24/11/2025
The way we show up for our dogs is far more important than how they show up for us.
As guardians, we often hold canine companions to a higher standard than we hold ourselves, forgetting that their natural instincts and biology are vastly different from the demands of modern human life. Behaviors like chewing, barking, protecting, and marking are not "misbehaviors"—they are expressions of their innate nature.
Expecting a dog to walk calmly on a leash, ignore distractions, or tolerate crowded spaces is asking them to suppress their fundamental design.
Before attempting to fit dogs into our fast-paced world, we must prioritize their biological fulfillment.
This means providing ample opportunities for rest, foraging, chewing, sniffing, exploration, and play.
These activities aren’t "extras"; they are the foundation of a dog’s well-being. Only after their emotional and physical needs are met can we effectively guide them toward navigating human environments.
Critically, fulfilling a dog’s instincts is the key to their adaptability. Allowing them to sniff, explore, and engage with their surroundings on walks doesn’t just satisfy their curiosity—it reduces stress and builds confidence.
A dog who can decompress in nature is more likely to handle the challenges of urban life. However, if your dog is overwhelmed by neighborhood or city walks, it’s time to adjust your approach. Rather than forcing them to "tolerate" stress, seek alternative solutions:
- Drive to a quieter area (like a park or rural trail) where they can move freely.
- Use a longer leash to give them space to navigate organically, rather than restricting them to your side.
- Avoid tugging or yanking, which only adds pressure. Let them set the pace.
- Gradually build their tolerance to stimuli through positive, controlled exposure.
This isn’t about abandoning training goals like "heel" or "place" commands—it’s about prioritizing their emotional health first.
If you have an hour to invest in your dog, spend it fulfilling their nature. Save structured training for moments when they’re calm and ready to learn.
Remember, punishing or using aversive methods (like shock collars) to suppress natural behaviors is not only ineffective but harmful.
By meeting their needs, we create a foundation of trust. A fulfilled dog is more resilient, more connected, and more capable of adapting to our world. Let’s stop asking them to fit into ours without first honoring who they are.
