3 Lessons I Learned Walking My Crazy Foster Dog

This year, I began a new venture of fostering dogs in hopes of finding them homes. What has surprised me the most is how much I've learned from this experience and from each pup that I've had the honor of fostering. Zeke, my current foster dog, has his own challenges as he is very reactive to dogs and people - here are some of the lessons I've learned through our journey together!

1. Energy is everything. 

My very awesome, very helpful Atlanta dog behaviorist, Mark McEvoy, once told me, “dogs can sense drugs, bombs, cancer, and even coronavirus. You think he can’t feel your shoulders tense or how frustrated you are?” Much like dogs, we are perceptive creatures and are sensitive to the energy in our environment. So much so, that oftentimes one moment can set the tone for our entire day. Think of the anger you feel after a distracted driver cuts you off (and then proceeds to honk, as though its your fault) or the giddiness that carries with you after someone buys your coffee in the morning, or pays you a compliment. Your energy is powerful and has a lasting impact on those around you. As the leader, you set the tone for those around you. Do you lead with enthusiasm, positivity, and by lifting others? Or do you walk around like Eeyore, letting a bad day or personal baggage drag you down? Your energy has power. Think of yourself like a boat in the water - the waves you make have a ripple effect, and reach others around you. What kind of wake do you want to leave?

2. Focus on Where You Want to Go

The most important part of a structured dog walk is building a relationship and trust. Their reactivity is often a product of not trusting that you can protect them (or yourself). Your dog needs to trust that you’re leading them in the right direction and that they’re safe following you. As tempting as it is to watch the dog's every move, focusing on a perfect heel or what could be around the corner, keeping your head up and proud allows your dog to walk with pride. As a leader, it is your responsibility to cast a vision. Everyone should be able to look ahead to where they're going-- not down at their feet. Others will rely on you to share the vision of your team/company, and make decisions accordingly. Growth is slow and misdirected without purpose - and it is often the leader's job to drive that purpose and empower their team to take action.

3. Course Correct Early and Often. 

Call it blind optimism or over-confidence, but sometimes we put the blinders on to what's actually going on, or where we actually are relative to a goal, vision, or success. Facing reality and knowing where you are gives you the power to course correct. On our dog walks, I find myself constantly course correcting based on our progress that day, and making adjustments for what may come up in our environment. Some days are better than others, and on the days that things are a little tougher, my whole walk may be 20 minutes up and down the driveway. Setbacks only set you back if you don't learn anything or grow from them. Know where you are, where you're going, and what adjustments you need to stay on track.

If you're interested in fostering, adopting, or volunteering - visit the Home Fur Good website for information!