Ten Weeks, Countless Lessons: What Dog Training Taught Me About Life

These last ten weeks of dog training have been nothing short of an epiphany. I went into it thinking I was helping my dog become better behaved—but what I discovered was how much of her behavior was a reflection of me. The very attitude I was trying to train out of her was, in truth, the problem I had created.

All I ever wanted was to love my dog and have fun together. I gave her treats, enrichment toys, freedom to roam, and plenty of affection. She was allowed on the furniture, in my bed, and to run free in the desert alongside the truck—her tail high, her instincts alive. I thought I was giving her the best life possible.

But love, without boundaries, can sometimes create confusion. I had unintentionally reinforced her prey drive, encouraged her independence to the point of defiance, and given her so much freedom that structure felt like punishment when it finally arrived. What I saw as “love,” she experienced as mixed signals.

As I work through our training, I see how this mirrored real life. We often create our own problems with the best intentions. We care too much, feel too deeply, and sometimes let our emotions guide decisions that need balance and structure instead. Just like dogs, people can become anxious, reactive, or lost when there’s no clear direction.

I’ve even found myself talking about the things I’m learning through Roy at K9 Advantage. It’s amazing how much overlaps—emotional regulation, consistency, communication, and boundaries. What I’m learning in dog training is also helping me grow in other areas of my life. It’s like Roy is training my dog, but at the same time, he’s helping me retrain my own mind and reactions.

Dogs are emotional beings—they crave consistency, calm energy, and confident leadership. They don’t understand chaos or mood swings. The more emotional we are, the less stable we appear to them. True leadership, I’ve learned, isn’t about control—it’s about clarity. It’s about being the steady presence they can trust no matter what.

This journey taught me that dog training isn’t just about the dog—it’s about self-awareness. It’s about learning patience, managing emotions, and realizing that love alone isn’t enough. Boundaries, guidance, and calm leadership are love too.

Now, as we begin another 10-week session, I look forward to deepening that connection and continuing to grow—not just as a dog owner, but as a better, more grounded leader. Each session is another opportunity to build trust, understanding, and mutual respect. And in the process, both my dog and I are learning what it truly means to be a team.