Inclement weather is becoming a bigger challenge for dog owners everywhere. Whether it’s sweltering heat, freezing cold, days of relentless rain, or wildfire smoke keeping you indoors, routines get disrupted.
This winter in Canada has been the coldest in a decade. Temperatures have typically hovered between -25 and -30C for days. Here is what I’m hearing from pet dog owners about their dog’s behaviour:
‘He’s bouncing off the walls.’
‘She has no off switch.’
‘I don’t know what else to do.’
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
I hear you. There are some days when it’s just not fun to go outside. And when your routine shifts… so does your dog’s.
But here’s the surprising truth:
- The problem is usually not that your dog needs more exercise.
- The problem is that your dog doesn’t know how to rest.
The Real Issue: An Unfulfilled (Not Under-Exercised) Dog
When the weather interferes with normal outdoor time, many owners try to compensate by increasing activity whenever possible. Longer fetch sessions. More treadmill runs. Endless backyard zoomies.
But here’s what that actually does:
You condition your dog to need that much activity.
Think about an Olympic speed skater training for the 1500-meter race. They don’t just skate 1500 meters — they train double that distance to build endurance.
Dogs are no different.
I’ve seen this pattern with high-drive sport dogs, family pets, and puppies alike. The issue isn’t energy. It’s imbalance.
If you regularly throw a ball for an hour, you are building an endurance athlete. And endurance athletes don’t naturally “switch off.”
Over-Tired Dogs Look Hyper — Not Sleepy
Just like toddlers, dogs often show over-tiredness in surprising ways:
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Mouthing and nipping
- Jumping and frantic behavior
- Inability to settle
It’s their way of saying:
“I’m exhausted… but I don’t know how to stop.”
Without predictable, undisturbed rest, your dog never fully resets their nervous system. And when the weather disrupts their normal structure, the imbalance gets worse.
The Missing Ingredient: A Predictable Daily Routine
The solution isn’t exhausting your dog.
It’s balancing their day.
Every dog needs three core elements:
1. Productive Work
This is mentally fulfilling activity, not just physical movement.
Examples:
- Sniff games
- Structured walks (with focus and engagement)
- Retrieving drills
- Agility or ring sports
- Training sessions
Mental engagement tires a dog far more effectively than mindless running.
2. Scheduled, Undisturbed Rest
Preferably crate rest or quiet time in a defined space.
This is not:
- Free roaming
- Half-napping while watching household chaos
- Being stimulated by kids, visitors, or noise
This is:
- Calm
- Predictable
- Protected downtime
When rest is scheduled at roughly the same time each day, dogs become “programmed” to settle naturally during those windows.
They begin to anticipate calm.
3. Play (With Boundaries)
Play matters — but it should be intentional.
- Short tug sessions
- Controlled fetch
- Independent toy time
Play is engagement — not an all-day energy burn.
Why “More Exercise” Backfires
Running for excessive periods (especially more than 20 minutes per intense session) without structured rest builds stamina.
You are essentially training a canine marathoner.
And then wondering why they don’t sleep.
The more endurance you build, the more endurance they require.
That’s not calm — that’s conditioning.
The Off Switch Is Learned
Dogs are not born with an automatic “settle” button.
They learn it through:
- Repetition
- Predictable timing
- Nervous system regulation
- Clear transitions between work, play, and rest
When your dog can predict:
- When they’ll work
- When they’ll play
- When they’ll rest
They stop trying to squeeze stimulation out of every moment.
The biting.
The jumping.
The frantic energy.
It fades.
A Simple Exercise for You
Compare your daily schedule to your dog’s.
Ask yourself:
- Can my dog count on structured exercise each day?
- Is rest scheduled — or accidental?
- Does my dog know when engagement begins and ends?
- Are we accidentally keeping her overtired by pushing bedtime later?
If your routine shifts constantly because of weather or busy schedules, your dog’s nervous system has nothing stable to anchor to.
Predictability = security.
Security = calm.
What a Balanced Day Might Look Like
- Morning structured walk (20 minutes of focus, sniffing, engagement)
- Short training session
- Scheduled crate rest
- Afternoon sniff game or enrichment activity
- Independent play
- Evening calm wind-down routine
Work.
Rest.
Play.
In balance.
The Transformation
When your dog learns to access their off switch:
- They settle without constant management.
- Mouthing decreases.
- Jumping reduces.
- Evenings become peaceful.
- You stop feeling like you’re “losing your mind.”
Instead of an over-stimulated athlete, you have a fulfilled companion.
Final Thought
If your dog struggles to settle, that’s not a personality flaw. It’s a training gap.
And training gaps are fixable.
This week, I’ll break this down live and share a simple daily reset plan you can start immediately.
Join me Tuesday on Instagram @karenlawslive. If you miss the show, check it out here Paws and Profits Podcast
______________________________________________________
If you found this helpful, you’ll love the deeper dives I share every week
🎧 Listen to my podcast, Paws and Profits — where I talk about the real work behind great dog training, share stories from the field, and help you understand the “why” behind calm, connected leadership.
📺 Watch my latest training videos on YouTube — real dogs, real people, real progress. You’ll see how small changes in structure and mindset transform daily life at the door and beyond.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and join my weekly Live show to get your questions answered and more, every Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.
And if you’re ready to work directly with me, you can book a free online assessment. You’ll get a clear roadmap for moving forward toward your dream dog. Our virtual programs are tailored to your unique needs, and offer personalized support, clear structure, and practical solutions you can start using right away — all from the comfort of your home.
You can find everything — my podcast, YouTube channel, and online coaching options — at https://ontariodogtrainer.com. Contact Karen and let’s talk.
Start today. Teach calm, lead clearly, and keep your dog safe every time the door opens.
_________________________________________________________________________
About Karen
Karen M. Laws is a seasoned professional with decades of experience training dogs, educating people, and mentoring aspiring trainers. She has bred, raised, and successfully trained Labrador Retrievers for field competition. She has judged competitions across Canada and the United States. With a background as a Certified Elementary School Teacher and a career as a public servant, Karen brings a unique perspective to the dog training industry—combining hands-on expertise with a deep understanding of education and leadership.
As a former President and Director of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), Karen holds multiple certifications in dog training and education and consistently advocates for higher standards in the profession.
She is the founder of The Ontario Dog Trainer (est. 2006), dedicated to helping pet owners create lasting, positive relationships with their dogs. She also leads the Dog Trainer TRIBE Training Online Academy, where she provides structured mentorship and education for trainers and dedicated pet dog owners looking to gain confidence, refine their skills, and create a successful, sustainable business and lifestyle with their dogs.
Karen’s approach goes beyond technique—she teaches trainers and pet dog owners how to understand the world from a dog’s perspective, foster strong client relationships, and develop their own unique style. Her blend of practical experience, straight-talking advice, and compassionate leadership makes her a trusted mentor for those looking to grow in the pet dog training industry.
Follow Karen on social media:
Instagram @karenlawslive
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KarenDogTrainer/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@TheOntarioDogTrainer
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlawstheontariodogtrainer/