7 tips to stay happy in the dog game

1. Think happy thoughts

Thinking positive thoughts will encourage and help develop a positive outcome. If you think negative thoughts you will encourage negativity in your life, and in your program.

2.Give credit and gratitude to whom it is due

(a) We all like it when people give us thanks for something we've done. Not only does it make us feel good, it pushes us to do more. We should do this for other people. Theres alot of great people in the dog world who deserve credit. Give them a call, send a text, send an email, just do something to let them know you appreciate them.

(b)If someone has a nice post or a nice dog, say so. We are more than willing to tell someone when they have a crappy dog, or a post of misinformation. We should be just as willing to pay a compliment.

3. Let a standard "guide" you, not "control" you.

We've heard it before: "Breed to better your line, and breed to better the breed" A standard is not the law, it is a written example of a registries ideal dog. A standard can help you stay on track. Use it as a tool.

4. When trying to grow, don't compare yourself to others. Compare yourself to the old you!

Where did you used to be in your line, compared to where you are now? Even if you've only made a little bit of progress, ITS STILL PROGRESS. Be happy and keep learning.

5. Reach out to others.

"Give and it shall be given"
I believe that 80% of the time, people who recieve things without working for them do not have a good appreciation for what they recieved. However, I do believe there are simpler things we can give that are priceless: Encouragement, Knowledge,Advice,Information, & Correction are a few invaluble things that can change someones program for the better.

6. Avoid others personal drama

I believe in exposing corruption in the dog game. If i had been shown the true light of some of my earlier "mentors" I would be years further down success' road. I do not, however, believe we should get involved when there is personal issues between 2 other breeders. "He that meddleth with strife belonging not to him is as one that taketh a dog by the ears" ( the Bible). It will only come back to bite you. If someone is an enemy of my friend, they are my enemy. If someone goes after my friend, I go after them. Even so, there are times when we should avoid others' drama.

7. Stay active with your dogs

I love the fact that between testing, training, and companionship, the people of this board are very active with thier dogs. That is more important than anything else. We need to be spiritually and emotionally close to our dogs. Dogs look one way on paper, but sometimes different when you get truly close to them. We should know them like we know ourselves.