Gotcha Day!

 It's time for the Gotcha Day recap!

Well, as I write this, Chise’s first Gotcha Day celebration is already behind us—but it’s time to relive it.

The day started like most others: my husband got up really early, let Chise out, she came back to bed, and he went to work. Meanwhile, I was on a Zoom call with my Mum and Chise added her usual charm to the call by demanding my attention, playing with her toys and napping. 

After the call, we embarked on our walk. Where we live now is so quiet. Although it was a colder day, it was beautiful—the sun shining, white crystals glistening on the trees, no breeze, and most importantly, lots of smells for Chise.

After our walk, she got one of her new toys!

And after mega zoomies...

We watched one of her favourite wildlife shows.

She fell asleep.

After a couple of hours of well earned sleep, she got a nice snack. 

I joined her in some of her hobbies, like window watching.

And because I had made her cake the day before, I could focus on making us all some food.

Behold! The pizzas! 

(If you’re the curious type, ours was homemade by me: sourdough stuffed crust, then pepperoni’d, cheesed, and spinach’d by my husband. Chise’s pizza had pumpkin, cheese, hot dogs, chicken, and was topped with a variety of her favourite treats—clearly the superior option.)

And because I know you are curious, here is our pizza all cooked:

It was delicious.

Chise's pizza was also a hit, judging from her very empty bowl: 

It was then time for dessert. 

CAKE!

Chise was the only one who got cake—I didn’t quite have the energy to make one for us too, but I did make lemon poppyseed muffins instead. (Her cake was a dog-safe mix of oat flour, peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, blueberries, and a few treats from a mini goodie bag courtesy of Bosley’s on Tabor.)

The cake was also a hit—and let me tell you the cutest part. Chise ate most of her “Ruv u” biscuit, but she left one piece and buried it in my blanket. This little piece:

My heart melted! 

I know she has no idea that the heart-shaped piece is what she buried on me, but the fact that she trusts me with her precious leftover snacks means so much to me. Being fully trusted by a dog is incredible, and I feel so honoured to have her in my life.

This was one fantastic year of Chise, with so many little moments that changed everything. I’ll be sharing a few of those lessons soon, so join me next time for that!

Thoughtfully written by Becky Osborne. If you enjoyed this and would like to support me further you can:
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The Day Before Gotcha Day

 

One year ago today, I was filled with anticipation.

At the time, I was dog sitting. It was our last day there, and my husband and I already knew that the very next day, we would be driving to the BCSPCA in Quesnel to meet a beautiful puppy who had travelled all the way from Prince Rupert.

From the moment I saw her picture, I felt she was meant to be mine (and my husband’s of course — but mostly mine, haha).

When we met her outside, she ignored her brother — who really wanted to play — and instead chose cuddles with us. That was it. We knew she was coming home.

Tomorrow marks one year since Chise came home.

A year ago today, we were standing right on the edge of beginning this chapter with her. And in a way, we’re standing in a similar place again now.

Tonight, as I write and schedule this (still in December!), we’re surrounded by boxes — things half-packed, half-cleaned, half-done. The home we brought Chise into feels unfamiliar, and so does my body. We’re tired, stretched thin, and trying to do far too much all at once.

By the time you’re reading this, we’ll be in a brand new place. New home, new surroundings, new sounds, new routines. Everything feeling unfamiliar again as we try to settle, decompress, and find our footing.

And honestly? That feels strangely fitting.

Because when a dog comes home — truly comes home — it’s very rarely perfectly timed. Even with preparation, things get missed. Life keeps happening. Often, dogs come home in the middle of other changes, in moments of uncertainty, when safety is something we are actively building rather than something we already have.

But one thing stays a constant truth. Dogs coming home always marks the beginning of a brand new chapter.

And oh, what a chapter that is.

Chise didn’t arrive into a calm, perfectly settled world, as much as I wish she had. But things were unsettled. We had only recently come home ourselves, things were a mess, and she arrived to us doing the very best we could. She was also coming from a dramatic start to life before us — something she is still recovering from at her own pace.

It was a huge change for all of us. A beautiful one. But there’s something important that often gets overlooked....

Change Is Hard — Even When It’s Good

Positive change is still change, and change is hard.

Both humans and dogs can struggle deeply with it, even when it’s something we want. We grow comfortable in our routines — even imperfect ones — and any disruption can be profoundly dysregulating.

Dogs are no different.

Though both humans and dogs are resilient, positive change can still tax the nervous system in significant ways.

For Chise and me, 2025 has been an incredibly trying year. We’ve navigated financial changes, work changes, health changes — everything felt hard, everything felt like a fight. Even now, as things finally begin to look up, we’re still adjusting.

Moving house. New routines. New smells. Different circumstances.

