12/07/2025
This came up in my memories on my personal page from a couple of years ago with the below message. We held this approach all the way through, adapting right up through Charlee’s last weeks with us, to make sure everyone was safe and comfortable.
I love this!! My dog does have boundaries particularly where jack is involved but jack also has a LOT of boundaries where charlee is involved.
But the focus for both C and J is make sure they are safe and loved, have the agency to independently explore and bring their best selves every day.
Isn't it odd that there's a social expectation for dogs to be impeccably behaved at all times?
This mirrors the Victorian era's strict expectations of children's behaviour, where conformity and obedience were valued above all else. This societal pressure can lead to an unbalanced and unfair dynamic, where dogs are expected to suppress their natural instincts and adapt completely to human norms.
It's important to remember that, like children, dogs have their own needs, personalities, and emotions. Expecting them to behave perfectly at all times not only undermines their individuality, but can also cause stress and anxiety.
It's about building a relationship based on understanding and respect, rather than submission to needless societal pressure. Let's encourage our dogs be themselves, just as we would with our human companions.
Freedom doesn't mean problematic behaviour, in fact problems often come from lack of freedom.
