DOGS' LOYALTY, EMOTIONS, ATTENTION AND RESPECT- DO WE DESERVE IT?
I had five dogs until recently. I started looking into canine training as a profession. I was looking at videos and pictures of these really happy breeds. It was hard to not notice that mine did not appear that happy. I had to take a really hard look at myself. I received nearly all of my mine as puppies. I had to ask myself why are they appearing so confident and happy and mine did not.
What was the problem? I knew that the problem was me because canines are naturally happy. I bought several books, read everything I saw. I walked, disciplined, fed and loved them, but I was not consistant.
I loved them, but I really wanted them to be human. I had to wise up fast on what it meant to be a dog and an owner. They had been trying for years to figure out what it meant to be a human. They did pretty good.
I was failing miserably. My lack of confidence and daily stress was showing in them. They were mirroring me. When I found out what I needed to do, I thought I don't have time for this. I chose to have them, I had better make the time. It was a lot of work just meeting their basic needs.
I have spent thousands of dollars on food, vet bills, medication, training and books. I just was not getting it. My low energy level was felt by them and they walked all over me because I was not in the leadership role each of them took turns until I learned to step up. I am not there yet, but I am much better.
I had to come to the really sad realization that right now in my life, I did not have what it took to be a dog trainer. I needed to learn and grow as a person first.
The following pages are of my dogs and hopefully others whose owners would like to share pictures and stories.