Even when nothing “bad” is happening, nervous systems notice.

We’re all struggling right now — Chise especially. She has faced many unexpected challenges during her time with us. No one’s fault of course. That's just life.

So if you’re in a similar boat, and your dog seems more sensitive, clingy, reactive, or unsettled, please remember: this isn’t a setback. It’s communication.

And if you feel exhausted, emotional, or like you’re falling behind — that matters too. It deserves care and attention. So please take some time to rest. That’s a lesson I’m still learning for myself. I know it's hard, I'm right there with you.

You Are Not Failing Your Dog

One of the most painful myths guardians carry is the belief that they must be calm, regulated, organised, and on top of everything at all times to be good enough.

But safety isn’t perfection.

Safety is meeting needs to the best of your ability.
It’s choosing kindness even when the world isn’t kind to you.
It’s allowing time to decompress.
It’s responding with empathy instead of resorting to punishment or negativity.

Safety is moving away from things that erode trust and instead choosing the things that build it.

That kindness — offered again and again — is what creates real security.

A Suggestion

If you’re in a season of change, especially one you didn’t choose, here’s a small invitation:

• Slow just one thing down

• Lower one training expectation

• Offer yourself and your dog one extra moment of kindness

If not for me, do it for Chise. She insists on it. 

See?

Tomorrow, my husband and I celebrate one year with Chise. We celebrate that time, not because everything is perfect, but because we kept choosing each other. We kept going through the mess, the exhaustion, and the constant change. And if you need another reason, Gotcha Days are just a beautiful concept. Dogs change our lives for the better, so celebrating them coming into our life is something wonderful and worthwhile. What's even more wonderful is also making that day special for them.

She used to be so little! 

Each year that comes, we will continue choosing each other for as long as we can.

Next time, I’ll share what we got up to on Chise’s Gotcha Day. So be sure to check back for some ideas you can use to celebrate your own dog’s special day too!

Thoughtfully written by Becky Osborne. If you enjoyed this and would like to support me further you can:
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Old to New: Moving Home with your Dog

Well, at the time of writing this, Chise, my Husband and I are in the middle of packing up to move home. I think we can all agree that moving house is a big deal.

Among all the stress that we humans have to suffer through, all the things we have to remember as well as changing address, buying new necessities and saying goodbye to old possessions. Of course there is also the emotional weight, old homes have memories and things we would love to hold on to. It could also be emotional in another way. Maybe you can't wait to leave that old place behind and experience a new start.  

For my husband and I, it's a mix of both of these things. Where we are at the time of writing has been his home for a long time, for me I've only been in here around 3 years. There are things we like and dislike about this little place, but we cannot wait to begin our fresh start. 

At the time of you reading this, we will be all moved in and settling into new routines. But for now, as I write this, all of that is to come. Of course, there is so much to do, but other than the practical physical things we need to take care of, Chise is at the centre of our thoughts. She is a sensitive, shy soul and right now has had a lot of exposure to uncontrollable triggers. More loud noises have cropped up, more people passing by, more disruption to routines — any of these things alone wouldn't bother her too much — but stack them together, and you have a verifiable storm of emotions.

Now add into that storm new smells, new sounds, new routines — and for her (and any of our dogs), very little explanation. While we understand that the chaos is temporary, our dogs only know that their familiar world is changing. Things they loved and enjoyed in old homes may be terribly missed, for a while, they may grieve. For sensitive dogs especially, this transition can feel overwhelming and unsafe.

Things To Look Out For

You might notice Regression in Behaviour, this may manifest as the following:

• Increased barking or vocalising

• Clinginess or difficulty settling

• Withdrawal or shutting down

• Toileting accidents

• Reactivity or behaviours you thought were resolved

This isn’t your dog being difficult. Put yourself in their paws so to speak. You are taken away from a place you were in every single day, sure, you're with people you love, but you are thrown into a new environment. You can't ask what's going on, you can't go back to where you were... that backyard you worked so hard on digging up and making smell like you is gone, your favourite window, now inaccessible. 

Your dog isn't purposefully misbehaving and it isn’t a training failure. It’s a nervous system responding to change, emotions are high and at this time, more than ever, your dog needs support.

So, what can be done to help?

Before the Move: Safety and Predictability

In the weeks leading up to a move, life often feels unsettled — and dogs pick up on that long before moving day arrives. During this time, try to keep daily routines consistent. Leave their toys and favourite bedding/bowls etc down until the last possible moment, so they aren't feeling lost.

Let your dog be involved as long as it's safe, let them sniff boxes, let them investigate and help in their own ways. (Chise likes to help me by sniffing boxes and playing with spare packing paper).

Use scent to help them, familiar smells of bedding and toys can be used now and in the new home (if accessible) to make the transition feel smoother.

