The Age of Acceptance
As I watch Smart Dog University’s ongoing video blog series on dogs and toenails (part 1, part 2), I know deep down that dogs of any age can overcome various issues with enough work. But, as I think about Ginko, I wonder if I’ve simply reached the age of acceptance with him. He is nine now, and I just don’t know if worrying about his few remaining sticking points is useful.
Would I rather not have to muzzle him and have toenails be such an ordeal? Sure. Did I make mistakes that got me where we are with his toes? Yep! Is starting over NOW worthwhile? I’m beginning to think not.
I’m well aware that various real-life drama may have reset my priority meter, but I wonder if other serious dog people simply reach a point where working on something in a dog who is really pretty happy 99% of the time is an exercise in something other than dog training.