Embracing Patience: Lessons from My Retrievers

When I first became a dog owner, I used to get anxious if my dog did something "wrong" which essentially meant anything I didn’t want them to do. This mindset led to a lot of unnecessary stress, for both me and my dogs.

When Bella joined our family, she had a knack for picking things up around the house. Our immediate reaction? Panic. Especially from Joey, who was only 10 at the time. His instinct was to chase her down, which played right into her plans; turning it into a fun game for her.

But as time went on, I began to shift my perspective. Bella, like many retrievers, has an innate desire to carry things. It’s in her nature to retrieve. Instead of seeing this as misbehavior, I realized I needed to teach her how to bring things to me properly and to let go when asked. Even now, when Moses grabs my favorite pair of boots and gives them an impromptu chew session, I remind myself: he’s still learning. And honestly, so am I.

The biggest takeaway from this journey? Less freaking out, more learning, and a whole lot of patience. It’s not just a mantra for dog training; it’s a life lesson we can all benefit from.

Sandy