Two Sides of the Leash

Written By Chris Sullivan

Welcome to the Your Every Day K9 blog! I’m glad you’re here.

This blog is for anyone who wants a better relationship with their dog. Whether you’re working on obedience, dealing with behavior issues, or just trying to figure out what your dog needs from you, you’ll find support, tips, and real-life stories to guide you here. Because let’s face it — the perfect relationship with your dog doesn’t just happen. It’s something you build.

And the good news? You don’t have to do it alone.

Two Sides of the Leash

Let’s start where every great relationship begins: understanding. There are two sides to this leash:

  • What are you looking for in your dog?

  • And what is your dog looking for in you?

Most of us have a vision of our “perfect dog”:

  • Relaxing quietly at home

  • Hiking off-leash but always staying close

  • Playful, social, and maybe even a little protective

That’s the dream, and it’s a great one. It’s also the inspiration behind my business name: Your Every Day K9.

Because what we want is a companion we can trust to be with us in everyday life.

But here’s the flip side: your dog has needs, too.

Your Dog Isn’t Broken

Every dog is wired a certain way. Genetics matter. Say you bring home a German Shepherd. Beautiful. Loyal. Smart. But then you’re frustrated because he’s reactive with guests or got kicked out of daycare.

The truth is: your dog isn’t broken. He’s just being… a German Shepherd.

Sometimes, yes, you’ll meet a unicorn — a dog that defies their breed description.

My first German Shepherd, Jago (pictured above), was like that. He was steady, gentle, and loved everyone. I trusted him completely. But out of the six dogs I’ve owned since? Not one had all those traits. And that’s okay.

Your job isn’t to “fix” your dog into someone else’s dream dog. It’s to build a relationship with the one you have.

Real Relationships Take Teal Work

Before the next post, I’d love to invite you into a simple but powerful exercise.

Take a few minutes to jot down two things for your dog:

  1. What you expected

  2. What’s actually happening right now

For example:

  • Expectation: My dog walks calmly by my side

  • Reality: My dog pulls ahead and ignores me on walks

Now, do this for five different situations — it could be anything from leash walking to greeting guests, recall, barking, or relaxing in the home.

Once you’ve written them out, email your list to me. I’m gathering these reflections (always anonymously) not just to help shape future blog content, but because they’re good for you and your dog. Taking time to name the gap between your hopes and your reality is a small investment — but one that can lead to more clarity, patience, and progress in your relationship.

And you both deserve that.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

— Chris

Your Every Day K9

Chris Sullivan