Wander Paws

A workshop for dog owners💛

If life with with your dog feels stressful, overwhelming, or isolating at times - you’re not alone.

Many of us quietly carry anxiety, guilt, or embarrassment around our dog’s behavior. Or we may feel on edge about other dogs and situations we can’t control. Over time, this can affect not only our dogs nervous system, but ours too. It can begin to impact ourconfidence, relationships, and our day-to-day lives.

Kristy, a certified dog trainer and yoga teacher, along with Kristie, a certified yoga and meditation facilitator, are hosting a small, supportive workshop focused on finding calm on both ends of the leash.

The mindfulness and nervous system regulation practices we’ll share are practices we actively use in our own lives, both with our dogs and in our personal lives.

This work is a practice: Something we return to, refine, and lean on when things feel challenging. You don’t have to it alone, there is a community here to support you 🌸

This workshop will include:
• Practical tools for finding calm and recovery
• A brief education on the nervous system and how it affects our lives with our dogs
• Co-regulation tools for you and your dog
• Gentle movement and guided meditation
• Suggestions to help both you and your dog navigate stress with more ease
• Space to slow down, connect, and ask questions in a supportive, judgment-free environment

If it feels like you’re alone in this, you’re not.

✨On The Mat Yoga Studio
Halifax, NS

✨12:00–1:30 PM

✨Saturday, January 31, 2026

$50 | Limited to 12 participants

Using rewards doesn’t mean you’re bribing your dog - it means you’re teaching them what you want them to do. I love seeing people out in public, treat pouch in hand, ready to reinforce their dog’s good choices. A treat pouch is super helpful because it keeps rewards right at your fingertips, especially in tricky situations 🐾

Reinforcement isn’t always treats - it can be continuing a walk, a really excited “good boy,” or anything your dog enjoys.

Having a treat handy can make it easier to mark those moments when your dog is calm and focused, before things get overwhelming ✨

You don’t need to be constantly treating your dog. Think of rewards as a tool to highlight the behaviors you want to see more of, helping your dog learn faster, build confidence, and strengthen your connection—without ever feeling like bribery. 💛

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It might feel tedious to practice sit, down, stay, or “leave it” cues around the house or yard - but these foundational skills are what make real-world success possible. The more you practice consistently in different areas, the better your chances of managing those big, stressful reactions 🩷

Peel it back to the basics. Familiarize yourself with the 3 D’s of dog training:

Duration - how long your dog can maintain a cue 🧘🏼‍♀️

Distance - how far away from you or a trigger your dog can perform it 🚶🏼‍♀️

Distraction - how well your dog responds with added stimuli 🤯

If your dog struggles with a cue when you add duration, distance, or distraction, it means the skill isn’t solid yet. Go back, practice in easier settings, and reward every success. Master the basics first - your dog feels safe, you feel confident, and together you’ll be ready for bigger challenges 💛

Training doesn't have to be constantly busy or learning new things 😌 Need help and guidance with this? Let's chat! 🥰

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