A Gentle Reminder About Progress

Sometimes progress looks like your dog coping independently.

Sometimes it looks like your dog asking for help sooner.

A dog who once stayed in a difficult situation until they exploded may begin turning towards you.

Moving behind you.

Pausing.

Checking in.

Leaving.

Refusing.

Seeking proximity.

Those behaviours can easily be mistaken for your dog becoming “more needy.”

But perhaps your dog isn’t becoming more dependent.

Perhaps they’ve learned that communication works.

Perhaps they’ve learned that they don’t have to cope alone until they can’t cope anymore.

Progress isn’t always needing less support.

Sometimes it’s feeling safe enough to ask for it. 🩵