The Circle of Trust.

Creating a solid "Circle of Trust" can be a bit tough, but is a good thing to have when raising a dog (or any other dependent).

Having something like this in place brings a sense of safety, security, peace, and ease to the challenge of dog-raising.

Some good rules of thumb are...

: don't buy into popular buzz words used in marketing tactics and to influence, steer (even skew) perspectives (rampant in the dog training, dog food, dog caregiving, and veterinary worlds).

: know the difference between "obedience" and "behavioral" training. "Obedience" training is attaching meaning to verbal cues and directives. That's it. *Compliance* to these directives is actually connected to other things that need to be spoken to and developed outside of obedience training. "Behavioral" training covers everything else outside and around obedience training. Much like the difference between what kids learn in the classroom vs. what they learn at home and out in the real world. This is why our dogs can "sit" or "down" like the best of them (...well, when in a quiet space), yet completely fall apart if someone walks through the front door, the environment changes, or we leave the house.

: know the difference between "health care" and "sick care". "Health care" is the every day choices we make for ourselves and those who depend upon us (appropriate sources of *nourishment*, exercise and activity, stress management, quality of relationships, home environment, etc.). "Sick care" is the type of care provided in hospitals and vet clinics (pharmaceutically fluent, not nutritional fluent). I caution against seeking health care, behavioral, or nutrition information from sick care specialists. Understanding *who* specializes in *what* will prevent a great deal of unnecessary confusion and frustration when gathering information.

: there's a difference between "eating" and actually *nourishing the body*. Most dogs (and people) are just "eating." There's also a difference between real, biologically and physiologically- appropriate food... and food-like product.

: additional caregivers include - daycare, sitters and walkers, groomers, etc. **Do your research!** And, if getting in-home care, set up a video camera.

: find a knowledgeable, ethical food purveyor.

This is what's called being an empowered owner. Our dog/s deserve this of us. This is a life-long commitment, not a temporary emotional void-filler. They are 100% relying upon us for their nutritional choices, to meet their individual energy and exercise needs, be their source of advocacy, to teach and equip them, to expose and help them understand the world around them, to work through our own hang-ups so we can better show up and guide, etc. We've got to equip and educate ourselves so we can equip and teach them.

It took years and various experiences for me to build my Circle of Trust when it comes to my dogs. In fact, I'm still building it; but it'll greatly enhance peace of mind and quality of life with your dog. Again, it does take a village; so be mindful of who's invited in

(P.S. I prefer not to use the word "owner", but did here just for simplicity purposes)