Click on each dog's name or photo for their full story
Thank you for your unwavering loyalty, and for showing me there are more exciting things to do in life than practice the same exercises over and over - like chasing a favorite ball, or patrolling the yard for squirrels and feral cats.
Thank you for taking me on this tireless adventure through the world of dog training. I look forward to where else our journey will lead.
Thank you for reseeding the spirit of play in your canine siblings. I am glad you planted your roots with us, and I look forward to uncovering how you grow.
Gone, but never forgotten:
Thank you for the valuable lessons you taught me. My one regret is that I did not learn them soon enough.
My Thoughts on Dogs
All of my furry pals are rescues, and I encourage others to Consider Adopting when choosing a companion of their own. There are millions of wonderful animals waiting at shelters and rescue groups throughout the country – purebreds and mixed-breeds alike. For those who prefer to purchase their dogs, I strongly urge you to research and use a reputable breeder, rather than supporting backyard breeders and puppy mills - who only serve to add to the pet overpopulation problem. For more information on how to choose a good breeder, please see my blog, Puppy Buyers Beware.
Regardless of where you obtain your dog, I hope you will go out and find something fun to do with your pal - there is so much available for you to do together. You can compete in dog sports like Nose Work, Obedience, Weight Pulling, Rally, Agility, or Dock Diving. You can train your dog to hunt and then participate in hunt tests or just spend the day in the woods hoping to bring home some dinner. You can herd sheep - just for fun! If your dog has the right temperament, you can volunteer your dog to be a therapy dog. If you and your dog both have what it takes, you can volunteer for search and rescue. Or, you can strive to train your dog to be a great member of society, so that they can accompany you to outdoor restaurants, to dog friendly hotels, and inside stores where dogs are welcome. If your dog is too shy for crowds, you can go jogging in a quiet park, go for hikes in the woods, or take your dog to a dog friendly beach. Doing something with your dog is a great way to build your relationship, and expand their lives past the boredom of the backyard.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you both are having fun! And if you're not, you can always try something new.
Jean Jacobsen, a trainer friend of mine, said it best: “Don’t let your dog just sit in the house and be an ornament. That’s not what they are here for."
And if you do take your best bud to a trainer to learn some new skills, remember to put some thought and research into any training method that you decide to use – rather than just blindly following a trainer’s instructions. Not all dog trainers are created equal. If you can, check out a class and look around before you sign up. Do the dogs in the class look happy to be there? Do the handlers? Even once you start taking a class, always remember that you are not obligated to do something that you do not feel comfortable doing. Trust your own instincts and ask questions. You know your dog best.
