What do we owe our dogs?

Everything.

Our dogs make our lives better in a myriad of ways.

In my life, they're my adventure buddies, always up for trying something new. They keep me company and keep me safe on our travels.

They're my partner in a variety of sports. They pull the heavy thing because I ask them. They find the hidden scent for me. They work with me (mostly, haha) in the rally and obedience ring.

They walk into a ring that's only there to judge them, something I'd be loathe to do, all because I ask them to.

All my dogs were purpose bred with care. They were beloved before they drew their first breath. I didn't save them from anything, but they save me every day.

For all that, for a being that would give you anything you asked and anything you needed. What do we owe them?

Every 👏 thing. What does that actually mean?

We owe them...

An Enriched Life.

Too often, dogs’ natural behaviours are at odds with that their owner wants. Dogs are asked to be quieter, calmer, to be....less.

Let them be more.

More bounce, more bark.

I'm not saying dogs shouldn't have limits or manners, of course they should. But that needs to be balanced with ample opportunities to be themselves. And to be dogs.

Dogs like to dig and bark and chew. So let them. Not chewing your couch, but chewing a safe and appropriate toy or treat. Not digging up your plants, but digging in the snow or a designated digging area.

Let them sniff on walks. Find opportunities for them to run free (safely).

Honour who they are instead of always asking them to be diminished.

(At least some) Autonomy.

When I started in dog sports my options were an old version of flyball (with a swing arm!), obedience, agility, or conformation. Today? The options are endless. From tricks to dock diving to weight pull to scentwork and beyond.

Choose something you AND your dog enjoy. That doesn't mean every time you step on the line it's the best time you've both ever had. You'll likely need to work through some stress or challenges or confidence or something at some point, but your dog should be having fun in competition and they should CERTAINLY be having fun in training.

Danger and Murdie are adamant they're water soluble. Dock diving won't be their sport. But they both have an unbelievably keen nose and are amazing scent dogs.

Random thinks weight pull is stupid. But she *loves* rally. She'll do whatever I ask her. So my job is to make sure I'm asking her to do something enjoyable and fulfilling for her, too. Not just for me.

Make 👏 Their 👏 Dreams 👏 Come 👏 True.

Refurbishing our surprise pool was a labour of love by the other half of Bedlam. For me, but also love for the dogs who love to swim. Watching Random's absolute pure JOY as she chased her ball and swam *while* the pool was being filled for the first time made all that effort worth it.

And if the day comes that they can no longer do the thing *you* valued most, don't fail them now. Find a new way to ensure they are cherished and enriched.

They'd do anything for you. Make sure you return the favour.