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

Listen to the Pack Animals episode on the Pawsit podcast. We talk about behavior and training philosophies, and the upcoming launch of the Pack Animals App and the Hub!

Did you know…

Many dog studies are inspired by studies done with toddlers - like the ManyBabies project and ManyDogs project - and sometimes dogs and toddlers are compared in the same study - like in The Cocktail Party Effect in Domestic Dogs.

Many people state “my dog is like my child,” but what does that really mean? The way we raise our children has evolved significantly over the past 20 years and even more so over the last century. So when we equate our dogs to our children, we should clarify what kind of child-raising approach we’re referencing.

1950’s America: Children are raised with a strict upbringing, discipline (including punishment) is common at home and in the classroom. 47% of the population received less than 8 years of education, and only 34% complete 4 years of high school or more.

2020’s America: Children are raised with freedom of expression and an invitation to talk about their social, emotion, behavioral and mental health needs. 91% of population completes 4 years of high school or more.

So the question becomes, are we raising our dogs the way we raised our children in 1950’s America or 2020’s America?

Pack Animals App will support you and your dog into the future of dog guardianship, at the approachable price point of a mobile app.

Knowledge Nugget
The Final Stretch

A mom is holding her toddler’s hand as they walk home from the park. About 200 feet from home, the toddler drops to the ground and refuses to move. Several streets away, a dog mom is returning home from a long walk with her dog when all of a sudden the dog refuses to take another step forward. What can the two moms do to keep the toddler and the dog heading toward home?

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

• A) Add distance so the mom can reconnect with the dog/toddler and start to play engagement games that continue all the way home

• B) Play a calm and engaging game together once at home

• C) Continue walking forward with even hand / leash pressure

• D) Pick up the toddler/dog and walk home even if they put up a fuss

Hot Tip: Relationships are like flowers

Tip 1
While we often talk about dogs providing us with unconditional love, it's essential to recognize that this doesn't absolve us from the responsibility of consistently nurturing our relationship with them. The notion of a relationship based on "unconditional love" doesn't guarantee its strength or depth; rather, these qualities depend on the attention and effort we invest. In the 1950s, the family dynamic was often perceived as unconditional, but in the 2020s, there's a growing trend of adult children establishing boundaries with their parents or other family members.

This shift highlights the significance of not taking relationships, including those with our dogs, for granted. It emphasizes the need to continuously cultivate and strengthen these bonds. Natural variations in our abilities are expected, and even a modest effort is preferable to none at all. However, there are times when going all in becomes necessary to keep the spark alive.

Tip 2
In the book, The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did), the author makes a statement about parenthood.

“I often see parents thinking they can treat children as things to be efficient about, to deal with and fix. It’s usually because the parent is busy, life is busy, and this is how the parent has learned from their own parents to deal with children. It is a dominant, old-fashioned ideology that promises you can slot parenting easily into your busy life. But too often there is a price.”

Reflect on this statement from the perspective of how people often treat dogs as things to “be efficient about, to deal with and fix” with obedience. What price do you think comes along with this mentality?

What I’m Reading

• The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) - This is a book for us all. Whether you are interested in understanding how your upbringing has shaped you, looking to handle your child's feelings or wishing to support your partner, you will find indispensable information and realistic tips in these pages.

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
Pack Animals App

The Pack Animals App is for new or experienced dog guardians who want to give their dog a fulfilling life, and who recognize the things we do to improve our dogs’ lives can improve ours, too.

We have captured the extensive knowledge of human and canine professionals, translated it into relatable Knowledge Nuggets, Lessons, and Exercises that cover the lifelong considerations of raising a dog, and packaged it into the approachable price point of a mobile app. 1 year of Pack Animals App is less than 2 private training sessions. Get your pre-launch App Bundle today!

Knowledge Nugget Explained
The Final Stretch

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 bundles. Not a subscriber yet? Join now!