Have you ever stopped to think about the words we use when we talk about our dogs? It might seem like a minor thing, but how we describe our relationship with our pups has a huge impact on how we actually treat them. Take the word “training,” for example. It’s the go-to term for anything we do to teach our dogs. But let’s dig a little deeper—what does training imply?
For many people, training is about obedience, control, and rules. It conjures up images of drilling commands into a dog’s brain: sit, stay, heel. And sure, those things can be useful. But does that mindset really capture the kind of bond you want with your furry best friend?
Here’s where the idea of “working with your dog” comes in. The language shift might seem small, but it makes a world of difference. “Training” feels like something you do to a dog. “Working with” feels like something you do together. It’s a partnership, not a power struggle.
The Power of Words
Language shapes the way we think. If we approach our dogs like little machines that just need to be programmed, we might miss out on what makes them such amazing companions in the first place—their personality, their quirks, their willingness to connect with us. When we say “working with,” we set the tone for collaboration, communication, and mutual respect.
Think about it this way: if you describe your dog as a “partner,” you’re more likely to treat them like one. You’ll listen to their signals, adapt to their needs, and celebrate their successes. If you think of them as a “project” to be trained, it’s easy to get caught up in perfectionism, frustration, or rigid expectations.
What “Working With” Looks Like
Working with your dog means seeing them as a teammate, not just a student. It’s about meeting them where they are—whether they’re a hyper puppy, a nervous rescue, or a confident adult dog who just needs a little fine-tuning.
- Focus on communication: Dogs are always “talking” to us, through their body language, vocalizations, and behavior. Working with your dog means paying attention to what they’re telling you and responding in a way they can understand.
- Adapt to their individuality: Every dog is different. What works for one dog might not work for another, and that’s okay. Working with your dog means being flexible and creative in your approach.
- Celebrate progress, not perfection: No one’s perfect—not you, not your dog. Working with your dog means valuing the journey as much as the destination.
A Real-Life Example
Let’s say your dog pulls on the leash during walks. If you’re stuck in a “training” mindset, you might focus on fixing the problem as quickly as possible: correcting, commanding, and maybe even getting frustrated when they don’t get it right.
But if you shift to “working with” your dog, the focus changes. You might ask yourself: Why are they pulling? Are they excited? Overstimulated? Nervous? How can I help them succeed? Suddenly, it’s not about “bad behavior”—it’s about understanding their perspective and working together to find a solution.
The Bottom Line
Your dog isn’t just a project or a checklist of skills to master. They’re a living, breathing, feeling being who wants to connect with you. The words we use might seem small, but they set the tone for how we approach our relationships.
So next time you’re talking about your dog, try saying “working with” instead of “training.” It’s a subtle change, but it can transform the way you think about your partnership. And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: building a relationship that’s based on trust, respect, and a whole lot of love.
Because really, isn’t that why we bring dogs into our lives in the first place?
All the best and get in touch for any questions or help at ian@justbemore.dog thanks for reading, Ian
