| Ah, summer. Sunshine on your back, smoothie in hand, and your dog trotting happily by your side through the woods… It should be calm, right? Well, sometimes. Woods can be wonderful for a calm, enriching walk, shaded trails, snuffly undergrowth, a gentle breeze to take the edge off a hot day.But for many high-energy or highly sensitive dogs, woodland walks are anything but relaxing.In fact, they can feel like sensory overload central. Or if you come across something mid-walk…. it can all feel too much, I’ve added a video where you can see how I handle a mid-walk deer encounter below… |
When Nature is Too Much!
From the moment you step into the woods, if like me, your dog’s world explodes with stimulation:
- Rustling undergrowth
- Darting squirrels
- Hidden deer
- Birdsong in surround sound
- New smells layered upon smells layered upon… Well you get the idea!
For dogs who are already quick to react or easily overstimulated, this environment can tip them over the edge. You might find:
• More lead pulling than usual
• Difficulty focusing
• Overreactions to other dogs or people
• A general sense that they’re just not coping
Even dogs who normally do great on walks might show big changes in their behaviour simply because there’s so much going on, add in the warm weather…. it can become chaotic.
So, is it Chaos or is it Calm?
That depends on two things:
| 1. Your dog’s skill set
2. Your ability to spot when things are getting too much If your dog doesn’t yet have the skills to cope with that level of stimulation, like calm walking on lead, checking in with you, or being able to pause and reset, it’s not a sign of failure. It just means your dog needs more support to get there. Tips for a More Zen Woodland Walk • Go slow. The woods aren’t a racetrack. Let your dog sniff, pause, and soak things in at a gentle pace. • Use the lead wisely. If there’s any doubt, keep them on lead. A long line gives them freedom and keeps you both safe around wildlife. • Watch their body language. Are they charging ahead with eyes like saucers? Tail high and scanning everything? That’s not a relaxed dog. That’s a dog in “reactive mode.” • Breathe and read the room. If you’re tense, they’ll feel it. Your calm confidence helps them regulate. (Yes, easier said than done—but worth it!) |
Ready for a Calmer life with your dog? Something exciting is just around the corner….Our Mini Reset Programme is a great place to start |
Take away from this Dog Blog
The woods can absolutely be part of your calm lifestyle with your dog. Including warm weather walks.
But don’t mistake wild for relaxing, for your dog, those two things can feel very different.
Ready to make your walks a little less chaotic and a lot more calm? There are some great ways to get support for you and your calm dog.