Fear not, friends! Don’t be deceived by the title! Perhaps you already know me well enough to know I’d never attempt a how-to on dog training. That said, it’s no secret how much I love my dog and you probably figured it was only a matter of time before I wrote a post about her. I was fortunate enough to quite literally welcome a pre-trained dog on my doorstep. In regards to discipline, things have probably only grown more lax from that very moment. Colden’s been busy living her best princess life ever since. Suits us both just fine.
Here’s the thing: my dog’s taught me a thing or two during our year and a half together, and she happens to be super clued in to what really counts in life. Utilizing what I think must be the most beautiful teaching style: a calm, gentle manner, clear directives, and incredible consistency, she’s been the one training me.
Turns out Colden makes a pretty great hearth sister. I thought I’d share some of her lessons with you.
1. Be playful, childlike
I love Colden’s spontaneity. One moment, she’s out cold snoozing. The next, we’re up and at ‘em! Put a ball in the chuck-it, and her 10 year old wise soul transforms into puppy mode before you can wind up for the throw. Despite the fact that she’s fetched that very ball no fewer than 4,986,271 times, she pursues it like she’s experiencing the game for the very first time. Lake time? Feels like Christmas morning. A new trail to explore? Can’t wag that tail fast enough. Colden sees and sniffs her world with childlike curiosity and enthusiasm and it’s the best.
2. Patience
Colden is currently curled up at my feet, giving the appearance of rest mode. I know better. She’s come downstairs to signal that it’s time for our morning adventure on the trails. She just knows it might be a moment, because her human is doing very important work on her laptop. She doesn’t whine, doesn’t fuss, just periodically shifts between sitting up and lying down, inhaling and exhaling with varying degrees of, is it time yet? Hello?
In fact, I may have to pause things right here, because it is time to hit the trails! Be right back.
Two of the OG hearth sisters, answering the call of the trail. Tail wags and smiles all round!
3. Loyalty
Ok, where were we? It’s no secret that a dog is a (wo)man’s best friend. I’m on the road a lot, and does she ever ask where I’ve been? Ask why I was gone so long? Sure, she gets mopey when I bring out the suitcase, but she welcomes me home with the same amount of enthusiasm every single time. Though she loves people, she activates her pseudo protector mode every single time she hears wheels rolling up the gravel driveway (I say pseudo because despite her menacing growl and loud bark, she’s always thrilled to see whoever it is by the time she reaches them).
4. Be all in, be present
Colden’s a lab, so there’s no question she’s focused when it’s mealtime. Whatever she’s doing, she’s all in. Her ability to exist in the now, to be fully present, is one of my favourite things about her.
5. Intuition
Colden knows when I need some extra lovin’. Changes in my tone of voice while on the phone or in conversation, or those mornings when it takes a little extra effort to get out of bed, she simply situates herself at my side, quietly supporting. Colden just knows.
6. Love everybody.
We’re working on how she feels about other dogs, but Colden loves every human she meets, and I think that’s more than most of us can say. She greets people of all ages, shapes, sizes, political leanings, and nationalities with the same eager expectation, trust, and friendly wag.
7. Know how to receive, accept love
Colden is queen at self-care. In her world, “treat yourself” isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for her lab tummy. Ok, maybe she’s just been conditioned after many visits to grandma and grandpa’s house! She’s a gracious recipient, though. Tail wags, appreciative nuzzles. She knows how to take five (ok, several hours) and remove herself politely to the bedroom upstairs when it’s bedtime or nap time. She doesn’t stay there forever, though. She proactively surrounds herself with people she loves and leans in to affection and snuggles. Ear scratch? She’ll take it, thank you very much. Belly rub? Sweet spot. Under the chin? Jackpot.
8. Fresh air is always a good idea.
Girl knows it’s always a good time to get outside. Beach, forest, or mountain, she’s not picky.
Of course, none of these are rocket science. We just get so caught up in life, we sometimes forget to take it back to the basics. Maybe you have a furry friend to remind you, too.
-Ali
