Movement Matters
Better movement. Better health. Better behaviour.
Walking is great exercise — but it’s not enough. Dogs need a variety of activities that allow them to move their bodies naturally to stay healthy, prevent injuries, and feel their best. This hub is packed with fun, practical activities that build strength, balance, and body awareness. Simple to set up, easy to fit into everyday life, and a great way to boost both health and behaviour.
Start Here 🐾 Why Movement Matters
Welcome to Movement Matters — your canine conditioning hub for keeping your dog moving well, feeling great, and living a healthier, happier life.
Conditioning isn’t about turning your dog into an athlete — and it’s definitely not a workout for you.
It’s about natural movement: helping your dog use their body in ways that keep them strong, healthy, and less likely to experience painful or costly injuries.
The best part? Most of what you’ll find here costs little to nothing. Many activities use everyday items from around your home, and some need no equipment at all. You don’t need fancy gear to make a big difference.
Inside, you’ll find:
Simple warm-ups and cool-downs that protect joints and muscles
Fun, low-impact activities you can do at home or on walks
Easy ways to build balance, flexibility, and body awareness
Tips for spotting when your dog has had enough
Guidance to avoid the most common overuse mistakes
Whether you’ve got a playful puppy, an active adult, or a senior who still loves to explore, this hub will help you make every step count. Just start here, and build from there.
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Barking at the door, on leash, for attention, or just… nonstop.
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From “hi!!” greetings to trampoline-level bounces.From “hi!!” greetings to trampoline-level bounces.
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When your walk feels more like a workout (and not in a good way), it’s time to rethink the leash game.
Pulling isn’t about dominance—it’s about unmet needs, unclear expectations, and natural dog behaviour.
👉 Head to the Leash Walking Library for step-by-step help, real-life demos, and practical tips to turn tug-of-war into teamwork. -
Pre-walk chaos, zoomies, and too much energy with nowhere to go.
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When your dog knows it… until they don’t.
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The art of snack theft and how to outsmart it.
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Real communication, not bad behaviour—and how to respond safely.
🎯 Core Skills
Essential behaviours every dog should learn—because they make everything else easier.
These are your go-to training tools: things like Touch, Check-In, Name Response, Mat Work, and Engagement Games. They’re simple to teach, practical to use, and form the foundation for real-life behaviour change.
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Skills to get and keep your dog’s attention—especially in distracting environments.
👉 Touch – A go-to focus game using hand targeting.
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Skills that get your dog moving with you, not just around you.
Middle – A Safe, Grounding Position 🎥 Watch It Here
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The basics that build trust, reduce conflict, and support your dog in understanding what’s being asked.
🎓 The Classics
Sit, stay, come, leave it… you know the ones. These are the behaviours everyone wants their dog to have down pat.
Whether you're starting fresh or brushing up, this section covers the skills that make life smoother, walks calmer, and communication clearer.
Think of it as your dog's highlight reel in the making.
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Helping your dog pause before diving into something tempting—whether it’s food, garbage, or a dead fish on the trail.
👉 Check out the full Leave It Series for step-by-step games and real-life practice.
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Coming when called—reliably, even with squirrels involved.
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Calm, still, and exactly where you need them.
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Less towing, more strolling.
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Learning to let go, no yelling required.
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Relaxed stationing for mealtimes, guests, or downtime.
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Voluntary attention without constant nagging.
🎮 Training Games That Work
These fun, skill-based games help your dog use what they’ve learned—and actually enjoy it.
Whether you’re reinforcing Touch, building focus around distractions, or practising recall through play, these games blend enrichment with real-life results.
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Once your dog knows how to target your hand with their nose, you can start to level it up—and this game is a great way to do it!
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Teach your dog to pop their nose into a cone—fun, fast, and fantastic for focus, confidence, and coordination.
🔹 Quick Tips & Training Insights
Fast, practical tips that work.
Short videos and real-life strategies you can use right away—from interrupting problem behaviours to setting your dog up for success in everyday situations.
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Scatter feeding is a fast, effective way to help your dog reset, shift gears, or settle down—and teaching a simple “Search!” cue makes them even more useful in real life.
🎥 Watch it Here