On that note, if you are allowed access to the new home before moving, take your dog with you. Let them explore the new space at their own pace. If that isn't possible, then take some walks around the new neighbourhood. Simply mapping out the new area surrounding their new home can help dogs feel safer. (We have been fortunate enough to be able to access the surrounding area and yard to our new place. So although Chise hasn't yet been inside, she is very familiar with the surrounding area and gets very excited when we go there to set things up.)

Most importantly, now is not the time for introducing new training goals. Stick to simple things that are achievable. Lowering your expectations during this time can go a long way in understanding your dog and lowering stress for you both. 

Moving Day: This is NOT a Training Day

Well, Moving day is here. It's intense, it's noisy, it's brutally emotional and stressful. This is true for humans and our dogs.

For dogs, it’s noisy, unpredictable, and if you are using movers - full of unfamiliar people and movement. Expecting calm behaviour in this environment isn’t realistic, nor is it fair.

Supportive options include:

• Having your dog stay with a trusted friend or family member

• Setting up a quiet room away from doors, movers, and commotion

• Using familiar enrichment (sniffing, licking, chewing) rather than obedience tasks

• Prioritising rest over stimulation

If your dog struggles more than expected, that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Moving day is about management and compassion, not training progress.

After the Move: The Settling-In Period Matters

One of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of moving with a dog is the settling-in period. You might feel at home as soon as furniture is placed and belongings are unpacked. However, your dog doesn’t automatically feel at home just because the furniture is in place.

In the first days and weeks:

• Keep walks short, familiar, and pressure-free (if your dog doesn't feel safe enough to walk, don't push it, simply exploring yard space can be overstimulating enough for dogs under stress)

• Stick to activities your dog already finds comforting

• Allow extra sleep and downtime

• Re-establish simple routines before adding novelty

• Avoid visitors, busy outings, or big changes where possible

Think of this time as nervous system recovery, not getting back to normal as soon as possible.

As I mentioned above, Behavioural Regression Is Normal. It is also Temporary.

It’s extremely common for dogs to show regression after a move, this is also seen when dogs are adopted from kennels or a breeders home and they are adjusting to a new place.

Your Dogs skills that seemed infallible and solid before may become unreliable. Sensitivities and Reactivity may reappear. Your dog may need more distance, more reassurance, or more rest than usual. It isn't a permanent regression, it is an adjustment period that needs to be handled with care.

There is a well known rule known as the 3-3-3. 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months. The basic outline to this rule is as follows:

First 3 days — Safety & Regulation

• Your dog may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or shut down

• Hiding, reduced appetite, or withdrawal is common and normal

First 3 weeks — Empathy & Nurture

• Your dog starts to orient to daily rhythms and household flow

First 3 months — Exploration & Empowerment

• Your dog begins to feel more secure and at home

• Their personality and preferences become clearer

• Confidence grows as routines feel predictable and safe

Now, the important thing to remember is that the 3–3–3 framework is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. 

Captain Barbossa anyone? 

Every dog adjusts differently. Dogs with previous stress, trauma, or limited early support may need more time, anything from 6 months to a year or even more. Progress is not linear, and emotional support is vital during this time.

With time, consistency, and compassionate support, most dogs regain — and often exceed — their previous level of comfort once they feel safe again, especially if the new home is better suited to them. 

I for one know that our new home will be so much better for Chise once we are all settled in and feeling safe! But of course, it will take time.

A rough S.E.R.E.N.E. guide to support is:

3 days or more (Safety and Regulation)

• Offer a quiet, predictable safe space with food, water, and a comfortable bed

• Keep the environment calm and limit new demands or stimulation

• Gentle consistency and emotional steadiness help your dog begin to decompress

3 weeks or more (Empathy & Nurture)

• Focus on connection, routine, and low-pressure guidance

• Notice and reinforce behaviours that show relaxation, engagement, confidence or good things you want repeated

• Keep experiences simple, avoid rushing adjustment periods

3 Months or more (Exploration & Empowerment)

• Continue offering choice, consistency, and positive support

• Slowly expand your dog’s world at a pace that feels comfortable for them

Remember, go at your dogs pace. Be there for them, and if your dog is really struggling to adjust, speak to your Vet or your Force-Free Trainer for help. 

Reframing Expectations

If your dog seems more sensitive after a move, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed them. It means:

• They’re processing a big change

• They need support

• They trust you enough to show their feelings

• They need time, not pressure

Moving home is a transition — for all of you. So prioritize connection, safety, and patience, everything else can wait. If you're moving (like we are) the stress will pass, you've got this, and everything will be ok. 

