I see it time and time again people saying: “you should train your dog in this way” or “your animal will be happier when he’s doing this”. Whatever that “this” means (everyone has their own idea about it). But why do you want to make things perfect? Maybe he can just be good enough? I believe we can waste our time and energy in trying to make things perfect. When we could use this energy to improve the lives that are actually at risk. Let’s not let perfection get in the way of good enough.

Nancy Tucker with her "The Good Enough Dog" is my great inspiration. Sometimes dogs can just be good enough as they are. And it’s their owners who decide what is enough for them. Also, Ryan Cartlidge from Animal Training Academy couple of times shared a quote: “Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” It is very important to make a revision of the things that we do. I'm a continuous learner and I love making progress. But good progress is enough. It doesn't have to be perfect. Moreover, it will never be perfect. There will always be something that could be improved. And everyone decides for themselves how much effort they put to improvement. We all have limited resources. Let's not put too much pressure on ourselves.

While I was petsitting in Venice, CA I was taking care of adorable dachshunds named Pedro. He is obsessed with his ball and would like you to throw it for him almost all the time. Some people might think that obsession should be changed. But let’s think for a minute does it hurt anyone? Does he suffer?

It is doable to teach him to enjoy other things not only the ball but just because it can be done does it mean that it has to be done? It’s for his owners to decide what is best for them. As long as everybody is happy why add more happiness?

And while I was with Pedro, I decided to challenge myself. So I started to throw the ball with my left hand (my opposite hand). After a while of repetitive throws it might have become boring but learning a new skill made it interesting again. We can get creative to enjoy the moment just as much as our dogs do.

Be a Superhero for your dog, he will love you for it!