New View Dog Training

What is structure?

Too often we're told to "add more structure" as if that will solve all of our dog's behavioural problems. But what does that mean?

Structure is much more than a laundry list of things to check off:
- sitting before walking out the door,
- making eye contact before eating a meal,
- walking your dog daily)
In fact, structure is better described as a WAY OF LIFE with our dogs.

I describe structure in the following way:

1. Knowing what's expected of your dog.

This can often be the hardest piece! I encourage my students to ask themselves what they would like their dog to be doing at any given moment: when you're cooking or eating food, when you're relaxing or working from home, or when you're out and about in the world.

2. Communicating what's expected to your dog.

In this communication comes training, repetition and lots and lots of reinforcement.

and, 3. Following through on what you've asked.

And this, my friends, is where structure becomes a way of life.

While this may seem like a lot TO DO, sometimes structure is more about creating environments where you don't actually have to do much at all.

What does structure mean to you?

Do you celebrate your dog on Valentine's day - your loyal shadow through life's ups and downs?

How do you celebrate your dog on Valentine's day? A cake? Cookie? Juicy bone?

Instead of thinking of what you can get your dog, why don't we think about what we could do with our dogs to celebrate our bond and relationship.

A trip to the beach, a long walk along the gorge, a hike up mount work, a training session in a field, am intense play session, being present with your dog.

Spending dedicated time with your 4-legged life partner is just the Valentine's day love that I'll be giving.

It's one thing to train a dog for perfection. It's another thing to nurture a personality, enrich a life, encourage positive choices and strengthen a connection.

Here's to the end of 2022 and the start of 2023.
To speak to the year past:
This past year was like riding the wave after the storm. I've gone through a lot of healing, a lot of reflection, and a lot of prioritizing my mind and body.
This new years eve marked the fourth anniversary of my mother's passing. Every year has been challenging, but this year in particular. Victoria was where she was born and raised, and I feel her spirit here. I miss her.
To speak to the new year:
While I've newly discovered that I'm somewhat triggered by new years resolutions, I do have a personal resolution that I'd like to share.
I want to make decisions that prioritize my mental and physical health and happiness in life and business.
And with all that, I am excited for the year to come, and excited to share some new content and events with everyone.
To a new view in a new year,
Holly

Perfection isn't the point.
Understanding, connecting, playing, growing, feeling and experiencing each moment.
That should be the point.