You can't choose when you are taken seriously

Many people want their dog to take them seriously at crucial moments - for example, when a dog encounter escalates, when the recall doesn't work or when the dog goes completely crazy. But that's not how it works. You can't choose when you are taken seriously - you are always taken seriously, or never.

Being taken seriously is not a moment - it is a state

Being taken seriously doesn't happen when you suddenly get loud out of nowhere, increase your body language or occasionally "take things seriously". Being taken seriously happens in everyday life - in all the small, inconspicuous moments when you show attitude or not. How precise are you? How consistent are you? How committed are you? How often do you practise? And above all, do you really mean what you say?

Leadership arises in everyday life, not in a state of emergency

Many people only want to be clear when it "counts" - when the dog barks, pulls or provokes. But at that moment, it's already too late. Your dog tests you every day. He reads you in every movement, in every word, in every decision. If you are half-hearted, inconsistent or insecure in everyday life, then that is the image he has of you. And this image doesn't suddenly change just because it becomes uncomfortable. Leadership is not a button that you press in an emergency. Leadership is a state that arises through daily reliability.

The truth about seriousness

Many people think they are "strict enough" if they set boundaries from time to time. However, seriousness is not demonstrated by being tough - but by consistency and clarity. It shows in whether you follow up your words with actions. Whether you assert yourself even when no one is watching. Whether you dare to be clear, even when other people are watching, judging or criticizing you. If you give in at these moments, your dog will no longer take you seriously - because you are not taking yourself seriously.

There are no "important" and "unimportant" situations

Many people think: "Oh, that's not so important now, we're just in the garden" or "I'll practise that properly tomorrow". But that's where the problem begins. Your dog doesn't differentiate between "training" and "everyday life". For him, everything is training. Every situation in which you are inconsistent is information for him. And so is every situation in which you are clear. In other words, a simple exercise in the forest counts just as much as an encounter with a difficult dog. Because both form the same image of you.

The system is holistic

When someone asks me: "What should I do when my dog snaps during encounters?" my answer is: "Reflect on your entire daily routine." You can't take a single piece out of your system and expect it to work on its own. You have to see the whole pie, not just the one slice. Because your dog senses your whole system - not just your reaction in one moment.

Conclusion

You can't choose when you are taken seriously. You are taken seriously - because every day you show who you are, how you lead and how clear you are. It's the little things that make the difference: your attitude, your energy, your consistency. Leadership arises in everyday life, not in a state of emergency. And that's where it's decided whether your dog trusts you - or just observes you.

Do you want to learn how to be so clear and consistent in everyday life that your dog takes you seriously in every situation - with authenticity and clear leadership? Then start with your free initial consultation!