Ever heard, "it doesn't matter how you get there, just as long as you get there."
I totally disagree. I am more of the mind of the journey is more important. The how of getting there.
If we are only focused on the end goal, with no concern of who or what is left behind or disregarded we are letting ourselves and those around us down.
As humans move throughout life, they try to consider how their actions affect others, for the better or the worse. Unfortunately when people reach burn out, feeling like what they do doesn't really matter, they can actually reach the point of not caring about the way others are affected.
This is why it is so important to me to make sure my dog training clients don't reach the point of burn out with their dogs. We normally begin our journey of trying to understand our dogs from a view of compassion. We feel bad because they need help, but we may not know how to help them. We research dog behavior on the internet and get a bunch of different answers and advice that seems to be completely different.
After a while, people get worn out from living daily life with their dogs. Bad dog behavior is exhausting for dog owners to live with. When you have a dog that barks a lot, has separation anxiety, is dog reactive or human reactive, or pulls on the leash every day it can be frustrating. "Just stop barking," you say to your dog for the 20th time in the morning. Or, "why do you always pull on the leash," you say as you try to enjoy your walk with your dog.
It is hard for us to understand why our dogs act the way they do. It can be really difficult to remain caring and compassionate at times with the struggles of daily life with some dogs.
I am here to make sure you get the answers and help you need to live a better life with your dog. I want to make sure you don't get to the point of burn out over the frustrations that you and your dog have. If your dog has negative behaviors they aren't living their happiest and best life. I want your dog to have success in life and I want that for you also.
So, here are some of my suggestions for living with your dog:
1) Take 30 minutes out of your day to do something for you by yourself (take a walk, read a book, meditate). This time will help you to not loose patience or compassion for your dog.
2) Muzzle train your dog. With proper fit and training your dog will feel comfortable and confident in their muzzle.
3) Plan your dog's walk and exercise to occur when there is a lower risk for seeing other dogs or people (early morning and nighttime is the best in my neighborhood).
4) Fake it till you make it. Walk with confidence, your dog will pick up on your emotions. If you act confident, you will eventually feel confident.
5) Don't coddle. If you have a reactive dog, one of the worst things you can do is coddle them. You will reinforce the behaviors they do when they feel uncomfortable or threatened.
6) Crate your dog. When guests come over it is your job to keep your dog and your guests safe. Make the crate an awesome thing to your dog.
Bonus: Reach out to a trainer. If you are overwhelmed by your dog's behavior, you can bet that they are overwhelmed by the world.
These suggestions will not be the best for everyone, but it is a starting point. This is not meant to replace good dog training, but more to give you something to get you by until you can work with a dog trainer.
Click here to contact us for dog training today.
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