Most Improved Dog would not exist without Geronimo. When we first brought Geronimo home, it was an exciting time, but we quickly realized he wasn’t well adjusted to the crazy world around him. Instead of feeling excited, I felt fear and isolation set in. As any dog owner who hasn’t experienced reactivity or behavioral challenges, I was overwhelmed. We sought help from a trainer and discovered she wasn’t equipped to deal with Mo’s issues either. Moving on, we found a wonderful trainer who gave us some hope and some tools.
Even now, we still deal with Mo’s issues: some of his behaviors have gotten better, others have taken step backwards, and even new ones have emerged. This is the dog we have and we’ll keep loving him and helping him. Our journey together is the inspiration for this blog.
Alone
That feeling of being alone has stayed with me over the years. Not because I feel it very often now, but because the scope of Mo’s behaviors made me feel helpless and fearful, bringing about this intense feeling of being alone. I was scared about all the possibilities that Mo presented including fear of him biting a person or another dog. I am very aware of the consequences for a dog that bites. That’s a huge source of anxiety. Then add to the equation: bad advice, judgement from others, and a lack of my own knowledge about how to help Mo. It was a recipe for a dark hole of loneliness.
It will all be OK
I now have a wonderful support system, knowledge, and acceptance. This blog came about to provide empathy for dog owners who are struggling with different issues. Working as an Assistant Dog Trainer, I see our clients filled with worry and/or embarrassment when they come in with their barking dog. I’ve been there and I still have that barky dog, so I can absolutely relate. I can’t always tell them everything is going to end with a parade and cookies, but I can confidently tell them it’s going to be ok. And ok doesn’t mean their dog is cured of whatever issues they have, but dogs can improve, the owner can make adjustments and learn, they can go work with qualified trainers and behaviorists, and in extreme cases they can explore different avenues like re-homing and yes, sadly, euthanasia*.
As long as the owner is acting within the best interest of the dog, it will all be ok. That’s what Most Improved Dog is all about. Whether you are an experienced dog trainer or newbie dog owner, working with a dog that has any kind of issues can be overwhelming and isolating. At Most Improved Dog we aim to:
- Share knowledge so you can make the best decisions
- Accept you and your dog the way you are because there is no good that comes from judging each other
- Create hope because we truly believe that it will be ok
- Build a community so that all dog owners know they are not alone in their struggles
Mission
The mission at Most Improved dog is to provide a safe place for challenging dogs and their dog parents by supporting, educating, and sharing relatable stories.
Values
At Most Improved Dog we stay true to our values. I also want to be very honest in who we are so that there’s no confusion. The values listed below are important to this blog and if you don’t like it, well then, you are welcome to leave.
Positivity
- There is too much hate and judgement going around. We’re calling Most Improved Dog blog a safe place. You are welcome to share opinions and argue opinions respectfully. Instead of passing judgement, we’ll aim to share facts and knowledge. If you are here, you probably have had enough stress with your dog and you need encouragement and hope, not a lecture or harsh words.
- We will only talk about positive training methods here. I will not condone using aversive methods on dogs or any other animal. Animals learn better with positive reinforcement, so we are going to stick to that! Before Mo came into our lives, we are pretty sure he was abused. After using a prong collar on him and hearing his yelps of pain, I quickly realized I could not cause this dog any more pain. Positivity fosters trusts, respect, and a powerful bond.
Perseverance
Owning or working with dogs that have challenges can be exhausting and frustrating. Here’s the thing though, if you don’t at least try to help that dog, what is their quality of life? If you can’t personally help them, educate yourself, ask for help, and go over all the options. You do need to be realistic and honest, but if you have obtainable goals (and reaching them might take some work!), at least try! It could make a world of difference for your dog.
Creativity
What’s the definition of insanity? Doing something over and over again, expecting different results. If something isn’t working for your dog or your training, stop and get creative! Try something new or try something a different way. Not all dogs love treats, but let’s get creative and find out what they do love! I can’t lure my dog into a down, so I changed tactics and I’ve started capturing it. You can absolutely think outside of the box!
Growth
However long or difficult your journey with your dog is, you will naturally see growth in yourself. Be open to that! When I opened my heart to a reactive dog, it opened me up to the world of dog training and behavior and then, to this blog. That doesn’t have to be your journey, but our dogs have lessons to teach us, we just have to accept them! Continuing to learn and grow can lead to the most amazing things!
Compassion
We all go through rough patches, so let’s lend a hand, offer a relatable story, and be a friend. I think kindness can cure a lot of things. so please think about your words and actions before they happen!
Let’s also be compassionate towards our animals too. They might have a behavior that annoys you, but let’s think about the why. Instead of yelling or using punishment, stop and think about how they must feel in certain situations. Are they scared or frustrated? Bored or nervous? Walk a mile in your dog’s paws.
Openness
At Most Improved Dog we like to keep an open mind. We welcome all walks of life and all types of dogs. Variety is the spice of life, so we’ll try anything once!
Direction
Currently, Most Improved Dog is a small blog with a small social media following. I am working full time, so my goal is to keep focusing on creating good content.
I’m working on my certification in dog training, so hopefully in the future, I can provide more expertise on dog training. As far as where any of this will go, I’m not really sure! There are hopes and dreams for this blog, but I am open to all the possibilities.
