3 Things I Want To Help My Audience With

In my eyes dogs, for the lucky ones of us, are one of life’s greatest educators. A species that couldn’t be happier living by our side, living in every moment these balls of fur walk with us through the magical journey that is life.

Even though I had a family of 3 younger brothers, I always wanted a dog, who didn’t as a child?! I was always envious of my friends who were lucky enough to have their lives brightened up by a dog but I would never turn down any opportunity to see these four legged gremlins.

Fast forward to my late 20’s and I stumbled across my partner in crime, Jasper, and what ended up becoming the most humbling journey I would walk, but at least I wasn’t alone.

I always imagined having a dog being going on big hikes, off leash walks, taking my dog everywhere, things that I always saw dog owners and my friends doing.

When I got Jasper I did not expect dog reactivity, overstimulation and anxiety. I quickly found that all the things I dreamed of having a dog may not happen with Jasper and I learned the humbling lesson that sometimes you don’t get the dog you want, sometimes you get the dog you need.

Why Start A Blog?

I’ve always wanted to start writing, purely for the community, there’s only so much you can talk about your dog to people before they start wishing they never asked. In a community things are different, you have a group of like-minded dog nerds all wanting to share stories, tips, photos etc.

Along with community, this blog is a resource of things that I’ve found useful with Jasper, an anxious and also reactive dog. I’ve taken courses in various areas including dog behaviour just to help Jasper but I’d also like to share that information in case anyone else finds themselves in the same position (I know I could have done with knowing I wasn’t alone at the start of my journey).

Finally I want this blog to be a place of hope. As mentioned even though Jasper wasn’t the dog I wanted due to behavioural issues, he was the dog I needed but it took me a while to realise that and I truly believe my stubbornness wouldn’t let me quit on him and that’s why we’re where we are. I also know people aren’t as stubborn as me though (I’ve been told), I know it’s hard dealing with a dog with issues and that’s what I want this blog to help with – somewhere I can give stories, things I’ve learned, how I’ve dealt with things and so forth, a place for hope.

3 Core Pillars

This blog is for any pet dog owner, there is something for everyone here but these are 3 core pillars of this blog….

• Basic obedience, care and training tips

I’ve learned a lot on my journey with Jasper and it’s become an obsession and instead of keeping it to myself I thought I’d share it for others who may be of need of it, so this shall be a place where I will share interesting things I’ve read, heard and tried myself, a little hub of information.

• Learning to live with a reactive/anxious dog

Firstly, this is for those of us that are living with these dogs with big feelings. It took me a while to realise that life works differently from normal dog ownership. Find out what really helped me dealing with Jasper and his “quirks”.

• Being part of a community

A place to realise you are not alone, whether you have a dog with issues or not, even if you’re just a dog lover without a dog. A place to share stories, tricks and tips, resources. I want this to become the kind of community to keep others motivated in their journey of life wherever they may be, a place where you may find things that can help make life smoother for you and your dogs.

Final Thoughts

I am super excited for you to take a glimpse into our life however momentarily it may be. I hope this blog can not only help you and your dog live a smoother and fulfilling life, but I hope it can also open your eyes to what our dogs are also capable of teaching us about life, the world and ourselves.