For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a better runner.
I hate running. I suck at it and have for years. I have a fairly extensive background in fitness and, for as long as I can remember, I tried to force myself into running. And it’s not that I just mentally hate it…my body hates it. It hurts, and not in a good way. I’m just not built for it, never was, never will be.
I also wish I could be a better artist. But, sadly, my drawings are nothing more than goofy animals with big bubble eyes and smiley faces.
Nope, I never will be an artist OR a runner. But there are plenty of other things that I AM good at. Things that not only am I interested in, but things that just come naturally to me. We all have those things. Some of us are born to be runners, artists, musicians, athletes, programmers or writers. We are have a natural predisposition to something that drives us, that fuels our fire, that leaves us feeling whole, more alive…more like US.
Your dog is no different.
How many of you have said, “I wish my dog would run and play and be friends with all the dogs at the dog park”? Only to have your dog stick to your side or rather play with the ball than the other dogs. You encourage him to go run and “make friends” to no avail…he stick to your side, nosing the ball at you.
Love the one you’re with (cue soundtrack). Train the dog you have, not your ideal or the one you wish you had. Love and respect him for who and what he is. Understand what motivates your dog, what makes your dog happy. Get to REALLY know your dog. Learn about his breed. When you discover what truly drives your dog, you’ll see a light switch on. And when it does, you’ll be able to help your dog be the best dog that he can possibly be.