Paws and Reflect

Paws and Reflect

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Park and Reflect
Haley's Journal

Responsible Dog Ownership

In favor of retractable leashes—used responsibly
When I tell someone that we love our flexi lead, I get everything from befuddled looks of shock (“aren’t you like, obsessed with being a responsible dog…
 • Haley Young
Our favorite activities to share with our cattle dog
How do I decide what to do with Scout? What does she enjoy most? A look at our favorite physical, mental, and social activities—and whether they fill or…
 • Haley Young
My sensitive dog's first two weeks as a campground host
An introvert and her shy blue heeler decide to volunteer at a busy state park. The punchline? They love it.
 • Haley Young
In my perfect world… Dog ownership fantasies
We have to live in reality. But we can daydream, too! And we can work together to move the real world closer to our ideal visions.
 • Haley Young
An example of my "reactive" dog pattern mapping unpleasant encounters
Once in a while, we can’t avoid the chaos—and then those experiences stack atop one another, threatening all our confidence just a bit. This pattern…
 • Haley Young
The difference between dog park (free for alls) and off-leash (under voice control)
Our dogs deserve to move their bodies freely! But treating every off-leash legal area like a designated dog park isn’t cool.
 • Haley Young
I don't want the vet to "win over" my dog
Poking-and-prodding betrayal is worse coming from a potential friend.
 • Haley Young
I don't believe in testing a dog's commitment to relaxation
If Scout is at liberty—lying down not under command, with no instructions from me to do a specific thing—and I stand up quickly? Standing with me is the…
 • Haley Young
Manners are subjective, so our dog-training goals are too
Or "why my dog and I won't mind our manners." The rules we’ve maintained are the ones that most affect our own daily existence!
 • Haley Young
Why I encourage my dog to play with things that aren't toys
I consider it one of our greatest accomplishments that Scout has been expanding her idea of what constitutes a “toy”.
 • Haley Young
Do dogs need blankets and jackets and comfort?
Scout is a majestic predator-scavenger descended from wild ancestors. She also likes to be cozy.
 • Haley Young
Is off-leash dog drama really worth physical assault?!
I religiously respect the legislative intent of leash laws with my own blue heeler, Scout. I also vehemently believe our modern pets deserve biological…
 • Haley Young
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