09/09/2025
Long post incoming 😅
The Perfect Dog
What is the perfect dog?
Is it one that answers to every command without hesitation?
One that walks flawlessly on a loose lead, never straying, never pulling?
One that seems effortless, calm, and well mannered in every situation?
The truth is… the perfect dog doesn’t exist.
Every dog will have quirks, challenges, and moments that test us. They’ll bark at the wrong time, ignore a recall, or get distracted by something far more interesting than us. And that’s okay because perfection was never the goal.
What matters is the relationship we build with them. Training isn’t about creating a flawless dog it’s about helping them understand, giving them the skills to succeed, and meeting their needs. It’s about enrichment, play, exercise, and providing outlets that are specific to who they are, not who we want them to be.
The perfect dog is the one who tries, the one who learns at their own pace, and the one who thrives when we commit to guiding them with patience and kindness.
One of the best ways to support our dogs is by giving them enrichment that taps into their natural instincts. And often, the simplest tools are the tastiest, *cough* natural treats!
Here are some easy ideas if you are struggling with enrichment.
Snuffle Mats or Scatter Feeding – Sprinkle small, treats like small training treats, carrots , or tiny bits of cooked chicken in a snuffle mat (or even in the grass). This encourages foraging and slows down eating.
Kongs or Stuffable Toys – Fill with mashed sweet potato, banana, or natural yoghurt, then add a few crunchy treats like dried apple or training treats, chopped/grated pate. Freeze for a longer-lasting challenge.
Chews for Mental Calm – Offer natural chews like rabbit ears, beef tendon, buffalo roll ect. Chewing is stress relieving and mentally satisfying.
DIY Puzzle Boxes – Hide treats inside a cardboard box, scrunch up some paper, and let your dog shred and sniff to uncover the rewards.
Training with Nature – Use tiny bits of natural treats during recall or lead training. The novelty and high value keep your dog engaged.
Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it’s about using what’s natural, safe, and rewarding for your dog. A few simple changes can turn “just a treat” into a whole activity that nourishes their body and mind.
So maybe the perfect dog is simply your dog—imperfectly wonderful, and perfectly yours.