going to be far more anxious and overstimulated. For dogs that have a behavioral modification plan, it is downright dangerous.

I coach my clients on the use of both Yin practices and Yang practices. Think of activities that calm your dog and promote relaxation as “Yin”. These practices literally release serotonin for your dog and are proven to promote a calm and well behaved dog. Let’s go through some easy options now! 

•  Lick Mats- These are textured mats that I use to spread wet food, pumpkin, yogurt, and other dog friendly foods. Once frozen these activities encourage the dog to lick, sometimes for a good 20-30 minutes at a time. This behavior has been shown to relax your dog and even improve the root cause of kennel anxiety, reactivity, and more.
•  Snuffle Mats- I love to encourage my clients to do impromptu “snuffle activities” by tossing treats in the grass, the car, or their kennel to alleviate major locations of anxiety. These are quick ways to help your dog when you are in crisis or even when you are just chipping away at your dog’s behavioral modification program. There are premade snuffle mats for sale online that are soft fabric with many pockets, shapes, and flaps to hide your dog’s kibble. Choosing to feed your dog’s meal in a snuffle mat is one yin activity that could be your anxious dog’s daily self care.
•  Snuggle sessions- Who doesn’t love snuggling their dog? Research shows that petting your dog increases your happy hormones. This is a big reason why there has been such surge in the popularity of therapy dogs in schools, hospitals and airports. But did you know that the effect that puppy snuggles has on your mental state is the same effect that your dog is experiencing as well? I am sure you make plenty of time for cuddles with your dog, but this Yin activity can be helpful when you know your dog is going through something hard like a move, a new family member, or even just a stressful day with lots of triggers.

So how about yang? How do Yang activities differ from Yin activities? Yang activities are associated with being excited and enthusiastic. These activities literally release dopamine and endorphins and are a key part of meeting your dog’s needs. Let’s cover a few.

•  Therapeutic exercise- This kind of exercise is unhindered by obedience and triggers. Many dog owners walk their dogs but typically a walk is not enough exercise and is filled with obedience work. What we view as a relaxing part to our day is actually a bunch of work for our dogs, unless you follow my guide to creating a decompression walk. But for now, I suggest using sites like SniffSpot to find a fun place for your dog to run wild, dig, chase, fetch, and run. If this is not an option for you, consider picking up hiking on a long leash, learning how to bike with your dog, or even swimming!
•  Tug of war- Tug is an excellent relationship building tool and it is incredibly fun for your dog. Make sure your game of tug is filled with plenty of “letting your dog win”. No one likes a game they cannot win! One way you can think of tug for dogs is like video games for people. Many people love to hop on their device for a quick game to release dopamine and help them manage stress. Tug is the video game of the dog world.
•  Trick training- This is a great Yang activity to do when the outdoors isn’t an option. There are tons of videos of fun and exciting new tricks to try. This builds your relationship with your dog and stimulates their brain! Trick training is also a fun activity you can use to combat reactivity when you are near a trigger. Remember to keep it fun for your dog!

I am so thankful to be able to work with so many dog owner’s who love their dogs and want them to live happy lives. I hope we can change the world of dogs for the better by adopting a new message in dog training. “A balanced dog is a happy dog.”