Help Your Busy-Body Dog Relax and Learn to Shut Off
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—tackles dogs who are always “on”: pacing, window-barking, chewing, whining, or obsessing over toys. Kati shows how to pair a clear “No” with a meaningful consequence, use the crate to stop rehearsals when you’re away, and teach the underrated skill of simply being still with pressure–release leash work and duration commands like place and down.
Episode Highlights
- Correct the specifics first: Barking, window patrols, furniture chewing, self-mutilation—say “No” and follow with a tangible, fair consequence.
- Don’t let bad habits rehearse: If you can’t supervise, crate. Variable consequences = variable behavior.
- Teach stillness: Short “do nothing” sessions on a short leash—pressure straight up to sit, release when the butt hits the ground.
- Leash pop for vocalizing: Use quick, snappy pops to disagree with whining/barking instead of constant pressure.
- Duration work changes mindset: Install place/down and hold dogs accountable so calm becomes non-negotiable.
- Avoid the “keep ’em busy” trap: Chews/toys are occasional treats, not a lifestyle; build coping skills for nothing to do.
- Real stimulation beats frantic activity: Structured heel and clear rules drain energy productively.
- Start young, go short: Puppies can practice tiny reps of still time; standards grow with age.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 01:06 – Who we are: Diamond K9 in Biddeford, ME; off-leash obedience & behavior modification.
- 02:03 – Cutting through internet “noise” to share what actually works.
- 02:55 – Busy-body dogs: pacing, window circuits, chewing, obsessive ball patterns.
- 03:45 – Destructive extremes and self-mutilation; multiple issues can stack.
- 06:23 – Step one: address each problem behavior directly—“No” → meaningful correction.
- 07:20 – You don’t need the “root cause” story; fix what’s in front of you.
- 08:04 – “Lizard brain” impulses vs. learned inhibition; why your intervention matters.
- 09:03 – Tools that work: prong leash pop, rolled-towel bonk, e-collar corrections—fair and effective.
- 09:56 – If it isn’t working, it’s timing or your marker; make consequences meaningful.
- 11:47 – Crate when away so rehearsals stop; avoid the variable-consequence spiral.
- 12:34 – Stillness is a skill most owners skip—teach it early.
- 14:28 – The simple drill: sit in a chair with a short leash and do…nothing.
- 16:30 – Yard/parking-lot field trips; pressure straight up to sit, then release.
- 17:52 – Building silent leash communication through pressure–release.
- 20:01 – For barking/whining: use pops, not sustained pressure.
- 22:58 – This isn’t a performance; have the conversation and expect improvement over reps.
- 24:43 – Owners notice fast changes when direction and standards appear.
- 26:14 – Duration commands for mindset: why place/down are powerful.
- 26:51–27:38 – Accountability: correct leaving command; hours of calm become normal.
- 28:52 – Also correct off-command opportunism (socks, shoes, scavenging).
- 30:12 – The “keep them busy” myth—why that advice fuels the problem.
- 31:10 – No chews on place; don’t give crutches during still-time training.
- 32:31–34:39 – Chews are treats; remove if they’re gnawing nonstop—practice being okay with nothing.
- 35:34 – Productive stimulation: put in a structured heel; it’s mentally draining.
- 37:44 – Puppies aren’t “fully known” yet—install coping skills before adolescence.
- 38:08 – Young dogs should sleep a lot—use your crate; wrap and listener Q&A invite.