I hope you’ll hang out for the journey because it’s not about the destination, it’s how you get there!
*I would consider euthanasia as a last option for extreme cases. There are times when a dog’s genetics and/or their history cannot be overcome through medication, training, or management. It is so very sad, but despite our best efforts, their time here may never be happy. I would suggest exploring your options with professionals before making these decisions because, of course, this is not a decision to be taken lightly.
Hi, I'm Joelle, Dog Mom to Geronimo and Lawrence. I am a dog trainer in training and I've had lots of years working with dogs in different capacities. I love dogs and I have a soft spot for those with behavioral challenges. I'm so happy that you're here!
What a wonderful mission for a blog. As a dog trainer I’m experienced in dealing with various issues, and dogs from unknown backgrounds. But what happens to those people who, for whatever reason, end up with dogs who have behaviour issues they just don’t know what to do about. Having a community of people who understand and can support each other will make a huge difference. Thank you for creating such a wonderful space.
Thank you for the kind words!
Project dogs definitely teach us a lot! Which dog training certification are you working on? I’m looking into getting one although I think it’s probably going to take at least another year if not longer.
I love your mission and honesty. Our dog Ruby is occasionally reactive with certain men and when she is approached from a certain angle. Although she’s not reactive all the time, I definitely understand your anxiety.
Ruby is also sometimes (not always) socially awkward around other dogs and then in turn they are reactive towards her. She wants to connect with other dogs (and sometimes does really well) but sometimes it’s like she just doesn’t know how to act and interactions turns sour – which creates more anxiety for me. We take things day by day.
I’m not a dog mom but I found your goals and mission for the blog to be inspiring. I’m sure other dog parents will appreciate your blog and helpful ideas/tips along the way.
Your mission with this blog aligns so nicely with your training certification goals and your goals with Mo. As someone new to pet blogging too, I completely uunderstand your desire to create quality content. The more I write, the more ideas I have. Looking forward to reading more about Mo.
I can so relate. After many wonderful gentle easily trained dogs over many years, I started fostering 2 year old Kilo the Pug. He was such an unexpected challenge – a total split personality, We too had to find specialized trainers and a new vet and work so hard with him. Luckily Kilo is very treat and praise motivated and I had a support system through Talent Hounds and often work from home. He has made amazing progress after 3 years and we absolutely adore him but he has a limited life mostly avoiding triggers or doing a bit of gentle conditioning.
The beauty of the internet is that no matter what challenge one is dealing with, they are never alone. I know the feeling of dread not knowing what your dog may or may not do under some unpredictable situation. I know the feeling like a total failure.
We ask so much of our dogs; to assimilate into our world in ways contrary to their instincts. Unless they get a chance to learn and adjust, the world must be a totally frightening place to them.
What an amazing blog mission and values. Finding a safe place for all pet parents is so important and you are providing that space. Thank you!
Your blog sounds like the perfect place for people to come who are having problems with their pup. No one is perfect, not even the best trained dog, and people need to celebrate improvements. I wish you well with your blog.
So glad you started this blog and are sticking to content that provides value to those people that have reactive dogs…a very difficult category to be and sometimes one that dogs never leave totally well. Positive is the best method to use to bring about healing.
I’m sure there is a quote somewhere about how every dog you love touches your heart and changes you. It is awesome how your love for Geronimo is giving you new adventures and opportunities!
Your blog sounds like a really great resource, especially for dog owners who are going through some behavioral issues with their pups. I too am working towards my dog training certification. I recently adopted a dog with behavioral issues, but he is really fun to work with. I feel confident that we will be able to work through all of the issues. He was just never taught anything at all. He did not even know how to sit when I adopted him or even that biting and mouthing people was not okay. He had never been inside a house and did not know any house manners. He did not have any socialization as a puppy and just really needs someone to help him learn everything. I was originally just fostering him, but when I saw his issues I knew he would not fit into just any home and I really love his personality, so I decided to adopt him.
Wow! I am so impressed! Not only in the quality of writing, but in your mission. As a former owner of a human aggressive mastiff, your blog and message hit very close to home. I appreciate the forum to discuss reactive behavior without fear of reprisal or judgment. I waited several years before I could talk about my dog with others outside my immediate family. The pain of the experience is still very raw today and difficult to talk about. But, like you said, you need not feel alone because there are many other like us out there. Thank you for what you are doing and the forum you are building. I have no doubt you will help many, many people through Most Improved Dog!
Thank you so much for creating this blog and for its purpose. Having a pet who doesn’t behave in the way we/society expect can be stressful and isolating for people. Finding a resource like you and your blog that will help to address the stress and for possible solutions is a huge benefit that a lot of pet owners will benefit from having. Thank you and kisses to you and Mo.
I’m glad you’ve been inspired to blog and share about Mo’s challenges – & yours. Kudos to you for hanging in there and keeping a dog with such challenges. I remember fostering a tiny dog and finding out right away that she had horrific anxiety & fear issues. It was like nothing I’d seen before. It was so bad I couldn’t handle her and she was very destructive in our home. I had to hand her off to more experienced fosterers that had training in behavioral issues. I felt like such a failure, and I was embarrassed to tell people that I couldn’t handle this tiny dog. I’m glad you’re an asst. dog trainer, that training will be so helpful to you I’m sure.
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them