Here We Are

My very first post. I’ve wanted to start a blog for a long time, but I never felt like I could. Lots of “stuff” getting in the way. They were basically just excuses. I’ve been “full of excuses,” for not doing stuff over the last few years- I’m sure you guys can relate to that. My inner introvert takes over sometimes, and that holds me back. I’m hoping this blog can not only serve as a way to talk about all the things I’ve learned about dogs, but a become a way to share what dogs have taught me- about life, dealing with stress, all the human feels. I hope I can be a voice for people to relate to when they are struggling with their reactive dog, the difficult foster dog, or the stress of balancing family and dog life. I’ve been there. I’ve done it. I haven’t always done it well (and still struggle with it it!!!) but every experience has taught me something. I’ve learned a lot about myself through dogs. I’ve become myself through dogs.

While dogs have always been a big part of my life, Grizzly is the dog that spurred me to learn as much as I could, and so I’ve spent the last 2.5 years totally emersed in learning- real learning- about dogs. Why they do what they do, how they think, what makes them tick. I’ve been reading books, listening to podcasts, and absorbing as much as I can from a variety of trainers.. And while I’ve been trying to learn about the mechanics of it all, I’ve also learned a lot about the type of quality life that it is my responsibility, as a dog owner, to provide to my pets. I have two traditionally difficult dogs. Two working breed dogs. Each with their own quirks and needs that need to be fulfilled. Some people tell me I make having these breeds look easy. It is not easy. It is something we work at every day. It has become our lifestyle. It is a lifestyle I love, a lifestyle I wouldn’t change for anything, but it also isn’t for everyone. I am hoping that through this blog, I can inspire you guys to add quality, depth, and color to your dog’s life, no matter the breed. Your lifestyle doesn’t have to be my lifestyle and your dogs don’t have to be a working breeds to benefit from some of the stuff we will share.. Our dogs deserve to have the best *we* can give them. And that is different for everyone.

Some of these posts are going to be more of the rambling diary entry type posts and others will be much more directed. I am hoping to be able to organize everything accordingly for you all to navigate.

Have specific items you want to hear our thoughts on? Lemme know!