Authentic Canine

I wish somebody had told me this when I got my dog Bella...

We did it ALL wrong 🤦‍♀️

Anytime she was hyper - we gave her affection

Anytime she made us chase her - we'd tell her no, then give her affection and try to "talk sense into her"

Anytime she demanded attention - we gave her affection

Anytime she was scared - we gave her affection

As a result, I've had to work EXTRA hard to retrain her severe anxiety and lack of listening skills.

ALL because we gave her attention and affection while trying to HUMAN-SPLAIN to a PUPPY why she shouldn’t do certain behaviors...

As owners, we need to understand first and foremost that dogs speak a different language than us. I mean, DUH, they are a completely different species!

This also means that affection does NOT translate to them the same way it does for humans.

Yes, affection for both of us means "we like this, do more of it."

But ONLY for humans, does it work to help pull us out of a bad place.

For dogs, whether it's GOOD OR BAD, it will always reinforce whatever state of mind or behavior they are exhibiting.

So don't forget... YOU GET WHAT YOU PET!!

Are you aware of all the times you pet or pick up your dog and what it's reinforcing in the moment?!