20/07/2023
I’m not impressed by perfection.
I’m not impressed by obedience.
I’m not impressed by endless down stays or heeling dogs void of joy or recalls by way of fear avoidance.
I’m not impressed by quick fixes.
I’m not impressed by any fixes that place compliance above wellbeing.
I’m not impressed by power and control.
I’m not impressed by coercion.
What impresses me is compassion.
I’m impressed by kindness, patience, and humor.
I’m impressed by dogs with opinions who aren’t afraid to be their true selves and people who make that possible.
I’m impressed by relationships built on reciprocity, cooperation, and consent.
I’m impressed by teaching that’s informed by what’s most ethical and humane, not just by whether or how quickly it works.
I’m impressed by joy.
I’m impressed by imperfect people loving imperfect dogs…just as they are.
I’m impressed by every single person who each day chooses compassion over perfection in a world that tells us otherwise.