Turning puppy-Energy into Calm Connection
Working breeds are known for their intelligence, drive and need for stimulation. In a shelter environment, where unfamiliar sights, sounds and routines can heighten stress, this energy can show up in different ways as dogs adapt to and make sense of their new surroundings.
Fixation, particularly on toys, is one example of a behaviour that can develop. For dogs with busy minds and energy to burn, it can become difficult to find moments of calm (instead of switch off). In young dogs like Jambalaya, a black Lab x Kelpie puppy in care, this presented as excitable, jumpy behaviour with his tug toys that made it challenging for him to focus or settle.
Alex began as a participant with Happy Paws Happy Hearts (HPHH) at the start of 2026 in our Intro to Handle program, a hands-on learning environment where participants bring animal behaviour and care theory to life through real interactions in the shelter. With a focus on animal enrichment, sensory and outdoor experiences, participants support animals in building confidence and positive behaviours while developing their own practical skills.
In a recent session with Jambalaya, the pup quickly became fixated on a toy, and his energy escalating as he struggled to regulate. Alex demonstrated a strong understanding of Jambalaya’s breed and behavioural needs. Recognising the natural drive and energy of a Kelpie X, he spoke confidently about how these traits can present in a shelter environment, and how important it is for potential adopters to understand and support them so the dog can settle and thrive in his new home.
Rather than feeding into the high-energy play in the HPHH session room, Alex recognised what was happening and suggested taking Jambalaya into the sensory garden where he could release some energy and engage in some training in a more open and safe space.
When Jambalaya brought a tug toy over, eager to engage, Alex remained steady and patient, allowing Jambalaya to make choices to firstly calm his energy. After darting back-and-forward between people around the garden, Jambalaya chose to sit near Alex and dropped the toy.
What followed was a beautiful exchange. Alex picked up the toy and decided to engage in a game of fetch paired with ‘mark and reward’ training. Jambalaya went to fetch the toy and on returning it to Alex, Alex rewarded him, and they were both ready to try again. It became a quiet rhythm between them, built not on excitement, but on steady engagement.
Alex’s natural instincts of patience and understanding, combined with the skills he has developed through the program, supported Jambalaya in finding a more balanced way to engage.
For Jambalaya, this meant experiencing a calm, positive interaction. For Alex, it meant walking away knowing he had made a small but meaningful difference, leaving a gentle paw-print on Jambalaya’s journey as he continues to build the skills and confidence needed for life beyond the shelter.