Today is National Golden Retriever Day and Doggie Date Night too, so it felt like the perfect day to talk about something that has  everything to do with moving through life with a dog.

Why I’m obsessed with watching movement

I grew up moving every two years with my dad in the Army. Kindergarten in Germany visiting between gardens and castles across Europe. High school in Germany learning how to navigate life on buses, trains, and subways. A school trip to Italy without parents. Family trips to Holland, Paris, Berlin. And Austria to ski.

When you travel like that, you learn to watch. Rather than a “judge people” way more of a “learn the rhythm of a place” way.

• Who moves fast?
• Who moves calmly?
• Who is scanning the environment?
• Who looks confident but is actually tense?

I didn’t realize it then, but that “people watching” became a skill I still use every day except now I’m watching dogs.

I watch how a body moves.
How a paw lands.
How a dog turns.
How their emotions show up in their movement.
And how my emotions change the entire walk before we even step outside.

The PAWER Loop (and why February starts with PAUSE)

This year I’m creating a solid foundation going forward to help you with more consistent support:  PAWER Loop = Pause → Air → Watch → Execute → Review .  For February, we’re starting out at the very beginning. Because most dog parents need less information.  They need a moment of regulation before they decide what to do.

When you’re worried, it’s easy to spiral:

• “Is this arthritis?”
• “Did they hurt themselves?”
• “Should I stop walks?”
• “Should I push through?”

PAUSE looks at the problem in a calm way. It gives you enough space to respond clearly.

The 10-second Doorway Pause (do this before every walk)

Before the leash goes on, do this:

1. Put your hand on the leash (or on your own chest).
2. Inhale quietly through your nose.
3. Exhale slowly like you’re fogging up a mirror.
4. Let your shoulders drop.
5. Then ask: “What does my dog’s body look like right now?”

That’s it. Ten seconds. You’ll be shocked how often that one breath prevents rushing out the door with a tight leash, starting the walk “amped,” and missing the subtle clues your dog is trying to show you.

Energy balance: calm the nervous system to support healing

In my PAWer Move System, one of the pillars is Energy balance, calming the nervous system to aid healing.  That doesn’t mean we’re “being woo.” It means we’re being practical. A calmer body moves better. A calmer mind notices more.

One of the tools I use with clients is Healing Touch for Animals, a gentle approach that supports an animal’s energetic system using touch/near-touch (and sometimes aromatherapy or sound), with goals like reducing stress/anxiety, easing emotional trauma, clarifying appropriate behavior, and strengthening the human–animal bond.

Important note: this is supportive care and education rather than a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

HTA-friendly “regulation tip” you can do at home (30 seconds):
After your Doorway Pause, rest your hand softly on your dog’s shoulder or chest (if they enjoy touch), and do 3 slow exhales. You’re you’re simply offering calm information to both nervous systems rather than ‘fix’ something.

Relationship: the fastest way to notice “normal”

Another PAWer pillar is Relationship, deepening your bond so you know what’s “normal” for your dog and can act fast when something changes.  This is why I love community play and real-life practice. Doggie Date Time (my weekly K9 playdates) is more than just “dogs running around.” It’s relationship-building.

When dogs have safe, structured social time:

• their bodies often move more fluidly,
• their minds settle faster,
• and their humans learn what “normal” looks like so they can spot changes early.

Quick safety note: when to skip PAUSE and call the vet

If your dog has sudden limping after a slip/fall, pain on touch, or worsens in 24–48 hours, don’t “wait it out.” Get veterinary eyes on it.

Want my PAWse with us?

If you’re local, come join us for Doggie Date Time this Saturday because relationship and community are part of the plan.  Register here.

P.S. If you want the bigger picture of PAWer pillars (Mobility / Observation / Vertebrae care / Energy balance / Relationship), here’s the reference page.