Relationships take work!

I work (and live) with lots of different dogs. From the socially sensitive, to the frustrated, to the over confident.

The one thing that determines whether I am successful with these dogs is our relationship.

Relationship is not just about who feeds the dog and cuddles on the sofa. I don't do these things with most of the dogs I walk but they still race tails wagging when I come to the door.

Relationship is about being present for the dog, engaging with them and supporting them emotionally.

I might look like a crazy dog lady when I'm waffling away as I walk along but I guarantee that even though those dogs have no idea what I'm saying they are more interactive with me as a result.

When we walk it's together. I'm not lost in my own thoughts or playing on my phone, I'm stopping to watch the dogs enjoy a sniff, I'm managing interactions so everyone around is happy, I'm playing games with the dogs.

My success with the sensitive ones is less about what I do and more about when and why. Understanding that yesterday we could be this close to a trigger, but today might be different because the dog is having a better or worse day.

My own dog Bella is an out and out daddy's girl. I could do everything for that dog and she would probably still choose him to cuddle on the sofa. Yet she will stroll into her hydro sessions and get in a pool to swim without him because above all she trusts me. All the good and fun things we do together counter balance me asking her to do something she hates.

Dogs are incredible at being forgiving and loving. Its why people say they give us unconditional love. But that doesn't mean that all the other things such as friendship and trust don't need working at the same way we do with the other human beings in our lives.

Next time you walk the dog really take in that experience together as a team, I promise you its alot more fun.