If you have ever wrestled your dog just to put on a leash, or been woken up at 2 a.m. by a whining puppy, you are not alone!
We are covering how to handle a squirmy dog, the truth about service dogs versus emotional support animals, and how to finally get a full night’s sleep with a new puppy.
If you want to watch the full conversation, check out the video here.
How to Leash a Squirmy Dog
If your dog turns into a wiggle-worm or runs away the moment you grab the leash, you are likely dealing with one of two problems. Here is how to fix them.
Problem 1: Your dog runs away when it’s time for a walk
Some dogs get so excited by the word “walk” that they treat the living room like a racetrack. Instead of chasing them, try these tips:
- Skip the announcement: Don’t hype them up by asking “want to go for a walk?” Just walk to the door, grab their collar, and clip the leash on calmly.
- Use a “Place” command: Have a small dog bed near the door. Teach your dog to sit on it and wait while you clip the leash. You are teaching them that stillness leads to the walk.
- Catch them off guard: Grab the leash from behind your back and clip it on while they are still relaxed.
The goal: Redirect the behavior before the chaos starts, not after.
Problem 2: Your dog is too squirmy to gear up
If your dog rolls over or wiggles every time you try to put on a harness, use this “Stop and Start” method:
- Bend down to put the harness on.
- If they start squirming, stand right back up.
- Wait for them to settle down.
- Bend down and try again.
By repeating this, you are teaching your dog: “When I am still, the harness goes on. When I wiggle, the fun stops.”
Service Dog vs. Emotional Support Animal vs. Therapy Dog
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. Here is the simple breakdown:
| Type | Who do they help? | What do they do? |
| Service Dog | Their owner (with a disability) | Trained to perform specific tasks (e.g., medical alerts) |
| Emotional Support Animal (ESA) | Their owner | Provide comfort through presence |
| Therapy Dog | Other people | Bring comfort to strangers (hospitals, schools) |
- Service Dogs: They are legally allowed everywhere their handler goes because they are a medical necessity. They must be calm in loud, busy, and unpredictable environments.
- Emotional Support Animals: They offer comfort, which can be helpful for housing, but they do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.
- Therapy Dogs: They are the “comfort heroes” who visit nursing homes or schools.
A quick note on faking it: Please do not label your dog as a service dog if they are not trained to assist with a disability. It creates confusion and makes life much harder for people who rely on real, well-trained working dogs.
How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep Through the Night
Sleep is precious! If your puppy is waking you up for potty breaks, try these steps to get back on track.
- Push the time back gradually: If you go out at 2 a.m., don’t try to stop it all at once. Move it to 2:30, then 3:00, then 4:00, and so on. Work with their bladder, not against it.
- Use a crate: Keep the crate near your bed. This keeps them safe and stops them from roaming your bedroom and waking you up.
- Keep it boring: When you go out for a night potty break, do not play or talk. Leash on, potty, back in the crate. No exceptions!
- Manage water intake: Try picking up the water bowl about 2 hours before bedtime to reduce the need for midnight trips.
Are Big Dogs or Little Dogs Easier to Train?
The short answer is neither.
Small breeds are often very sharp and learn quickly, but they can be a little stubborn. Big dogs are just as smart, but they come with more physical weight to manage.
At Wonder Dog, I have found that size does not determine how well a dog learns. Every dog is an individual. The secret to success is simply showing up and being consistent with your training every single day.
How to Get Results (And Why Your Dog Isn’t Listening)
If your dog is acting out, it usually means they are missing one of these three things:
- Training: 20 minutes a day to teach rules.
- Physical exercise: Walks, running, or fetch to burn energy.
- Mental stimulation: Puzzle toys and scent games to tire out their brain.
Remember Your “Why”
Don’t just focus on the problems (like pulling or jumping). Focus on your goals. Do you want a dog who can sit with you on a patio, ride in the truck, or go for peaceful morning walks?
When we train with a goal in mind, the process becomes much more rewarding for both you and your dog. Ready to start your journey? If you want to see what a transformation looks like for your dog, you can get started here.
Got any questions? Email sally@wonderdogtraining.com
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