24/07/2025
Morning Dogsmanship Thoughts
Everybody says they love their dog. They can’t EVEN explain how much they love their dog! (SMOOCHES AND HUGS!)
So let’s ask: What kind of love is that? Is it sacrificial love… love that asks what the dog truly needs? Or is it selfish love… love that clings to an idea of the dog that fits your emotional needs?
What do you love more than your dog?
You love your cell phone, your page, and your social media presence more than you love your dog. Don’t believe me? Give up your cell phone… or give up your dog. I’ll wait.
Most owners don’t love dogs. They love the attention... The attachment... The emotional dopamine hit…
Like watching a Disney movie where the animal always understands, always forgives, and always comes home.
That’s not love. That’s projection. That’s fiction.
And it’s not fair to the dog that depends on you to teach it how to live safely in a human-controlled world. That’s pretending to care… as long as it’s convenient.
Most dog owners believe that pity, attachment, and entitlement are love.
But loving what you think the dog is… that’s anthropomorphic love.
And that kind of love can be fatal.
Why?
Because a dog isn’t what you think it is.
And if you don’t understand what the opportunist actually needs... how it thinks, what you’re actually teaching it. Your ignorance might feel like bliss… Until the s**t hits the fan.
Here is another question: What obedience command will your dog obey… first time, every time… even under distraction? BE HONEST!
No leash. No collar. No e-collar. No food. No bribes.
Just your voice.
Because when the squirrel runs…
When the door flies open…
When your dog bolts for the street…
That’s when it counts.
That’s when clarity, trust, and respect are either there… or they aren’t. Love isn’t about giving your dog everything it wants.
That’s not love. That’s enabling.
And enabling always catches up to you.
When your dog eats something deadly off the counter.
When it gets hit by a car.
When it lunges, bolts, ignores, disrespects.
So… what are your house rules?
Are they rules… or are they just suggestions?
Did you communicate them foundationally, from the dog’s perspective? Are you consistent? What’s your foundation?
Because if it’s truly built on love, Then maybe… just maybe…
You should understand the animal’s nature Before you try to love it the way you want.
And be the leader the dog needs…to navigate this human world safely.
Just some morning thoughts…
Safe training,
I.N.T.D.I.Y.
