The holiday season always gets me thinking about what I’m grateful for. As a professional dog trainer, I spend most of my life surrounded by dogs. This is often awesome and sometimes exhausting; but they teach me A LOT, on a daily basis, and I’m very thankful for these lessons.
Oddly, I can’t lay claim to the gratitude reason that most people emphasize: unconditional love.
Since I work mostly with difficult dogs, EVERYTHING is conditional for them. I have to earn their trust and respect. And then I have to continue earning it. The dogs who simply aim to please and figure things out on their own rarely cross my path.
And I’m thankful for that.
Dogs make us better people. They challenge us. They keep us from complacency. When we bring our best selves, they respond wonderfully with their best selves.
They teach us to be honest about our own behavior. They find our inconsistencies and reflect our anxieties. They’ve taught me to value calm, no matter the circumstance, because I know that’s what’s best for them. They teach us to be steady, reliable, assertive. Go through a rigorous training process with your dog, and I guarantee that you’ll see this personal growth as well.
There’s a cliche that dog training is really about training the people. What’s unsaid is that it’s not just the trainer imparting these lessons; it’s also the dog.
They teach us that major behavioral change is possible. It is not always easy, but at any moment we can decide to change. We can start NOW. And we can see immediate progress.
They’ve taught me that great joy can come from steady progress. That great changes can come from seemingly small decisions.
I am grateful for transformations. They make me more optimistic about life.
Beyond that, dogs teach us the value of play and movement. The joy that can be found in simple things: a dirty ball, a simple stroll, just relaxing with other creatures you care about.
They teach us that trying new things is difficult and mentally taxing. But that with consistency we can succeed greatly.
They’ve taught me that every decision matters. That the little habits form the foundations of our lives.
They’ve taught me to look for the positive behaviors in others and to build upon that. Blame is a game that gets us nowhere. The next decision is the one that matters.
They remind me to find excitement wherever I can. To explore the landscape with wonder. They’ve taught me the power of routines and the importance of constant learning. Each day brings its own challenges and its own rewards. I am deeply grateful for both.
Finally, I am thankful for all of you and all your dogs, and I’m excited for another year of transformations and new friends — for our dogs and for ourselves.
If you need help training your dog in the Fresno or Clovis area, drop us a note below. A new year is a great time to start your journey towards a new dog.