Problem - What Problem?

What is it with human nature that we try to hide away from our problems rather than stepping up and dealing with them?  We deny there is an issue and pretend everything is fine.  We let the problem fester and get worse which leads to stress, anxiety and feelings of guilt as we keep hitting ourselves with the fact we should know how to handle this on our own.  As an adult, we should just know how to deal with it by now shouldn’t me? 

There are definitely times that I am still waiting for an adult to turn up to help me!!!  Does anyone else feel like that? 

Having a problem with your dog I think can also send you into the denial process.  You hide away from it.  You tell yourself it isn’t that bad.  Maybe it’s just a phase and he’ll grow out of it.  Or you beat yourself up, you tell yourself that you should just know how to deal with it.  You’ve had dogs before, so why is this one so much harder?  Now the problem is even worse, so now you have to admit you choose to not deal with it.  What excuses can you use?  Is it ok to just say “I made a mistake?”

We all make mistakes.  We all mess up.  We all take too long to ask for help. 

The good news…our dogs are amazing!  Our dogs are ready and able to learn no matter how old or how long they have been making ‘mistakes’.  All training and behaviour challenges can be improved, and most problems can be totally turned around. 

Your dog needs you to stretch of your comfort zone, step up for them, be their advocate and say “I need some help”. 

As with any problem, please make sure you look for help in the right place!  Please look for a qualified person and ask around for recommendations.  I don’t just mean for dog training! 
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Jo x