Here are some things I’d like everyone to know about my sensitive dog — when you see us training out in public, or when you catch me tearing up because she felt comfortable enough to play in a new place, or when you stumble upon a reel from your Instagram explore page, or however else you cross our path.
TLDR: Instagram post visual summary
I wasn’t expecting a dog like this.
But I’m really thankful for everything we’ve learned together. Because of my sensitive dog, I’m more empathetic and thoughtful. She’s taught me about ownership specifics like canine body language and reward markers and associative learning… and broad life things like resilience, self awareness, and love.
We’ve put in a lot of work.
A lot. Sometimes our training has been exciting…. other times it’s been exhausting. While we still have our share of struggles, they are not for a lack of trying. We are not weak, or lazy, or hopeless. We are doing our best day in and day out.
We’ve needed a lot of help.
My sensitive dog and I wouldn’t be here today without a massive support network, our lucky web of cheerleaders both big and small — some who know they were an integral part of our journey and some who might not even realize we exist. There are so many opportunities for connection and small incremental change.
My dog’s feelings are valid.
Just because I don’t think she “should” be scared of something doesn’t mean it’s that easy. Her experience and worries are real. Human logic, understanding, and social norms aren’t always the end all be all.
Yes, I push my dog to grow!
No, I won’t ignore her signs of discomfort or force her into uncomfortable situations without support and a clear goal in mind. These things are not mutually exclusive. We can strike a healthy balance of progress without unbearable pressure.
My sensitive dog is happy.
Our life doesn’t always look like friends’ or neighbors’ — but it’s still a good one. We’ve come so far. On the average, we’re both fulfilled. We enjoy each other more than we experience conflict. There are more things we can do than things we can’t (at least the things we actually want to do, anyway). That’s what matters most!
My sensitive dog is loved.
That love shows up as all the sweet moments and soft affection — and as the hard stuff, too. Asking questions. Assessing risk. Recovering from setbacks. Setting everyone up for success. Swallowing my pride. Planning carefully. Allocating resources.
My sensitive dog isn’t just one thing.
She’s so much more than just sensitive. She is brave. Playful. Funny. Sweet. Intelligent. Energetic. Goofy. Delightful. My best friend.
And I am so much more than just the owner of a sensitive dog, too.
