Dogs

Author: Denise Partlow

Instagram: @modernk9 Carolinas

When we pick different activities to do with our dogs, it’s important to ask ourselves who is this activity really for? Who is benefiting? Does my dog truly enjoy this activity?

This is something I have had to reflect on a lot with my Doberman, Lincoln. He is a fun, silly, goofy, energetic hard-working, intense (emphasis on intense) dog. We have worked through a lot of reactivity to many different stimuli. We have worked in many different environments. He has been out in public, restaurants, parks, shops, breweries, vacations, little towns etc.

But why? Why did I feel it was necessary to bring him to all of these places? Because I love him and bringing him with me brings ME a lot of joy-but did it bring HIM the same amount of joy? To be honest, No.

He is the kind of dog that would prefer to be out exploring, off leash, sniffing, running and playing. He likes to choose when it’s time to rest and when it’s time to be active. But when I bring him to public places it restricts that privilege.

Even though he did everything I asked him to, he just didn’t seem to be happy and content-he wanted more. So I have found a way to compromise with him so that we both can get a little bit of what we want.

I have found that when I provide him with activities that he enjoys prior to taking him out in public, he seems so much more willing to relax and enjoy each other‘s company.

So my point here is, know your dog, know their interests, their desires, what makes them happy, what makes them anxious. Look at your training and figure out who are these goals really for? It’s OK if some of the goals really are for you but are we at least meeting them halfway?