One Simple Way to Bond and Train With Your Dog Every Monday
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Mondays always feel like a fresh start to me. A new opportunity to tackle the world.
But then my ADHD brain hits. The part of my brain that thinks about all of the things I want to get done this week. The part of my brain that has a hard time prioritizing my to-do list.
That’s when the anxiety hits.
Sound familiar? And as a dog owner you might also think things like:
- I need to train the dog more
- My dog needs more exercise
- I keep forgetting to brush my dog (or their teeth)
Before guilt takes over, pause. If the shame you are feeling doesn’t inspire you to act differently (and it rarely does), it’s just wasted energy.
Instead, we will funnel that energy into something easy, yet powerful. Let’s focus on resetting your energy — and your dog’s too.
A Quick Breathwork Technique to Reduce Stress
Take a few deep breaths. Inhale through your nose for four seconds, hold for another four seconds, and exhale for four seconds. Repeat as needed. (fun fact: this is called box breathing. You can read more about its benefits here).
Congratulations. You took your first step toward shifting your energy.
I often weave this simple exercise into my dog training classes. Training can be stressful, and while a little stress is normal, it can keep us from getting the most out of a session. That’s why learning to reset your energy is so beneficial
Do Breathwork Together With Your Dog
You can do breathwork together with your dog. Scatter a handful of kibble or treats on the ground — use the grass, a snuffle mat, or any surface — and let your dog sniff them out while you focus on your breathing.
After repeating this a few times, you’ll start to notice how many treats your dog can find during your session. You’ll both feel calmer, more focused, and connected.
The benefits of sniffing are very similar to those we experience during breathwork: it releases dopamine, reduces stress, and creates a sense of presence. Both activities give you a chance to pause, reset, and reconnect — for you and your dog.
Why This Matters
Taking even a few minutes to connect with your dog isn’t just relaxing — it helps your future training sessions. Dogs respond best when you’re calm, focused, and present. And we’re better trainers.
And let me reassure you: training doesn’t always have to take priority. Sometimes, simply being together, breathing, and sniffing is more valuable than any structured lesson. These small moments of connection build trust, strengthen your bond, and set the tone for a positive week.
Repeat this exercise as often as needed, and start your week lighter, calmer, and more connected — together.
Resources for Breathwork
If you found this breathwork helpful and are interested in learning more, I recommend checking out Samantha Skelly’s channel on YouTube.