11/06/2025
This guy. I love him to bits but yesterday was hard. After a gruelling, jam packed schedule I finally got home to walk him. We headed on our way doing all the normal things we do on the walk. I crossed the street when I saw another dog coming our way to give space for both of us. We have seen this dog before and have successfully passed him many times. But yesterday was different. Maybe I let my guard down or didn’t use enough management but Hunter decided to bark and lunge at him from across the street. It took me by surprise. I immediately started to assess why this happened. What did I do differently? What did I do wrong? And here it comes….
Imposter Symdrome. I’m a professional dog trainer and dog walker and her is my dog acting a muck. My dog should be perfect! Who do I think I am? After having my pity party last night, I reminded myself of all the progress we have had. That every dog and situation is different. I remembered how far we have come since I first rescued Hunter from the OSPCA (lunging and barking at any dog or person we saw, trying to pull my arm out as we walked on leash). He is the reason I became a dog trainer. He is the reason I want to help as many people as possible. Will my dog be the perfect specimen of a trained dog you will ever see? No. Has he over come many challenges that others dogs will never have to overcome. YES! I am so proud of Hunter and myself for doing all the work. Do I have skills and knowledge to teach others? Absolutely YES. If you have read this far, thank you. I hope this message will help anyone else that feels defeated or frustrated with their journey of dog training. No two paths are the same and comparison is the thief of joy. Remember to celebrate the small victories and don’t beat yourself up for the small set backs.
