We all have seen the funny pictures when scrolling through social media of the dogs that look like their parents. It’s actually pretty crazy how similar dogs can look like people. Like that one dog who looks like John Travolta. If you haven’t seen it, my god google it. Even though our dogs can over time start to look like us, the bigger thing here is they start to act like us too. Give or take a few exceptions. If you get a puppy more then likely that puppy is going to grow up acting like you, if you’re an active person, your dog will grow up to be an adventure dog. Maybe you’re someone who enjoys gardening, then your dog will probably grow up knowing it cant go digging through the garden beds. No matter what your dog will look up to you for guidance and follow every move you make and believe it or not start to act just like you. They will know your routine….probably better than you some days. They will get on track with your sleep schedule, and always remind you when its time to eat. Now a lot of people may think yeah the dog has their own routine, but really it’s your routine that they’re learning from.
Now hopefully nobody takes offense to what I am about to say but as you all know I am blunt and I tell it like it is.
If you’re a cautious, timid, anxious person, your dog will be cautious, timid, and anxious. If you’re laid back, friendly, and up front, your dog will be laid back friendly and upfront.
I have a few clients who I am not going to name names so let’s call the client Betty and her dog Spot. I love Betty and Spot dearly but I do indeed know that the reason spot is scared, timid and often glued to my side when he stays with me is that spot was raised like that. Spots mom never let him be alone, tended to his every need, and was over the top worried about every little tiny thing that “could” go wrong. Betty would literally think of every horrible situation that “could” happen and try to prevent it from happening. I totally understand trying to prepare for the worst but hope for the best. But implementing it into a creatures life who lives in the moment. Could make for a pretty stressful situation. For both you and your dog. And constantly planning, and stressing out and panicking all the time….well your dog will do the same only they will be like “oh god why is mom acting weird, whats wrong, where did she go, is she ok” your dog wont know what to do so they will get stressed and panic as well.
You see the beautiful thing about dogs is they don’t think about the past or the future, or what could go wrong. They live in the now, and I learn from dogs every day that WE as people need to live in the now because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Dogs see a puddle and go for it, even if it’s snowing outside. Dogs see a field and go flying through it because its fun. They don’t stop at the edge and think “omg would if there is a hole, or old farm equipment, or a snake in there!” dogs don’t think they DO! and we need to be like that.
I have another client lets call him BOB and his dog Sammy. Bob loves Sammy literally to the moon and back and will do ANYTHING for her. Bob also understands that things happen in life, and dogs will be dogs. Bob is laid back, easy going and doesn’t have a panic attack if Sammy comes home with a little scratch or covered in mud from our adventure. I once dropped Sammy off after a beach day and Sammy was a bit sandy and wet, to say the least, and I apologized profusely and said I can dry her off more or get her cleaned up better because I always like to return dogs the exact way I got them in the morning. You know what Bob said, he laughed and said “omg don’t worry about it, she looks like she had the time of her life and that is all that matters”. Then he took Sammy upstairs and put her in the shower. Sammy is also easy going gets along with everyone and everything and literally loves life and all it has to offer. While Spot is scared if a leaf blows toward him. You see the difference.
Spot walks down the street cautiously, shaking, tail between his legs and scared. At least pack walks have helped this allot and Spot is allot more comfortable when he’s with me. Then when he’s with his mom.
Now Sammy walks down the street tail wagging, smelling the flowers, checking out the people, tongue out and prancing along without a care in the world. Sammy LIVES for pack walks.
I have one client who cannot accept the fact that the dog is an animal. Then I have another client who completely understands that dogs have fun a little differently then people do.
So if you want a dog who is going to be relaxed, fun-loving gets along with everyone and everything and is open to new and exciting things. But who also isn’t afraid to get dirty or eat that cow patty. Then YOU have to be like that, minus the cow patty eating part.
You can’t treat your dog like they live in a glass bubble. I know you want to protect them, and be sure they have the best nutrition, and best friends, and perfect pet care, and are always safe. But that’s not reality. Things will happen, they might get hurt, but you can still allow them to have fun while being safe at the same time. Trying to protect them from EVERYTHING is not only going to cause stress on you and your dog but it’s going to make life suck, for the both of you.
LET YOUR DOG BE A DOG!!
So before you start investing in a professional trainer and trying to “fix” your dog. Take a step back and look at yourself and your actions and how you act around new people and things and places. Because if you can get brave your dog will follow in your footsteps. Dogs are in our lives to make us happy, and fill our heart will laughter and joy and to show us there is more to life than living in the past or future, the only way to live is in the NOW!
Be the person your dog thinks you are, AWESOME, AMAZING, and FUN!