Face difficulties as a dog owner? Learn trainer's top five reminders when life seems challenging
In the world of dog training and behaviorism, Renee Rhoades stands out for her holistic, skill-based, and compassionate approach. Rhoades, an expert in her field, offers valuable advice for dog owners facing challenges with their pets.
Focus on Skills, Not Perfection
Rhoades highlights the importance of avoiding the quest for a "perfect" dog that only obeys commands. Instead, she encourages dog owners to aim for skills that improve their dog's confidence and emotional safety. Training should focus on building skills at home that truly stick, rather than simply increasing the amount of walking or physical exercise.
Prioritize and Assess Problems
When dealing with behavioral issues, Rhoades advises prioritizing and assessing problems by their impact. Focus on what matters most for the dog's well-being and your ability to manage. Common mistakes, such as mishandling crate training, can exacerbate issues like separation anxiety or panic when leaving.
Mindfulness Approaches
Rhoades emphasizes the use of mindfulness approaches for both the dog and owner to enhance the training relationship and help dogs feel more secure and understood.
Positive Self-Talk
Rhoades also stresses the importance of positive self-talk for dog owners. Telling yourself "I'm not good enough" or "I'm not doing enough" can diminish all the wonderful things you do for your dog. Remember, you are doing your best.
Emotional Rollercoaster of Dog Ownership
Being a pet parent can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. It's normal to feel concerned about every facet of your dog's wellbeing and your role as their caregiver. Anxiety plays a healthy role in safeguarding us and steering us away from mistakes, however, becoming overly stressed about decisions can cloud your judgment.
Accepting Your Feelings
It's okay to feel a range of emotions about your dog. Thinking "this is not the dog I thought I was getting" or "I wish life could be different" does not dictate who you are or your relationship with your dog. You can love your dog and still be disappointed, sad, or frustrated with their behavior. Don't bottle up your emotions; let yourself feel them.
The Joy Dogs Bring
Despite the challenges, the joy dogs bring is a significant aspect of dog ownership. One of the main reasons we wish to share our lives with dogs is the immense delight they bring. While being a dog owner will have its challenges, it is undeniably one of the most rewarding experiences. Dogs give so much to us, don't forget to stop and let joy take over.
The Puppy Blues
The first year of a dog's life can be particularly challenging, with the puppy blues being common. Whether you're struggling with this phase as your new friend learns the ropes or you've been a dog owner for years and find some days stressful and overwhelming, know that what you're feeling is normal and common.
Boosting Confidence
Lastly, Rhoades suggests that focusing on one's positive contributions to a dog's well-being can boost one's confidence in their caregiving efforts.
In summary, Renee Rhoades' approach to dog behavior challenges is grounded in a deep understanding of the importance of skills, mindfulness, positive self-talk, and acceptance of feelings. She encourages dog owners to remember the joy their pets bring and to approach challenges with compassion and patience.
Rhoades encourages dog owners to focus on skills that improve their dog's confidence and emotional safety, rather than striving for a "perfect" pet that only obeys commands. When addressing behavioral issues, Rhoades advises prioritizing and assessing problems by their impact on the dog's well-being. She emphasizes the use of mindfulness approaches for both the dog and owner to enhance the training relationship.
Rhoades also stresses the importance of positive self-talk for dog owners, reminding them not to diminish their efforts with negative thoughts or self-criticism. Being a pet parent can be both rewarding and challenging, but it's normal to feel concerned about every aspect of a dog's care. Anxiety can play a role in safeguarding us, but becoming overly stressed about decisions can cloud our judgment.
Despite the challenges, the joy dogs bring is a significant aspect of dog ownership. The first year of a dog's life, particularly with a new puppy, can be particularly challenging and is commonly characterized by the puppy blues. Lastly, Rhoades suggests that focusing on one's positive contributions to a dog's well-being can boost one's confidence in their caregiving efforts.
