I believe that each of us has it within us to be whatever we chose to be in this life. That goes for our career, but it also goes for who we are as people. When I found this meme, I actually got goose bumps. It's like this guy perfectly described what I couldn't for how I do what I do. I'm not a magician, a natural or blessed with God-given talent. I don't give up on a dog, unless you do. I'll fight for your buddy, as long as you are willing to. That's how you help a dog. I'm obsessed.

When I started the journey of overcoming my past trauma, I figured it would take a few weeks, maybe months, tops, to hash it out and move on. Nope. So much Nope. Three years later I finally have a solid grasp on what behaviours of mine were not truly me, and how to battle past my reactions that had become habit. I can now look at my emotions and make the connection of why I feel this way. I'm on the other side of all the confusion, and it's a weird place to be. But all of this happened because I refused to give up on how to "fix" myself. I became obsessed with finding peace. Worth it! Worth every single minute.

What's your obsession?

It's funny how you find answers in the places you're seeking to get away from the questions for awhile. I went to my yoga studio today to just find some calm. I wanted some clarity on a few situations, and I knew that started with finding my balance. Just breathing again.

That's when it hit me that bringing breathing into dog training had always been very natural for me, but maybe it was the missing link for others. Maybe you have a problem dog, or can't seem to jive with a new pup. I get these queries all the time, they've tried "everything", and it's just not happening. So I began asking what happens when you breathe? Well, let me tell you, that weirds people out. It needs more explanation than just a curious mind pondering if breath can make a difference. So let me try to explain through a series of those curious questions.

Take yourself to that moment, you know which one. Your dog is being a fool on the end of the leash. Maybe it's barking wildly at another animal, or just off in its own play world and not listening to a word you say. Now go inward. What's it feel like there? Are your arms tense, shoulders taking all the stress? Hands gripping the leash? Is your chest tight and looking for relief? Are you holding your breath? Maybe wasting that breath instead on repeated commands or trying to convince Fluffy to please, please just listen. I've been there, in fact I've been SO there that I've stormed off in a huff, often just dragging the dog away from the situation. That certainly didn't help.

Once I started bringing my yoga practice to the field, everything changed. I connected to animals. All of them, not just the dogs I am working. Now I find myself trying to bring my field practice to the mat when my mind begins to wander. I tell myself, just breathe.

So next time you find yourself struggling, with your dog or your life, try asking yourself those questions. Are you tense? How does that chest feel? Ok, deep breath. And again. Just breathe until you can tell yourself you've got this. Because you do. All that you have inside you, is enough.

Trying to work with my horses at a new farm, I often get the ah-ha! moment of what it must be like for new dog owners. I am a first time horse owner, and often I'm put directly in the shoes of how frustrating it can be to know what you want out of an animal, but not know how to get there.

Trying to bring connection and humanity back into my work, I have had to really slow down and watch what owners are feeling, through their actions, language, and movements. I see their confidence wither away holding the leash of a 20lb dog. I feel their agitation at commands being ignored. I experience their frustration, surprise and struggle, right along beside them. But there often comes a moment when it clicks for the handler. A slight moment in time, that you'll miss if you're not looking. Suddenly their gate becomes swifter, their eyes shine a little brighter, and a smile soothes the tight lines that once created a furrowed brow. They begin to become in tune with their dog, understand their body language. And understand themselves a little better.

This is the moment I feel that we all long for not only as owners, but as human beings as well. To feel connected, at ease, and just generally comfortable. Comfortable with the world around us, our relationships, and ourselves.

For every handler/canine pair, it can be very different what each seeks out of the relationship with their dogs. But one thing remains the same; they all seek connection. A bond. And an understanding. And I believe we can all achieve it, if we are patient enough and dedicated.

So where does it begin? For me, it began with love and forgiveness. Mostly forgiveness of myself, for the mistakes I have made and the ones I am sure to make again. Then, by loving myself and my animals enough to begin again. Maybe try a new way, or quietly sitting together today instead of pushing too far. Just existing together, and realizing that how I am, will affect how they are. And then to start honouring that connection, within myself and outward.