This sweet little face belongs to Abbey. Abbey has been gone for a few years now, lost to one of those diseases that eventually claims the lives of old dogs. Abbey had a great family - two humans who loved her dearly and who gave her an amazing life. One of those humans became a trusted and treasured friend.

Back when I was one of Abbey's trainers, I didn't know a lot about dogs like her - those who would bite to protect themselves when they felt threatened. Back then, it was the Cesar Milan era and even though we knew enough not to use his methods, we didn't know how to build Abbey's confidence, how to give her agency and choice - how to teach her to move away or to ask for help when she was scared.

I don't beat myself up about it - I know we all do the best we can with what we know, but I adored that little dog and I just wish we could have a do-over. There's so much we could do for her now ❤️

There are a few dogs I think about and really wish for a do-over. One is a working line German Shepherd who simply wasn't getting what she needed, another was a young Border Collie who was truly in the wrong home, there was my neighbours lab mix, a bully breed that needed a lot more structure than he was getting.... there's a list in my mind.

I think about those dogs and about the dogs I meet and work with now. Today I worked with a wonderful 7 month old GSD pup, a 3 yr old lab x bully type mix who's progress just blew me away, and had a play date with two curly coated adolescents =)

Things have changed a lot in the last 10 years, and I am so glad that I get to be a part of that change.

❤️❤️❤️

Dream Dog!

Did you miss the webinar? Want to watch again? The main presentation is first with all of the Q&As at the end! There were some great questions!

Would you rather listen while you walk your dog? I uploaded the audio only to my podcast 😁

Dream Dog is designed to teach you how to train your dog in a way that makes sense for YOUR dog and for YOUR goals. It's individualized training in a small group format.

Dream Dog is OPEN for enrollment now and the program officially begins on February 7th.