Things that used to really matter to me… as a dog trainer and guardian.

That my dogs ate only the best food and treats

As someone who really prioritizes nutrition, I used to bend over backwards to make sure that my dogs ate a 100% raw diet and the only treats they got were single ingredient meats. I love that past me was able to give that to my dogs at the time but as I’ve grown as a person and a trainer I can tell you that whatever you can do to feed your dog a healthy diet is enough. Feed your dogs what you can afford and what aligns with your values surrounding nutrition. 

That my dogs were breed ambassadors

When I started training 14 years ago I had a pitbull mix named Sunny whom I shared a very deep and meaningful life with. I wanted to prove to the world that he really was a good dog but I began to realize that I knew he was a good dog and that was enough. I of course still fight for the rights of pitbull type dogs but my own blocky heads don’t need to be ambassadors. They are a joy and a delight for me and that is enough. 

That my dogs could always be off leash

Honestly I spent the majority of my early career teaching and training off leash skills to hundreds of dogs. I spent hours each week with my own dogs, off leash, working on training. I thought that the gold standard was that my dogs could always be off leash and listen to me until I grew and realized that leashes keep dogs safe. I don’t live in a country where dogs can always be off leash. I live in a suburban neighborhood in the US and there are leash laws. My dogs are GREAT off leash but I think their on leash skills are much more valuable because of the society we live in. 

That all dogs are “well trained”

Listen, training helps enhance the lives of both dog and guardian but I have very much come to see throughout my career that each dog and family are unique and that “well trained” has a lot of nuance. I’ve grown to appreciate dogs who have the skills they need to live with the families that care for them and that is so much more important than obedience. If your dog is successful in their life with you and you feel like you can clearly communicate with them, that is the gold standard. Spoiler, many dogs live successful lives without ever learning to “heel”.

That my clients rescued their dogs

I rescued Sunny. I believed that it was the best way for people to bring dogs into their lives. I thought that purchasing a dog from a breeder was so unethical. As I grew and struggled with certain behaviors in dogs in my care I chose to seek dogs from a reputable breeder. In my line of work, I need really confident and well socialized dogs to help with my clients' dogs. I came to see that there are many amazing breeders who are producing dogs that are healthy and stable. Dogs that they will always care for if the need arises. Some dogs need certain traits for certain tasks, not everyone is seeking a pet or companion and that world of dogs and breeding is vast. I am still a huge advocate for rescuing dogs when it is the right fit so the family and I donate a lot of my time to support local rescues here in Colorado. There is never a one size fits all way to bring a dog into your life. 

As I reflect over that last 14 years it serves as a reminder to me that all things are in flux, all things change and the best way for me to continue to serve my dogs and clients is to always be open and willing to change my mind and opinion as I learn, grow and expand.

-Rachel