We have this ideal in our heads of all the places we want to take our dogs, all the roads to travel, all the woodlands to explore, all the pubs and cafes to visit, all the rivers to swim in, all the fields to roam.
We have this ideal in our heads of all the heads we want to turn walking with our dogs. Of the ahhhs and ooohs, of the “your pup is so sweet”. All the people we want to meet and talk about the marvels of living with a dog.
We have this ideal in our heads of all new friends we will have, all the play dates and the regulars at the dog park we will befriend. Of the trips we will take with our doggy friends, of the house sitting we will do for them and they will do for us. Of the walks with a dog pack and the chance to belong to a tribe of like minded humans.
We have this ideal in our heads of the perfect dog. The dog that listens to us, obeys us, is never too lethargic or too energetic, the dog that is happy in every scenario, that is present but not a burden. That is friendly but is also a guard of our home. That is playful but relaxes when we relax.
We have this ideal in our heads of dogs that are lounging next to us on pyjama days, of partners in crime and sharing burgers on cheat days. We have this ideal in our heads of a tail wagging happily upon our return home.
We have this ideal in our heads of all the training we will do once and ace. Of the silent communication we will have with our own dog, of them knowing what we want without us even talking.
Nowhere in our dreams about our ideal dog is the challenging dog.
No one dreams of the challenging dog.
Of the sensitive dog, of the fearful dog, of the dog that barks, growls or lunges, of the dog guarding resources, of the dog that pees and poops everywhere.
Of the dog that gets so freaked out by being alone that barks, screeches, howls, scratches and chews things up.
Of the dog that protests and fights us.
Of the dog that does not like being touched.
No one dreams of having to deal with these issues, yet all of the above are a probability when we decide to share our lives with a dog. Any dog. Yet, even more so with a rescue dog.
Asking the right questions before you adopt a rescue dog can help you understand better the dog you have in front of you.
You want to rescue a dog…Are you asking the right questions ?
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