1. Be open to exploration.
Every day, Chise chases a new scent. She follows the flight path of birds, dives through deep snow, and plunges into unfamiliar smells, sounds, and sights with a bravery that is genuinely awe-inspiring. Yet she isn’t careless. She keeps an eye on her surroundings, occasionally scanning for potential threats, but she doesn’t let fear or wariness stop her from experiencing the beauty of the world around her.
2. Slow down.
This is something that Chise excels at, and this links into my last point. Though Chise does hurl herself into new things, she also slows down and observes things carefully. Hours by the window watching the world go by, time spent on the sofa having snuggles, and even just waking up from a nap to take another nap. Chise reminds me daily that life isn’t about rushing toward the next milestone—it’s about taking your time and learning as you go. It's about prioritizing your health and limitations, and soaking in the smells, the sun, and the calm in-between.
3. Trust is a treasure.
Chise is a very sensitive girl. From the first day we brought her home, I knew the bond we were forming would be something special—and I was right. Each day, her happy morning greetings, her check ins and her tiny gestures—like burying her biscuit or bone in my blanket—are so profound. She constantly traverses the depth of our understanding and our bond, taking it to a new level. By taking it slow with her training and helping her feel safe, I see firsthand how much of a difference it makes. Being trusted so fully by someone, even a four-legged someone, is a gift I carry every day.
4. Joy is contagious.
Recently, my health hasn’t been great, and I’m learning how to adjust to new circumstances. Staying active can be difficult when you’re dealing with pain—but Chise is very persuasive when it comes to play. Her happy zoomies and bouncing around in playful joy makes me smile. It lifts my heart. When that happens, it's easier to want to try, to get outside. And even on those days where I can't manage much, Chise still teaches me that we can find happiness despite darkness or pain. Joy is meant to be shared, even if that's just with your dog.
5. Compassion and Patience matters.
Chise struggles with separation anxiety, something we continue to work through together. She has already come so far, and her progress is a testament to what patience and compassion can truly achieve. Training shouldn't be about quick fixes, as so many would have us believe. Rather it should be at the dog's pace, and should prioritize safety.
Some days, Chise doesn't feel up to training, so we don't push through on those days, we rest and we revisit it another day. Just like we have days off from work—dogs are allowed days off too. Dogs have bad days just like we do. When we ignore what they’re trying to tell us, we risk damaging both progress and trust. You know your dog best. Don’t let friends or family—no matter how well-meaning—dictate their care or push their boundaries. You will get some push back, but remember: Your dog has a voice that they do not understand, so you must be their advocate.
6. One size doesn't fit all.
As a trainer, I already knew this—but Chise reinforced it deeply. Well-established strategies don’t work for every dog, and that’s okay. Training is not a cookie-cutter process. Strategies can be tweaked, and often they should be adjusted. Some dogs have different reinforcers that they find more rewarding. For a long time, Chise wouldn't take treats outside on walks, and that was a learning curve in a way. It had been a long time since I last dealt with a dog who wasn't "food motivated." So, I adjusted things, treats indoors where she would take them, integrated with play. Outside, we focused on decompression, play and verbal praise. The more we decompressed and played, the more engaged she became. Now she takes treats outside, and she is more confident and joyful in her surroundings.
I am so grateful for this past year and for every little moment we’ve shared. Through highs and lows, Chise has not only enriched mine and my husband's life—she’s changed the way we see the world. She helps us to be more careful, more cautious but also more curious.
I hope that wherever you are, you have the chance to learn from the gentle teachers in your life—whether they have two legs, three legs, or four.
Thoughtfully written by Becky Osborne. If you enjoyed this and would like to support me further you can:
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