1. We are ardently passionate about dogs.
We strive to understand our dogs, because feeling understood is profound. When confronted with behavior issues, we look beyond the problem by seeking to appreciate its root cause. We work to foster bonds and create ways of life where our dogs can thrive – without obedience training, behavior modification, punishment, or control tools.
2. We honor our dogs’ timeless knowledge and inner wisdom.
We respect dogs as sophisticated social animals who contributed to our survival. We know our dogs have as much to teach us as we have to teach them. We are grateful to them as our teachers and friends. We cherish their perspective and autonomy as wise, sentient beings.
3. We take radical responsibility for our dogs.
We acknowledge that our dogs reflect our state of mind and the way of life choices we make. We do not use breed, background, age, or sex to justify unhealthy behavior. We commit to taking responsibility for our dogs’ attitudes and behaviors, and ownership of our thoughts and actions – now and forever.
4. We are here to grow with and for our dogs.
We understand that raising sound, strong, and spirited dogs requires us to be committed to our own personal growth. We step up our game with our dogs, and in all aspects of our lives, welcoming our mutual evolution.
5. We live fearlessly with our dogs.
The insights of the Way of Life Method teach us the limitless potential of a life shared with our dogs. Empowered by new ways of thinking, we face any challenge fearlessly and take on any adventure. Relieved of the confusion we once felt, we are now confident that we are doing right by our dogs.
6. We play a long game.
Raising dogs is the work of a lifetime. We gladly partake in it and are here for the long haul. We see our dogs and our bonds with them as maturing across the stages of growth. We know we must delay gratification, aware that we are building strong foundations for lasting relationships.
7. We share a spirit of community.
We are not alone in our journey. We have found understanding, empowerment, and encouragement within a community of others just like us who will stop at nothing to raise sound, strong, and spirited dogs. We are dedicated to helping each other achieve our vision and supporting our community on this journey of awareness and accountability.