Auntie Al’s Dog Training Services
A Gentle Touch - Outstanding Results
604-868-0341
Alix Balfour - Trainer
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Auntie Al’s Dog Training Services A Gentle Touch - Outstanding Results 604-868-0341 Alix Balfour - Trainer
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Love and Compromise Before Chico came into my life I was an active person, on the go all the time. I had my training business and a private dog walking service which kept me moving. I also walked for myself and rode my bike a lot, roaming around town, working out, running errands, going to see people. I had an active social life, going to concerts, movies, gatherings. All of that came to a screeching halt with Chico’s arrival. I knew going in that owning a dog would require a shift in my scheduling and I knew that Chico in particular was going to need some extra hands on but I was completely unprepared for how distraught he was and how much of my life was going to have to be surrendered. I trusted that I could “train him to the other side” but there was no way of knowing how long that was going to take. It turned out to be two years for the worst stuff and infinity for the fine tuning. We’re not done yet. I believe this is the lesson that all parents learn, no? That no matter how much guidance you give, how much knowledge you share, no matter how old your “child” gets, you’re never absolved of responsibility. Like Jason Robards says to Steve Martin in the movie ‘Parenthood’ about the struggle of being a dad, “It never ends, it just never ends.” I miss my old life very much but if the clock turned back and I was given the opportunity to change my decision about adopting Chico, I wouldn’t. As joyous and fun as my free-styling life was, nothing can match the reward of bringing joy and fun, peace and contentment to another’s life. Given Chico’s mental and emotional state when I adopted him, it’s quite likely that I saved him from the doggy gallows as his destructive aggressive behaviors would have defeated his chances of being successfully adopted. Are you in a bad place with your dog? There are answers, there is a way out, it can get better. You may have to restructure your personal life in order to achieve your goals but the love your dog will give you in return will more than make up for the compromise. |
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