Spring Forward: Refresh Your Dog’s Training Routine for the New Season
As the snow melts and sunshine returns, spring is the ideal time to refresh your dog’s training routine. After months of indoor activity, both dogs and their humans are ready to stretch their legs, explore the outdoors, and brush up on essential skills. Whether you’re a new puppy parent or looking to deepen your bond with your adult dog, spring offers the perfect opportunity to re-engage and refocus.
Here are four ways to make the most of the season and set your dog up for success:
1. Ease Into Outdoor Training
Transitioning back outside can be exciting (but also distracting) for our four-legged friends. Squirrels, joggers, children on bikes, and new smells can all make it tough for your dog to focus.
Start simple: choose quieter spots like your backyard or a quiet trail and practice basic cues like “sit, look” and “recall.” Gradually build up to more challenging environments. Use high-value treats and reward generously for attention and calm behavior.
🌸 Looking for structured support? Our Foundation Skills Level 1 class is designed specifically for adolescent and rescue dogs to build outdoor focus and leash manners. Puppy graduates of manners and intermediate can register for Puppy Advanced which helps with focus, leash walking and dealing with all those distractions. Also for those wanting to get out in the community and build confidence we are launching our Canine Life Skills: Confidence, Resilience & Readiness program.
2. Refresh Leash Manners
With more people and pups out and about, spring is prime time to brush up on loose-leash walking skills. Leash reactivity can increase with crowded sidewalks and busy parks, so it’s important to rebuild those polite walking habits.
Start by rewarding your dog for staying close and checking in with you. Use direction changes, figure-8s, and treat scatters to keep things interesting. If your pup tends to pull toward other dogs or people, increase distance and reward calm behavior.
🐾 Want a fun way to practice in real life? Join our Community Walks or Women and Dog Circle Hikes. They are great for exposure and socialization in a supportive group environment. If you want to participate in any of our upcoming walks, visit our class page.
3. Channel That Spring Energy
Many dogs come into spring with a full tank of energy after winter hibernation. Instead of letting it lead to overstimulation or unwanted behaviours, turn it into productive training opportunities.
This is a great time to work on impulse control around common distractions—like wildlife, bicycles, or other dogs. Use games like “leave it,” mat training, and focused leash walking to give your dog ways to manage excitement.
🌟 Classes like Rally Obedience and Fun with Agility are excellent outlets for energy while reinforcing obedience and teamwork. We have combined both these classes into 1 exciting new class.
Register here before spots fill up!
4. Bring Fun into Focus with Enrichment & Recall Games
Recall is one of the most important (and most challenging!) cues to practice outdoors. Spring is the perfect time to use long lines and parks to build distance and reliability—safely.
Mix up your practice with enrichment games like “find it” (treat scatters in grass), “catch me if you can,” and hide-and-seek. These fun games teach your dog to check in with you and build a stronger bond.
💡 Our Scent Detection class is great ways to mix enrichment with structure. This class taps into your dog’s natural instincts while improving focus and confidence.
Reserve your spot today!
Ready to Spring into Training?
Check out our full spring class lineup including Puppy Manners, Foundation Skills, Scent Detection, our new program Canine Life Skills: Confidence, Resilience & Readiness and more. We also offer private sessions and virtual options for those who prefer personalized support.
🐶 View full schedule:www.muttzwithmannerz.com/dog-training/classes
📩 Need help choosing the right class? Email us at info@muttzwithmannerz.com or call 905-640-3647.
Let’s make this season one of growth, fun, and connection on both ends of the leash. Happy training! 🌷🐾