More training for us!

Jill and I are flying John Van Olden here from San Francisco tomorrow for an entire day of more hands-on training at the dog shelter. John is one of the best dog trainers I've ever seen and we're the fortunate ones who get to work with him. I'll write a blog later to let you know what we did and learned:) Yay!

Think before you dog it.

As a trainer and dog owner myself, I strongly recommend thinking it ALL THE WAY through before getting a dog. People often underestimate the challenge and responsibility that comes with owning one, which then turns into a burden rather than a loving companionship.

It's a lifestyle change, almost like having a child that can backfire if not taken seriously. Daily dog training and exercise is a lifetime commitment that new owners will sometimes overlook when bringing their furry friend home. Then, as time goes on, the dog doesn't look so cute anymore after the house is destroyed and favorite shoes are chewed up. Suddenly, dog training and exercise becomes priority and the responsibility of owning a dog is now reality.

The positive news is any dog behavior can be transformed. However, training doesn't stop after one time, end of story. Similarly to personal growth for humans and it being a life long journey, dogs need training throughout their lives too. Or, they will fall back into old habits and the leadership role is now taken over by the dog once again. And, ironically, neither you nor your dog is happy in this situation and the lack of communication makes it constant.

Training and exercising is everything and if it can’t be given, it’s probably not the best time to welcome a dog into the family.