03/24/2022
When we train and interact with our dogs with kindness, compassion, and positive reinforcement, we set an example for the world. When we choose to help and understand our dogs instead of punishing them, we are making a difference.
We plant a seed in people who think it is impossible to teach without punishment, pain and intimidation.
We empower those that are unsure, but know there’s a kinder way to be with their dogs, to seek out more ethical and compassionate ways to train their dog.
We show the world that there is a better, kinder way to interact with everyone around us, regardless of species.
People are going to think what they want to think and we can’t make people feel or think a certain way. In some ways, disbelief and negative reactions to the force-free lifestyle and positive reinforcement based teaching is understandable because punishment culture is all around us. It’s what people expect to happen.
Making mistakes and being disciplined and corrected is how we often experience the world around us.
Punishment, coercion, and discipline are normalised but that doesn’t mean it’s the only way, or the right way.
With everything that’s going on in the world and society’s conditioning having us feel we have to always be tough, assertive, in control of everything… we really need to make room for softness.
Whenever you worry about being too “soft” or not “firm” enough, remember that by being “soft” and kind, you are helping to make the world a gentler, more compassionate place.
And that’s huge. That’s the future being force-free.
ID: On the top of the graphic is an Asian person with long hair in a pony tail giving a treat to a small white, fluffy dog. Under this photo is a beige background with two speech bubbles like one in reply to another. The one on top has a drawing of a person with long pink hair with their hand on their face and question marks next to their head. The text here says “I want to be force-free with my dog, but if I don’t discipline or correct my dog, will people think I’m a “bad” or “soft” owner?” The speech bubble below has a tiny picture of Rachel and Dave, a brown mongrel dog. The text says “Regardless of what some people may think, you are setting an amazing example for others who know there is a better way to be with their dogs but don’t know how yet. This world needs more softness.”