The future of dog guardianship is: proactive. And this newsletter is packed full of useful knowledge.

Pack Animals App is for new and experienced dog guardians with dogs of all ages. Pre-launch bundles are now available, including a wellness check from Petzey! $50 pack perk discount code available at the bottom.

Did you know…

Understanding why many people abandon dog training parallels the failure of New Year's Resolutions. It's not impatience or being too busy; rather, it's the lack of mental preparation. Rushing into action without mental readiness or the confidence to navigate obstacles often leads to short-lived efforts and limited success. The six stages of behavior change are:

(1) Precontemplation
Individual may be uninformed about the consequences of their behavior or lack confidence in their ability to change
(2) Contemplation
Individual can see the benefits of making a change but is also very aware of the challenges
(3) Preparation
Individual is planning to change their behavior within the next month. They have usually taken some steps to create a plan
(4) Action*
Individual puts in the effort to make changes to their behavior which leads to a different outcome in their health and/or wellbeing
(5) Maintenance
Individual continues to change their behavior enough to prevent relapse but is not putting as much time and effort into this as in the action stage
(6) Termination
Individual is no longer tempted to use their old behavior as a coping method and feels confident in their ability to keep this change

Watch our Busting Complacency Series on Instagram that covers Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, and Action.

Knowledge Nugget
Things can be better

This nugget is inspired by a true story.

It’s frustrating, but you’ve learned how to live with it. That’s how your dog has always been! You can’t take him out much because he barks anytime you leave his side, even if it’s to go to the bathroom. But it makes you sad because he does seem joyful otherwise when out on adventures. Your friend believes improvement is still possible! What techniques did your friend say would be most beneficial?

Think about which option you would select. An explanation will be available at the bottom of this email.

• A) Just go to the bathroom and let him bark it out; return only when he’s quiet

• B) Ease your dog’s anxiety by stepping away only as far as he can remain quiet, and and returning before he barks

• C) Work on building up your dog’s comfort being away from you even when you’re home together

• D) Put an e-collar on your dog and buzz him if he barks

Hot Tip: Comparison culture’s greatest myth

Tip 1: The grass isn’t really greener on the other side. Even if we cognitively know that, it’s hard to stop the emotions that bubble up when we see people’s highlight reels and perfect pictures. So we either jump into action to make ourselves more like them, without being prepared to endure the challenges along the way, or we fall deeper into a state of inaction because we tell ourselves we’ll never be able to do what they did. Neither of these reactions are healthy or sustainable. Remind yourself that comparison is the thief of joy, and complacency is the thief of growth.

Tip 2: When you’re ready to take action, look past the marketing terms that promise “easy” or “quick” fixes, because such things feel good today but ultimately set us back further. Oliver Burkeman explains it well in his book 4,000 Weeks - Time Management for Mortals: “We’re made so uneasy to let reality unfold at its own speed. When we’re faced with a problem we feel better to race to a resolution, any resolution, so long as we can tell ourselves we’re dealing with the situation thereby maintaining the feeling of being in control.”

What I’m Reading

• From Fearful to Fear Free - This is the first and most authoritative book on the subject of reducing Fear, Anxiety, Stress (FAS) and increasing "happy and calm" in dogs. Since pets communicate nonverbally, this book will help you recognize if your pet is suffering from FAS

• Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World - Humans are social creatures: In this simple and obvious fact lies both the problem and the solution to the current crisis of loneliness. In his groundbreaking book, the 19th surgeon general of the United States Dr. Vivek Murthy makes a case for loneliness as a public health concern

Key insights from my readings are translated into useful knowledge nuggets and lessons in the Pack Animals app. We find relatable inspiration from human and canine professionals alike. Have an idea of a useful resource I should read? Let me know!

Pack Animals Spotlight
myBalto Foundation

The myBalto Foundation was created because owners are too often forced to make decisions for their pets based off of what is in their wallet, and not what is in their pet's best interest. Did you know 20%-40% of animals in the US in 2022 were relinquished to animal shelters due to housing costs/financial constraints? And 2/3 of pets are euthanized for economic costs.

Next time you’re at your local veterinary hospital or clinic, ask them if they registered with myBalto. If they have, you’ll be able to round-up your bill and make a donation to that hospital’s fund. Even $1 makes a difference. That donation goes to a fund that helps veterinarians save pets who’s humans can’t afford to pay for treatment.

Subscribers can continue reading for the explanation to the Knowledge Nugget above. Subscribers also can access the $50 Pack perk discount for the Pack Animals Pre-Launch bundle. Not a subscriber yet? Join now!

Knowledge Nugget Explained
There is a better way