The Real Deal About Resilience in Dogs: It’s More Than You Think

G’day folks! If you’ve been with me on this journey before, you know we’ve dug into F.E.A.R and how we can help our dogs to face life’s challenges head-on. But today, let’s talk about what resilience really means for our four-legged mates.

What Resilience Isn’t

You might think resilience is about being tough, never feeling pain, or shrugging off the tough stuff. But it ain’t that at all! Resilience is about experiencing, feeling, failing, hurting, falling, and then dusting yourself off and keeping going. Our dogs? They’re the same as us!

Recognising Fear: It’s a Start, Not the End

When your dog is afraid, it’s not the end of the world. It’s the start of a new journey. Fear is a part of life, and we need to help our dogs face it, not run from it. Understanding and acknowledging that fear helps them grow stronger.

Falling Down? Get Up Again!

Ever see a pup stumble and fall, then bounce back up, tail wagging? That’s what resilience is all about. Mistakes, failures, and falls happen to the best of us – and our dogs. But what makes you resilient is getting back up and giving it another go.

Persistence: It’s a Dog’s Life

Training a dog ain’t always a walk in the park. There are ups and downs, twists and turns. But keep at it, stay patient, and be persistent. I believe Confidence is linked to competence, as both ends of the leash learn and grow; you both will become more confident.

Building Bonds: More Than Just Training

Helping your dog become resilient is more than just training. It’s about building a relationship, understanding their feelings, teaching them they have power over their choices and being there for them through thick and thin. A resilient dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog means a happy owner.

Let’s Keep Rising Together

Resilience in dogs ain’t just a buzzword. It’s about feeling, falling, and failing, but never giving up. You and your dog can grow, learn, and rise above anything together. So, next time your pup faces a challenge, remember: resilience means going through the tough stuff and coming out the other side stronger.