Limited space for new dogs to enjoy individual Canine Wellbeing Outings with me.
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Advocating for your dog, are we just too British to do it??
It might sound simple enough, you know your dog best and obviously want to make sure others respect them, right?
In reality this can be really challenging for a lot of people, including me (though I am getting better at it).
Advocating for your dog might look like saying "No" when someone asks to stroke them, it might be asking someone to call their dog away from yours in the park, it could be finding a groomer who will prioritise how your dog feels about the process and take their time (over several visits if needed) rather than a quick and pretty finish achieved by restraining a shut down dog (let's be fair here, it is just as often dog owners who push for this as it is the groomers), or communicating with your Vet and their team about how you want your dog handled and when you need to be involved for your dog's wellbeing and everyone's safety during a visit.
That last example was me and our wonderful veterinary team yesterday when Jack had to go in for a dental to remove a broken tooth (ouch!).
It has taken me many, many years of living and working with dogs as well as having several close friends in the vet care world who I can discuss things with, to become even vaguely comfortable advocating for my dog at the vets and it still stresses me out!
I am naturally submissive around authority figures, especially professionals with extensive knowledge and skills that I do not have (Veterinarians, human doctors, teachers, law enforcement etc.) and I often freeze up when having to think on the spot (the more important the question, the more likely I am to freeze - helpful huh?) so going in to see the vet when my dog is stressed and I am trying not to look like an idiot, while advocating for my dog and remembering the relevant information to give for the Vet to be able to do their job, is quite a lot for me.
I'm only human.
On this occasion, we had been seen by one of the lovely Vets at our practice, Ha
I had a lovely private outing* with Stringer today. He really enjoys a ball and using his nose to find it is a great alternative to repetitive throwing.
I am able to offer 121 dog excursions* to a select few clients whose dogs really benefit from me keeping them feeling safe (as well as actually being safe).
If you think your dog might enjoy personally tailoured adventures* with me, please get in touch.
Most of the dogs I see regularly come out with me just one or two days a week, others, like Stringer are more Ad Hoc. For some guardians, this gives them a day of respite, as although they love their dogs, going out in the world together can be hard. It's ok to give yourself permission to take some "me time" so that you can show up as your best self for your canine family member ❤️
*Despite having been a professional dog walker for 18yrs, I don't like calling them "walks" any more (I can't decide what to call them instead though!). I feel "walk" frames the whole experience as being primarily about exercise, or simply getting from A to B, and on an individual level, it should be so much more than that. When we take our dogs out, it is their time and I like to find out how each dog chooses to spend it.
Foundations of what we hope will become a lasting friendship.
Walking together without interacting is hard when you want to play, so we helped Arnie with some tasty treats.
First time meeting up close. It can be intense and needs to be carefully managed.
How much pressure do you put on yourself to achieve the "next" thing?
How often do you stop and remember all the things you and your dog have already achieved?
Celebrate your successes so that you don't just see the struggles of life with your dog ❤️ (Confession: this is something I am terrible at remembering to do! Let's help each other x)
Whether your current dog is your first or you've had many, whether you work with dogs or not, whether you think you know loads about dogs or are totally new to them, there is ALWAYS more to learn.
I learn something with every interaction with every dog, because they are all unique. This is wonderful and one of the reasons us dog professionals never get bored in our work, but it can also be overwhelming and frustrating because it's hard to help when you can't always use what you already know!
Here is a little look back on the dogs I've been blessed to have in my life; Nala, Kiefer, Wallace, Anya & Jack.
They have ALL challenged my skill and knowledge and they have ALL taught me something valuable that I carry with me to each new dog I meet.
If you are feeling a bit stuck and want some friendly help understanding your dog, please get in touch.
Kathryn Norton
Only Human Dog Training
It would be easy to chuckle at the "tough" dog barking at a snowman. After all, it's silly isn't it? A snowman can't hurt you!
But if your dog doesn't know that, if they've never seen the novel thing before, then the fear is real. And fear isn't funny.
So, if your dog reacts like this to something, take it seriously, because they certainly do.
Help your dog move to a distance where THEY feel safe enough to think about it. If they decide they want to investigate, go with them and go slow. Let them approach and move away when they want to.
If they get brave enough to get close you can go up first, touch the novel item, if you can reach, to show them that you think it's safe, but don't force them to.
What things have your dogs been scared of that you didn't expect? Our last dog Anya once freaked out at something wrapped in a carrier bag on someone's doorstep.
