05/05/2026
Yesterday, my young dog Chef had surgery.
If you know him, you know he’s an energetic terrier… the kind of dog who thinks “rest” is a suggestion, not a lifestyle.
But here’s the thing. Moments like this don’t start yesterday. They start months or years ago with the habits we build.
We never know when our dogs will need strict rest. Injury, surgery, emergencies… life happens. So here are 5 things I’ve intentionally worked on that are making this recovery so much smoother for him:
1️⃣ Leash walking in the yard
We’ve practiced going out on leash even at home. It sounds simple, but many dogs don’t understand why they’d suddenly be leashed in their own space. Because we’ve done the reps, it’s no big deal now.
2️⃣ Chin rest = calm care
A chin rest isn’t just cute, it’s functional. It’s become a cue to relax and accept handling, which made giving meds and handling his face stress-free for both of us.
3️⃣ Comfort with handling
Laying on his back, having feet, ears, and everything checked… these aren’t just “nice to have” skills. They matter when your dog actually needs care.
4️⃣ Kennel manners
His crate is his safe place, not a punishment. With limited activity and separation from my other dogs, this has been huge for his healing and safety.
5️⃣ Doing nothing is a skill
Probably the most underrated one. Learning to settle, relax, and just exist without constant activity is essential. Recovery demands it.
Training isn’t just about the flashy stuff. Sometimes it’s about preparing for the quiet, hard days… and making them a little easier on everyone.
Give your dogs a little extra love today and maybe practice doing nothing together.
