03/11/2026
When we get a dog the aim is for the dog to enrich our lives further. For them to be a positive addition to our busy lives… that’s why we get a dog… right?
I work with people every single day where that isn’t the case. Where our dogs are causing huge stress in the household and our daily lives. Maybe the dog is reactive & walks are a nightmare. Maybe the dog struggles being left on their own & life has become all about revolving around not stressing the dog out. Maybe the dog is barking at every noise all the time. Or maybe they are just not fitting into family life as envisioned - they are scaring the kids, annoying the kids, annoying the neighbours, causing family arguments…
The list is endless. Never underestimate the impact getting a dog has on our daily lives and how much it can change our day to day life.
I have experienced every part of the above firsthand. I get it. My dogs are not perfect. They’ve taught me so much but wow - at times I wonder why I do it at all.
We do it though don’t we? We put everything into helping our dogs in any way we can. Investing in training, investigating potential underlying medical issues, changing our routines to fit the dog in… I work with incredible clients who do all the above & see real progress. I also work with incredible clients who do all the above, and yet we still keep missing something, not quite meeting a need somewhere. It takes real commitment.
I am always privileged & honoured to be a part of these incredible journeys - supporting, training & guiding - almost always, we never end up where we expect.
So many dog trainers focus on the training. Focus on getting quick results - no matter what. Focus on ‘changing’ the dog.
But actually - what most of us dog owners need is support & guidance. Empathy & understanding.
Next time you see that dog barking, lunging or dragging the owner everywhere - don’t judge. Don’t shake your head in disgust. Because I can say with 100% certainty that owner is doing their best with what they know & can do in that moment. We all are at any given time. And yes - my job is to come in, support owners & give them the tools/ guidance to help their dog not do those behaviours anymore. But we all have to start somewhere…
On this dark Tuesday evening I just want to share a bit of empathy & understanding - I see you all, trying your hardest whilst facing difficult challenges. Life is hard. But if we were all more empathetic & understanding towards each other, wouldn’t the world be a better place for us all? 🥰💜
