July 17th, 2020

We always see the bad, as trainers and pet owners we rarely hear my dogs ace at that and look what they can do!

It’s usually that we have a problem whatever that might be barking, toileting, anxiety it could be anything that is causing upset and distress and often it can become a barrier to our relationship with our dogs.

We should make a stance to focus on one good thing every day our dog has done and praise them for it it doesn’t have to be ground breaking take a step back it could be as simple as been calm when you watch tv or sitting before you put there meal down.

In turn your relationship will be stronger and you will worry less about the bad things you see. We can find bad in everything in humans and item and our dogs but we need to turn the table and focus more on the good!

Like us not all dogs are perfect and we wouldn’t want them to be that’s what makes them unique and special. Implementation of behaviour modification can help with the issues and problems we see but embrace the good points.

When all we do is focus on the bad compare to past dogs we have had or compare to other people's we set them up for failure and we won't enjoy them and they won't enjoy us. You may even notice your dog pushes harder for your attention or affection.

The most commonly seen one is puppies being compared to adolescents or older dogs. It's not fair to compare an adolescent dog to a puppy or an elder dog.

The puppy is still learning about the world and alot of the nice behaviours or easy handling of puppies is because their hormones have not yet developed. Elder dogs have gone through their adolescence and are slowing down, they know boundaries, most will have a good sleep routine and exercise.

Adolescent dogs don't yet have that they are still maturing physically and mentally and they are still learning routines, bonds and trust.

Most dogs rehomed are adolescents because people didn't realise how hard it would be.

But when we work with them rather than against them we can enjoy them. Many Trainers or Behaviourists work with others to improve their Dogs and not just through adolescence. There's no shame in this either.

Natalie has had one to one's with myself and I host others for workshops. We both attend workshops and continue our CPD to learn more.

Theres no shame in needing help and your relationship with your Dog is not a race. We have them for such a short period of time in the grand scheme of things.

Rather than "no", "get down", "time out", "they're trying to embarrass me", "so and so's dog can do x, y, z" every day just enjoy one thing that your Dog does and praise them for it.

As time goes on add another and another and start letting the good and the quirks outweigh what you don't like about them. The dog doesn't choose to live with you but loves you unconditionally for all your faults.

Isn't it time we did the same for them? Go enjoy your Dog! 🐾