Why isn't my dog perfect? Dog Training Milton Ontario

Perfection, as defined in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary:

1:  the quality or state of being perfect: as

     a :  freedom from fault or defect :  flawlessness

     b :  maturity

     c :  the quality or state of being saintly 

 

2   a :  an exemplification of supreme excellence

     b :  an unsurpassable degree of accuracy or excellence 

 

So, let's ask the question again; why isn't my dog perfect?

 

Well, to answer honestly we, as humans are not perfect, so I often wonder why so many desire supreme perfection from their canine companions. To say we want perfect dogs is a flawed statement. A better ideal to strive for is "I want the perfect dog for me". The difference in the wording is this; the perfect dog for me will still have flaws, but I can live with and tolerate those flaws because the dog fits my lifestyle, family and goals so well. 

 

Because each dog is different, has a unique temperament, a different learning curve and different physical abilities, we need to understand that perfection is impossible, but finding or achieving the perfect dog for me is not impossible.

In pushing our dogs to meet the definition of perfection (supreme excellence, without fault or defect), we loose sight of relationship, which is so much higher on the ladder of importance when dealing with our family dogs. Pushing for perfection in your dogs ultimately sets you up for failure, because there is no such thing as a perfect dog. Stress ensues and relationships breakdown. When the relationship breaks down you loose communication and trust which, in turn, will put a damper on any forward momentum in your training.

 

So instead of focusing on trying to make your dog perfect, as in free from fault or defect, focus on the relationship, the good points, and of course, make sure to train your dog which increases communication ability, and developes a better bond. Not only will this help build a better, healthier relationship, but it will help shape the perfect dog for you.

Note: This is not the same as perfect scores in dog sports, but building a better relationship, and minimizing the intense desire to acheive absolute perfection in your dog can actually help performance scores - think stress relief.

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