11/07/2025
ADVOCATE! Whether it’s for you or your dog! Our animals depend on us to keep them safe and stand up for them. I know it doesn’t feel right sometimes, but it’s necessary!
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Be Your Dog’s Voice
Advocating for your dog isn’t always easy, especially when it means speaking up to friends, family, strangers or even professionals like vets or groomers, Trainers etc. But it’s one of the most important things we can do as canine caregivers.
Sometimes that means politely saying “no, thank you” when a stranger wants to pet them.
Sometimes it means refusing to hand your dog over for an exam or grooming session if you know your presence helps them stay calmer.
If your professional can't or won't work in a way your dog needs, find one who will.
Being your dog’s advocate doesn’t mean being rude, it means being confident, kind, and firm in protecting their comfort and safety.
Your dog depends on you to speak up when they can’t, and that’s not something to feel guilty or embarrassed about.
It can feel intimidating to stand your ground, BUT its also our job to think in advance how you can minimise the stressors.
If your dog struggles with other dogs and needs to see the vet, wait in the car, call to say you're there. Book the first or last appointment of the day so the waiting room is empty. Tell them when you book the appointment and ask what they can do to support your dog, taking them through a side door for example.
If your dog hates being placed on a table for examination or grooming, ask or find a groomer or vet who will work or examine on the floor.
If your Trainer or Behaviourist tells you to behave in ways that is harsh and makes you feel uncomfortable, STOP them, learning shouldn't hurt and shouldn't be scary. I know you've paid money, but is money worth more than your dogs welfare and likely longer term fallout from harsh methods.
Sadly not every dog professional ACTUALLY has YOUR dogs individual needs and BEST interests at heart, that's a sad reality of the dog world.
Some are focused on outdated methods, some are focused on the money, some are focused at just getting the job done and quickly and some are focused on aesthetics over welfare.
Don't ever be shamed into silence when advocating for your dog.
There is no greater gift to a dog than a human who advocates for them.
( Picture of my beautiful black and white Siberian Husky Newton, the bestest boy EVER)
