The Energy You Bring Matters

At Building Bonds Dog Training, we believe that successful obedience training starts long before you teach your dog a command. It begins with you—specifically, your energy which includes your emotions and outlook.

Your Dog Mirrors Your Energy

Many common behavioral challenges stem not from disobedience, but from the signals we unintentionally send. As dog trainers, here’s a couple examples that we see often.

• People greet their dog with high excitement which leads to jumping or hyperactivity.

• We nervously tense up on the leash when passing another dog on a walk which triggers lunging or barking in your own dog.

• Young children react to an excited puppy with screams and squeals causing the puppy to increase nipping/biting/jumping/chasing.

Dogs are incredibly perceptive and frequently mirror our emotional states. When you approach a situation with calm confidence, your dog is more likely to do the same.

Model Calmness and Confidence

To support your dog’s behavioral success:

• Take a deep breath and calm your mind before engaging with your dog.

• Enjoy active play with your dog followed by a return to a calm state before leaving your dog.

• Relax your posture and keep a loose, steady grip on the leash during walks. Maintain this approach regardless of your surroundings.

This energy awareness becomes a powerful tool in shaping your dog's behavior and overall emotional regulation.

Why We Focus on the Relationship First

At Building Bonds, we don’t jump straight into obedience. Instead, we start by strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Understanding the impact of your energy—and learning how to use it effectively—is a core part of our training philosophy.

When your dog sees you as a calm, confident leader, obedience follows naturally.

Ready to Build a Stronger Bond With Your Dog?

Explore our personalized training programs and see how we can help you and your dog grow together—from calm connection to confident obedience. And keep reading our blog where we’ll dig deeper into the meaning of calm, confident leadership.