I get a lot of inquiries from clients who are seeking answers, solutions, and understanding of why their dogs are acting in certain ways, showing aggression, having severe anxiety, or are just generally not well-behaved. While some of these issues may be genetic, most of them can be addressed and improved through training. However, the key factor that determines whether I can work with someone is their willingness and ability to change themselves.
In order to make significant changes in a dog's behavior, it is crucial to get the humans involved to recognize their own role in the situation. Often, we humans unknowingly contribute to the problems with our dogs, and when combined with the dog's genetic predispositions, it can lead to undesirable outcomes. Therefore, to bring about effective change in a dog, it is essential for the humans to acknowledge where they have gone wrong and how their current interactions with their dogs are reinforcing and exacerbating the problematic behaviors.
Unfortunately, not everyone is willing to accept responsibility for their dog's actions or make the necessary changes in their own behavior. Some individuals refuse to acknowledge their role in the situation, preferring to believe that their dog's behavior is beyond their control or that it should not be altered. When I hold people accountable for their behaviors, such as mindlessly playing fetch without considering the consequences, they often respond with statements like, "But he enjoys it!" While it is true that dogs have natural instincts to chase and catch, allowing a dog to indulge in these behaviors without any controls or leadership can lead to further problems.
To effect meaningful change, you must be willing to change your own actions. It may require making yourself and your dog uncomfortable at times, and I will hold you accountable throughout the process. If you are seeking someone who will only provide positive reinforcement without addressing the underlying issues, then I am not the right fit for you. I am here to give you the truth and provide a comprehensive approach to solving the problems you and your dog are facing. However, if you are unwilling to change and simply want a quick fix without addressing the root causes, then I am unable to work with you.
Working with dogs and their owners is a collaborative effort that requires a commitment to growth, learning, and change. I have a responsibility to the dogs and to their well-being, and that includes ensuring that their owners are willing to make the necessary adjustments. Therefore, I carefully select the clients I work with based on their openness to change and their commitment to the long-term well-being of their dogs. This is why I cannot work with everyone who contacts me.
