Just because we can, doesn’t always mean we should

I am a firm believer in getting dogs out to experience the world & helping them feel comfortable in a wide range of situations. A lot of my work is focused around this, helping owners and their dogs live their best, biggest lives together.

But have you ever taken a step back and really thought about what parts of their life your dog really loves, and what parts maybe they’d be happier without? 🤔

My working kelpie Needle is a sensitive soul. Though she has been socialised and trained to the point where she can walk through town or go to a cafe or dog show just fine now, that’s not something that comes naturally to her or that she thrives on. She’d actually prefer to be climbing a mountain in the wops or running around a paddock playing herdy games. That’s her as an individual, and even though we can do the other stuff I’m learning to take that pressure off a bit and just love her for who she is.

Do you see this in your dog too?

❓Maybe it’s a dog who we might want to be okay meeting visitors at the door or mingle at parties, when really that dog would be happier if they just got put away and didn’t have to interact with every rando who walks in. We still train to teach appropriate manners alongside this so they’re safe & you are enjoying them too, but we can also respect their needs as an individual that hey - they don’t need your visitors all up in their space and that’s actually okay. Let them chill while you enjoy your family and friend time and everyone wins.

❓Maybe it’s the dog who isn’t really that keen on playing with other dogs, but you would really like them to attend daycare. Yes we can often support your dog to feel more comfortable around other dogs to an extent, but we also have to respect that just like humans - some dogs are more library dogs than mosh pit pups and like many others, daycare just isn’t right for this dog. They’d actually rather chill at home then enjoy some quality time with you instead. When we recognise and respect that, everyone is happier.

❓And maybe you had visions of enjoying a leisurely walk around the farmers market with your dog but they’d really rather go on a hike with you without the crowds and yapping dogs rushing them. Yeah we still need to train our dog to handle stress and be functional and safe in public because that’s life in modern society, but maybe we just leave them happy at home on Sunday mornings then take them out for a hike after we’ve enjoyed the bustling market with our human friends. There’s no benefit to anyone in forcing that dog to be something they’re not in that situation, and it’s okay to just say nah - I know that situation isn’t for my dog.

So yes - let’s train our dogs to handle the world and be their best, most confident selves in a wide variety of situations. I’m here to help with that if you need support, because we cannot bubble wrap them from life, avoiding everything that they might find a little stressful. But let’s also recognise who they are as individuals, and respect that. Not everything is for every dog and that’s actually okay.

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