Thoughtfully written by Becky Osborne. If you enjoyed this and would like to support me further you can:
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Easing back in

And just like that, the holidays are over. We're past the start of January and reality is sinking in, All those well meaning new year resolutions may already be feeling tiring. That's because after the holidays, it’s common for both dogs and humans to feel a little unsettled. Routines shift, energy levels fluctuate, and nervous systems need time to settle back down from overstimulation. 

If things feel slower than you expected right now, or you feel more sluggish, be assured that nothing has gone wrong — this is a normal part of transition. In Winter time our bodies naturally want to rest more and things take a lot more energy. Here in Prince George we are also battling the elements, and some people are longing for the snow to go and for summer to be back. (I however, being from snow deprived England am enjoying all the snow!)

What about your dog? Are they feeling sensitive? Are they feeling lazy? Or are they rearing to go and you're struggling to keep up? 

No matter what may be going on with you or them, ethical, compassionate training can help. It doesn’t rush the recovery process. In fact, it can help you move towards goals in a natural way. It can take the pressure off and make things more stable. 

Starting slow is still a start, and a slow start can help ease you into a new routine of life and training after the holidays. Let's start this subject by discussing this next subheading:

Why Easing Back Matters

As I mentioned, over winter time and routine changes, our nervous system doesn’t switch back to normal overnight. The same is true of our dogs. Stress — even stress that motivates us — tends to stack up, and both humans and dogs need time to recover and recalibrate. If we don't give ourselves and our dogs some grace, problems happen. We're less able to cope, and then our dogs feed off that, we then feed off them and we get stuck in a vicious circle of not feeling safe and honestly, being self destructive. Frustration gives way to overwhelm and burnout rather than anything positive or restorative.

Learning happens best when bodies (and their intricate systems) feel safe, settled, and supported. When we rush recovery or expect immediate productivity, we’re often working against regulation rather than with it. Slowing down isn’t a setback, it’s part of creating stability. So, what can be done? Let's start with our four pawed furry friends.

Attention to Dogs 

You might notice changes with your dog at this time of year too. Some dogs feel more sensitive or can even be reactive after the holidays. Others seem sluggish, disengaged, or content to rest more. Some may feel recharged and ready to go, leaving guardians feeling like they can’t quite keep up. Whatever their behaviour may be, keep in mind that it isn't stubbornness or disobedience, it is communication. 

So, what is your dog telling you? Are they in need of decompressing activities to support their nervous and emotional systems? Or do they need more challenges to ease that gnawing unsettled ache inside?

All of these behavioural and emotional responses are valid. Just like us, dogs experience transitions differently, and their behaviour is often a reflection of how they are coping. As such, it can be an indicator of pain or discomfort, if they are acting a little off, there is always a reason why.

If your dog needs decompression, consider some of these activities:

• Slow, calm walks or sniffing adventures

• Interactive (but not intense) play that lets them burn off some nervous energy

• Chews or toys that allow them to self-soothe

• Quiet rest in a safe, soothing space

If they need slightly more engaging challenges to help redirect their energy, you can try:

• Familiar signals/cues or tricks revisited in short sessions - then challenge them if they want to learn more

• Challenging puzzle toys or food-dispensing games

• Good physical exercise that caters to their breed instincts

• Structured enrichment activities that provide mental stimulation

By observing your dog and responding thoughtfully, you actively help your dog regulate themselves and aid them in feeling safe. If you stay connected with them even during periods of change or uncertainty, that goes a long way in helping you and them to recover.

Small adjustments in how you structure their day can make a big difference. With a little creativity, you can turn everyday mundane moments into supportive opportunities and natural learning.

Easing back into training doesn’t mean stopping altogether — it simply means choosing gentle re-entry points. If you read my last blog, I suggested some goals to think of, (not too dissimilar from the pointers above) but I also placed an emphasis on not tackling things all at once. Breaking things down into smaller steps is a great strategy that helps reach bigger goals you set further down the road. 

Easing back into training may look like shorter training sessions, revisiting familiar skills instead of introducing new challenges, or focusing more on enrichment and decompression than structured learning. It can also mean lowering your expectations, observing more, and allowing rest to be productive. Walks may be slower. Progress may seem insignificant, but that doesn’t mean nothing is happening.

Conclusion

You’re not falling behind, because training your dog isn't a race. Taking time to address emotional needs isn't weakness. It's a necessity for you and your dog. Ethical, compassionate training values compassion and nervous system regulation over urgency. It also values long-term wellbeing over quick fixes.

In fact, when you make time for these important things, meeting your dogs needs physically and emotionally, negative or inappropriate behaviours can naturally decrease. 

So meet yourself — and your dog — where you are today, not where you think you should be. With patience, consistency, and compassion you will work together and enjoy a bond and training journey that is full of joy and unforgettable memories. 

Thoughtfully written by Becky Osborne. If you enjoyed this and would like to support me further you can:
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