12/02/2025
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Gentle reminder that “fully trained” does not mean mistakes won’t happen &- it’s unfair to our dog for us to think this way!
There’s a lot of factors that go into play when it comes to your dog’s performance-
▪️Their mental & physical health
▪️The environment/setting you are in
▪️Handler’s behavior/handling
These are just to mention a few!
One of the most common problems I think your average pet owner has is falling into a “routine” alongside being more “relaxed” about their dog’s behavior, lacking consistency with previously in place boundaries if the dog overall is being “good.”
In order to maintain your dog’s good
behavior, you have to make it a point to keep giving them genetic fulfillment throughout their ENTIRE life- not just when they’re young & “in training.”
We need to CONTRIBUTE to filling their cup on a regular basis, not just taking from it. It’s OUR job to provide fufilling activities, regular training, & continued socialization. “Fulfillment” doesn’t look like an around the block walk once a day, everyday. Yes, a walk around the block is good but it shouldn’t be the only thing you’re doing with your dog.
So what DOES filling their cup look like?
▪️A good balance of structured on leash walks for exercise as well as decompression walks where your dog can engage in casual sniffing & explore the world around them.
▪️ Dog sports! While you don’t have to ever step on a trial field or into a show ring, doing sports with your dog can be incredibly fulfilling. Many dog sports were created to challenge our dogs but most importantly to give them appropriate outlets for their individual drives & genetic lineage. (Coursing appeals to a dog’s instinctual behavior of chase & catch, nose-work lets a dog engage in a natural hunting behavior, & so on!)
▪️Down time. Super essential but not really talked about. Letting your dog have “day offs” is not only beneficial for their physical health but their mental as well. A dog that is only ever “go, go, go!” exists in a constant state of over arousal that leads to anxiety when they aren’t doing something.
▪️PLAY (& other relationship building activities) with YOU, the handler! Nourishing a healthy, balanced relationship with your dog should be your first priority. One of the ways to do this is through PLAY, just another reason we are always so passionately advocating for it! Remember your dog, chooses what they find fun. Not every dog’s favorite game is tug. Sometimes their favorite game could be fetch or chase with the flirt pole. Other times it can be personal play between dog & handler that doesn’t even include toys. Be open to finding what your dog finds the most fun!
All this in mind, remember dogs have their good days & bad days too. We need to be forgiving & to meet them where they’re at, just as you would a close friend. Yes, we have to hold them accountable for the things they know but take a minute & take a deeper look at why they made the choice they did.
Are they feeling okay?
Are they fulfilled?
Have you put work into your relationship regularly?
Does your dog know what you’re asking?
Have you put the reps in & been clear with them on expectations?
Do you reward/reinforce enough?
