Years End 2023

Years End 2023

Today I get to do my graduate round up for the end of 2023, which is always a joyful task for me. Reminded of the people and dogs who I have had the privilege to help, and the many who are still in my life. 

As I sit down to that task, I found myself with this instead, that I also feel overwhelmingly, deeply sad, tired, and heavy hearted and that I don’t really want to pretend that isn’t happening.

I come to the end of this year heavy hearted and I feel like that is against the rules, something I am not supposed to reveal. 
Sharing that side, feels vulnerable, scary, and freeing.  

  • People are dying world-wide in hideous and unnecessary ways, and I feel useless.  No matter how many letters I write and phone calls I make, it doesn’t seem to make a difference and I am left feeling like a spectator.  Silenced. 

  • On January 1, 2024, the UK institutes a Ban on ‘XL Bully Breeds’ in Wales and England.  This will be determined solely on looks. 
    Many dogs will die for no reason tomorrow. 

LIGHT A CANDLE FOR these dogs AND FOR THEIR PEOPLE. 

  • See the specifics (if they can be called that)  HERE

  • And why we already know that Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) doesn’t work!  HERE

  • Read Pit Bull: The Battle Over an American Icon by Bronwyn Dickey HERE

  • Read about this from the perspective of a Veterinarian in the UK. 

I believe that when we cannot physically be present, the most powerful thing we can do is bear witness.   I am doing that.  But again, I wish I could do more. 

When I came into this work, this profession, so many years ago, I had no idea how much time I would spend being an advocate for my profession.  It is a huge part of my life, advocating for better practices, better standards, better education, and better lives for our dogs.  This year has been especially active, from the very public Zak George campaign against punishment and for regulation a constant (thank you Zak) presence,  to being what my mentor Jean Donaldson refers to as ‘the clean-up squad’ for ineffective, under-educated, and aversive training and  trainers, we have all had a lot on our plates.  Whether you are in a big city or a small village, I am sure that all professional force free trainers feel it. 

It’s odd isn’t it, this push back against kindness, partnership, and professionalism.  That some people knowingly choose punishment, long outdated leadership models, and unnecessary tools, never fails to astound me.

This world often makes no sense to me. 

  • Change your Mind, Change your Methods!
    For anyone out there choosing those things but not feeling great about it, there is something so much better in every way, find a force free trainer with deep education, qualifications and professional memberships. 

You will not regret it!    --    Start Here or ask me for a referral in your area!

If you have always wanted to be dog behavior consultant and/or trainer, I beg you to please,

  1. Go out and get the Best Education in the Science of Animal Behavior and Applied Behavior that you can.
    **DO NOT SCRIMP HERE, the fact is that under educated trainers cause more harm, damage the reputation of force-free, positive training in general by not getting results, and are in more danger of burning out. We need trainers with mega skills, and excellent support systems.

  2. Mentor with a professional trainer if you can,

  3. AND THEN, keep adding to your education in meaningful ways every year! 

What did I do? Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers – 2 years and ongoing continuing education.  Deepest education in Fear and Aggression cases in a Trainer Certification Program.   If you want to take Fear and Aggression Cases, this is the only program I recommend. See more HERE

And here is the point at which I am supposed to apologize for being such a Debbie Downer and you start to drift away. 

But I am not going to apologize, and I hope you won’t drift away. 

I may not be feeling my usual bright self right now, but I am still a bright light.   
I will carry my bright light forward, shine it on the injustices and into the dark corners in hopes of driving more light into the world. 

Even on the days like today, when I feel just tired and sad, I will remember to celebrate my lucky life; my amazing business which represents the best in the human-canine bond and just keeps growing; my dedicated, fun, funny and big-hearted clientele who have embraced all I have to give, and inspire me to be always learning and wanting more; and all the people who in a million ways big and small, support me and inspire me. 

And then there is my precious Fox, whose light though waning, is still my daily warmth and whose presence keeps me tethered.   That she has continued to be here with me, two years past projections is the biggest gift of all.  Canine Physical and Cognitive decline is HARD but it is also precious.  She has been my teacher from day one and I am lucky to have her sass and spice still in my life.    

So finally here it is, NEW YEAR LIST: 

  • Continue to be authentic

  • Continue to pursue more knowledge and skills in my profession

  • Continue to be a witness

  • Continue to write letters and make phone calls on behalf of the people of Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Congo, Tahiti, Dogs in danger of Breed Specific Legislation, and where ever else my pen and voice are needed. 

  • Give Foxxy more of everything good

  • Give myself more of everything good

  • Give my people more of everything good

  • Learn to accept more of everything good in return

  • Rest More

  • Trust

There’s some sun out there, I am going to go stand in it with Foxxy.

Suzanne Bryner