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Originally Posted by Ellie May  There was a time when I didn't really worry at all. Then I joined YT... I obsessed over everything. Then I got involved with vet med and found a better balance (although I am still more protective than average).
I'd love to spend every waking moment with my dog, but I don't believe that is good for either of us. Besides, most of us to have to go to school and/or make a living. The girl needs kibble money and her vet and neurologist do need to be paid. I get a kick out of the philosophy that 8-10 hours a day is too much time to leave a dog. Where is the money coming from then? lol
I pick my worry battles. Freak accidents are just that, freak accidents. We use reasonable precautions to avoid bad things from happening. But the truth is most dogs die from disease processes. Solid veterinary care is most important to catch problems early. Always leash your pups outside if they aren't in an enclosed area. Always go out with your dogs. And let them enjoy life. |
This.
I kind of did the same thing. I went from being TOO lackadaisical, then probably a bit too protective, and now I'm at somewhat of a balance/somewhere in the middle. Although I don't think I was ever protective to the point that some people are.
But then with certain things, I've gotten more... aware. Like I used to let Jackson in the big dog side of the parks and not even bat an eye. But then I started seeing some things happening, that I was not comfortable with, Jackson as he got oler became a bit more defensive with rough big dogs, etc, and I decided that it's not worth the risk anymore. I'm fine with him being around big dogs that I know and trust but the unknown makes me uncomfortable now and I did not used to worry about it.
Then on the flip side, I sometimes am shocked at what I used to allow. My moms dog was kind of a 'farm dog' so she was just always loose on the unfenced property. I actually used to open the door and just let Jackson outside, I let my stepdad convince me that it would be fine. I remember being uncomfortable with it, but I still allowed it for a brief period of time (up until he was maybe 6 months). Oh, and my stepdad also gave Jackson a rib bone once as a pup (cooked). Eeekkk, thank god I researched that afterward.
I feel like I've definitely become smarter when it comes to vet care, food choices, AND training (I used to worship Cesar Millan, too
), etc, as well.