A dog trainer has claimed that doing just one thing can dramatically improve your relationship with your pet.
A strong bond between dogs and their owners helps build trust, boosts communication, and enhances mental wellbeing. It also makes daily activities, like walks, more enjoyable and less stressful.
But for many dog parents, getting their pet to listen, engage, or behave can be challenging. Jamie The Dog Trainer, based in Australia, has offered some advice for those struggling with their dog’s behaviour that might surprise you. In a TikTok video, he said: “If you do this one thing with your dog it can absolutely transform the relationship you have with them.
“And no, it doesn’t involve spending money or seeing a trainer – it’s something you can do right away.” He urged owners who have a dog with reactivity issues, doesn’t listen to them, doesn’t engage with them or owners who are struggling with their relationship with their pooch to watch his video and pay attention to his advice.
Instead of or as well as walks, Jamie suggests incorporating play or training sessions in a park or open space. He recommends using the time to teach your dog something new, work on focus, or improve obedience skills.
Jamie mentioned that you can teach them whatever you want, “as long as you’re having fun.” He advised that owners play with your dog at the end of the session depending on what they like to do, such as tugging a ball, or they might “might just like playing tag and running around with you.”
The canine expert stressed that it doesn’t matter what you do but it is important to just get outside and have some fun with your dog. He explained: “Now what this does [is] it takes all the conflict out of the relationship.
“On a walk there’s tension, your dog’s not listening to you, all that sort of stuff, they’re reacting to stuff.” He claims that doing a play or training session instead “takes all the garbage out of their life.”
The key, Jamie emphasised, is creating daily moments where both you and your dog are focused on each other. These interactions help your pet start seeing you as someone worth paying attention to in different environments.
He encouraged skeptical owners to try this method for just one month, promising noticeable results. “You will find that your dog is way more focused than they used to be. It’ll eliminate half your dog problems without even addressing them directly,” he claimed.
Many dog parents who have tried Jamie’s advice shared their success stories in the comments on his video. One person wrote: “Honestly best thing I ever did with my reactive dog.
“Two days a week we don’t walk – we do other things and play to tire him out! He’s calmed down so much and listens to me much better!”
Another added: “This 1000000%. I hate going on walks for the sake of walking – same street every day. Instead, I take him to a field where it’s just me and him, he can run free and it’s been such a huge change. Two months now.”