It seems that the new definition of a “good” dog has shifted into one who can do it all—be social, show excitement, move easily through crowds, patios, breweries, parks, and busy environments without hesitation. And when a dog doesn’t fit that picture, we’re quick to assume there’s a problem that needs to be fixed....
Somewhere along the way, we started measuring a “good” dog by how friendly they are—how eager they are to greet, how excited they get when they see people or other dogs. But that’s not the goal. The goal is neutrality. A well-adjusted dog isn’t the one trying to say hi to everyone. It’s the...
There’s a moment that happens on almost every walk, and once you notice it, it’s hard to ignore. Your dog sees something—another dog, a person, a sound—and before they’ve even had time to fully process it, something shifts. Not in them, but in you. Your hand tightens around the leash. Your breath becomes shallow....