Training Expectations

Work on the things you can change with your relationship with your dog and accept the things you can't.

I always am truthful and realistic with clients expectations. We can create management plans. We can reduce nusciance behaviors and create less stress and tension for both dog and pet parent with training. We can walk away feeling more in control and confident leading our dogs through different situations- but do not expect to change your dog's tempermeant.

Down to my core I feel that every dog that comes into our life- every relationship that we have- seems to teach us something about ourselves as humans. Good and bad, they are mirrors- the more stressed and insecure we are, the more they mirror that energy right back at us. The more confident and secure we feel- so do our companions. There are even recent studies showing evidence of cortisol levels (stress causing hormones) being linked in hair follicle samples between dogs and their owners. That's how amazingly in tune our dogs are to us.

Sometimes people have the best intentions, but life just doesn't go the way we planned. Love them anyway. Some people, and yes even animals are difficult to love as they don't meet your expectations. Love them anyway. If you can't spend the time, make the necessary changes in your life, or don't have the resources- be honest with yourself and find it in your heart to let them go to someone that will. Find serenity in your life and that is half the battle- lower your expectations, remove your deadlines, and come from a place of understanding rather than getting aggravated; you will be amazed to see the changes that occur in your relationship between you and your dog.