Positive Reinforcement Only, doesn't exist.

I know, I know, that's not what you wanted to hear. It's not what society wants to hear. But I challenge any trainer to rewire a truly aggressive dogs behaviour, with only positive reinforcement. Then I will change my mind.

I do believe that it is our moral and ethical responsibility to begin with positive reinforcement. Always. With MOST dogs this will be more than enough, likely for the remainder of the dogs life, if introduced properly, at an impressionable stage of the dog's life, consistently. Good luck.

Now, before things get outta hand, I'm not promoting corrections, physical abuse or whatever deranged torture procedure you have concocted in your imagination already. I'm promoting real life. Real circumstances. And real changes. If putting an aggressive dog down is the answer, then I respect that, for that situation. I'm sure people don't come to this decision lightly, and I know for sure the law doesn't. But if someone comes to me with the desire and commitment of NOT putting their dog down, and trying instead to incorporate strategies into their life to make the dog's life comfortable and manageable, then I'm game for whatever it takes. Short of obvious abuse methods. I can't believe I even have to say that, but someone will inevitably come back with something along the lines of, "so you're like gonna beat a dog to make it stop biting, good idea." No. What is a good idea? Research. Then research again before you call yourself a trainer. Anyone can these days. But I find the ones worth your dime, are the ones that want to meet your dog first before they can even begin to recommend a training regimen. It's our responsibility as owners, and trainers, to look out for the best interests of your dog. If someone wants to start with harsh corrections, stop and think. And if someone wants to throw cookies at the problem, stop and think. We need to become open to the idea of balance. Balance within ourselves, and balance within our training.

Let's talk about Humane Education for a minute. Treating all living things with respect, and acknowledging that all life has value.

I'd like to bring that back into the work place. And I guess that means it starts with me. But I have the amazing gift of all those who have gone before me. To practice their life lessons, and start to bring humans back into importance.

Each and every one of us, we are important because of our stories. And not one story is more important than another.

So in this online course I am taking by Brené Brown, we are asked to write our Daring Manifesto. I knew that my answers to the questions, became my manifesto. And that they extended far past my personal life, and inevitably must spill over into my work life in order to live authentically. So here it is, my Daring Manifesto to the world, and most importantly, to myself.

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The values that guide me in my effort to show up and be seen are...integrity, connection, truth, love and trust.

I stand for...giving back to others, so they may see the truths in themselves.

I am most curious about...how I will change myself and the world around me by having the bravery to live courageously.

I must do something about...mental illness and others search for peace, self acceptance, and following their own path. I must use my experience with canines to guide this dream.

I am most passionate about...dogs. Passing on the unconditional and healing relationship between man and canine.

I have the courage to...be myself. Say and do the things that are important and relevant to my journey. I also have the courage to bring this vulnerability into my work.

I love...passion. The drive to know, do and be, better.

In my heart of hearts I...just want to feel like I am worthy. That I have, and am, enough.

I am on this planet to...teach. And inspire. And learn!

I will love myself by...taking time to fulfill my own mental, physical and spiritual needs.

I will dare greatly by...allowing others on this journey with me as equals, support, love, teachers, students and trust.

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I left the question part of many answers in as apart of my manifesto because I feel that they are all important questions. And I want to challenge all of you to answer them for yourselves, and write your own Daring Manifesto.

Love and kindness to you all.

Today I decided to buy a scrub brush. For my hands.

It feels good to be back working with nature, and getting my hands dirty, quite literally. I finally took a good look at my hands in the shower today, and I saw that although I was washing the surface, the grit ran deep into the new cracks, calluses, and nicks. I spent a good 15 minutes scrubbing my hands clean. Actually clean.

A deep sense of gratitude washed over me. I felt clean, like a new slate. Going out and being the person I want to be. Closing the gap between talking the talk, and walking the walk.

I finally have the freedom to be exactly who I want to be. I suppose I always had it, but today, I acknowledge the step towards that person. I will fail. I will struggle. And I will make many mistakes. But I will also win. I will also accomplish. And I will also do better.

So it may be another week before my hands are this clean again, but I will smile the smile of joy, at the little things.

I love this new life. I'm finally home.

Sitting there with my youngest gsd, doing yoga in the middle of absolute nowhere, surrounded by the sound of birds settling in for the evening and the soft rush of the river just below our site is where it all became pretty clear.

In the moments coming out of postures I saw a couple walking by with their dog, headed for the river. A pair of plaid jacketed men walking up the path, tackle box and line in hand, and worries left behind. The horses quietly finishing the last of their dinner in their stalls, tired from a day of climbing mountains, looking for hidden water falls. The dogs, also exhausted after an afternoon packed with new smells and their own mountains to climb.

This was it. The life. If I never went home, this would be "the life" people talked about. At least it was for me. Then I thought about home. I had the life there too. Sport dogs to train, horses to roam with and a piece of land to call my own. I didn't need more than that.

A passion for dogs, fuelled by the passion of others who had the same kind of drive to make dogs their careers and livelihoods caused an enormous urge to drive forward. Seek more knowledge, be grateful for today and never ever look back when you've found something you love.

Returning to the mountains always resets my soul.

What resets yours? Got your image? Ok, good. Now go get it.