Sometimes, in the hustle of dog sports and the pursuit of the 'perfectly trained' dog, we might lose sight of why we welcomed these loving creatures into our lives in the first place. This episode is a gentle nudge to step back and cherish the unconditional love, companionship, and personal growth our dogs bring to us every single day.   In this episode, Kathy shares a heart-to-heart talk about the deep and enriching bond we share with our dogs and a reminder of what's truly important in our lives together.   In our lives with dogs, the essence of our bond goes far beyond ribbons, titles, or the quest for a 'perfect' pet. It's about the unconditional love, the laughter over their quirky habits, and the lessons they teach us about being present and patient. These moments of connection remind us to appreciate the now, to meet our dogs and ourselves exactly where we are - perfectly imperfect.   And while it's important to have dreams and goals, it's just as crucial to remember that the journey with our dogs shouldn't be clouded by undue stress or unrealistic expectations. Let's take a step back from the pressures and cherish the unique, heartwarming journey we share with our furry friends.   Listen in and embrace your perfectly imperfect dog! ?? Key takeaways:   Focus on the real reasons for sharing life with dogs, like unconditional love and companionship, rather than superficial achievements. Accept both yourself and your dog as they are, celebrating imperfections and using daily interactions as opportunities for personal growth. Avoid the stress of timelines and goals in dog training, focusing instead on the joy and journey of the relationship with your dog.   LOVE TO LEARN MORE?  Become a calm and confident Dog Mom with a cooperative, happy dog ... without obedience training, or relying on treats or arousing games, or corrections of any type.    Here are some next steps:   SUBSCRIBE to Kathy’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DancingHeartsDogAcademy/videos   LISTEN or READ Kathy’s Podcast and Blog on her Website: https://dancingheartsdogacademy.com/   GET STARTED work with Kathy: https://dancinghearts.link/foundation   LET’S CONNECT on the socials for more partnership tips and advice: -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dancinghearts/ -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathykawalec/   LISTEN TO PODCASTS: Subscribe to the Enlightened By Dogs podcast in your favorite app! Don’t forget to leave us a rating and review – it would make Kathy very happy!   Subscribe on  Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/dancinghearts/