Struggles as a dog owner

Do you know what is one of the biggest things dog owners struggle with that can completely change your relationship with your dog?

Our own inhibition.

Being free and relaxed enough to play with our dog and communicate to them in a happy silly way regardless of the fact we might look a bit crazy to an onlooker is a really hard skill to master.

It took me years. Even mastering the art of asking people to give my first dog the space he needed was difficult for someone who was as shy and introvert as me.

But one day I just stopped caring, or pretended I did. After all who do I really want to please? Some random stranger or the beautiful dog I spend my life with?

When I freely engage with my dog I get so much more connection, its a two way conversation. That stranger that might laugh at me wont be laughing anymore when I have amazing recall and they don't. When my frightened dog calmly walks past a trigger because he knows I'm listening and have his back thats worth more to me than any judgemental comments I might get from someone else.

A dog that wants to be with you because you are fun. That's the sort of relationship I want.

So yes if my dog does something amazing I'll be having a huge party, in public! I want more of that behaviour.

Our dogs ultimately aren't here long enough, enjoy them, have fun together and ignore any negativity.

Because of my dogs this shy, nervous, nerdy girl is sometimes brave enough to stand up in front of people and helps teach them valuable skills with their dogs. Who'd of thought it.