Dogs and the importance of “space”
If we want a dog who has the *ability* to navigate and comfortably share the various levels of space alongside us, a dog who feels safe, secure, and comfortable doing so- it's up to us to guide the way.
To treat or not to treat…that is the question.
Food is one of the most misused dog training tools out there.
Unfortunately, the general public has been conditioned to use food for practically everything when it comes to their dogs; leaving many feeling frustrated, confused, stressed, etc. when things don't go as intended (on both ends of the leash).
Relationship is everything.
Relationships (of all types) are some of life's most beautiful teachers. Within the container of relationship lies the opportunity for immense growth, healing, and connection.
We get what we condition.
There's a popular saying in the dog training world, "we get what we reinforce." And this is a truth! Whatever is marked and rewarded will continue to occur. This is far more difficult than most realize, as we're oftentimes completely unaware of what our bodies may be doing in connection with the reinforcement, our criteria may be a bit vague, and the process tends to be a bit sloppy overall.
Start small to go big.
Dog training and behavior modification is a big job with a ton of smaller moving parts, and often comes with a big expectations. There's usually a deep sense of urgency in play (due to the fact most wait until behaviors get so bad, so risky, and so intolerable before they invest in help), as well as a mindset that throwing money at a problem will make it go away and dog trainers are "fairy dog-mothers" (or fathers) with magic wands. There's an expectation for big results...without taking the smaller, necessary steps to reach them or any level of involvement.
Predictability is safety.
Predictability. Certainty. These are survival instincts. To have predictability and certainty means to avoid pain, pitfalls, and maintain a level of comfort.
If change is what we want to see, change is what we need to make.
Change. Change is uncomfortable and can be painful. It can also be quite exciting. Change often means stepping into the uncertain and the unknown. Letting go. Releasing the practices, things, circumstances, people and relationships that no longer lift, support, inspire, and positively challenge us. Who and what weighs us down. Change involves taking full ownership and responsibility of ourselves, our choices, our lives~ as well as those who depend on us.