A Complete Guide From the Dog Who Didn’t Forget
I did not forget.
It looks that way to you.
Yesterday I did it.
Today, I stare at you like the words floated past.
But from my side, nothing went missing.
I am just living in the now.
The Biggest Misunderstanding
Humans think training lives in memory.
For dogs, it is present-moment living.
- I am not replaying yesterday.
- I am not worried about last week.
- I am responding to what feels safe, clear, and worthwhile right now.
If now feels different, my behaviour looks different.
Puppies Live in the Moment
This matters more than most people realise.
- I am not holding onto past successes.
- I am not connecting today’s cue to yesterday’s session.
Each moment is new.
That means:
- Yesterday’s perfect sit does not guarantee today’s
- Yesterday’s frustration does not carry forward
- Yesterday’s mistake does not define me
This is good news.
It means every moment is a fresh start.
“He Was Doing It Perfectly, Then He Stopped”
From my side, this usually means something ‘now’ hs changed.
1. My Body Feels Different Today
- Teething.
- Growth spurts.
- An awkward phase where nothing quite lines up.
If my body feels strange, my focus shifts.
- I am not remembering what I should do.
- I am responding to how I feel.
2. The World Looks Different Right Now
Dogs do not generalise easily.
A cue is not a rule.
It is a picture.
- Change the smells.
- Change the sounds.
- Change the distance from you.
The picture changes.
I did not forget.
Now just looks unfamiliar.
3. Training Started to Feel Heavy in the Moment
Training works when it feels light.
If my body senses pressure, disappointment, or urgency now, I hesitate.
- Not because of yesterday.
- Because of this moment.
Dogs do not think
“I failed last time.”
We think
“This feels harder than it did a second ago.”
4. Training Went On Too Long
When training drags on, now becomes boring or overwhelming.
- My brain stops engaging.
- My body looks for relief.
- I am not choosing to forget.
- I am choosing to disengage.
Short sessions are now interesting.
- A few good repetitions.
- A good feeling.
- Then we stop.
Ending early leaves me wanting more.
5. The Reward Is Not Interesting Right Now
Motivation lives in the present, too.
What mattered yesterday might not matter today.
- Sometimes chicken wins.
- Sometimes cheese.
- Sometimes novelty itself matters.
If the reward feels boring in this moment, my effort drops.
- That is not stubbornness.
- That is honest feedback.
The Part About Force That Dogs Never Forget
I do forget many things.
But I do not forget how you make me feel.
If I am pushed, shoved, or forced, now it becomes unsafe.
- I am not thinking about yesterday.
- I am protecting myself in this moment.
Fear does not help me listen.
Safety does.
The Adolescent Shift Humans Don’t Expect
There is a phase where my brain reorganises itself.
- Now feels louder.
- The world feels closer.
- Your cues have competition.
I am not testing you.
I am growing.
“He Knows It, He’s Just Ignoring Me”
From my side, ignoring means one thing:
Right now is too much.
- Confusion.
- Boredom.
- Overwhelm.
- Uncertainty.
Dogs do not hold grudges.
We respond to now.
When Training Is Not the Answer
Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop asking.
If now feels heavy, make it light.
- Throw a ball.
- Play for a minute.
- Let me move without rules.
Play resets the moment.
What Actually Brings Training Back
- Not pressure.
- Not memory.
- Not force.
What works is making now feel good again.
- Short sessions
- Interesting rewards
- Low expectations
- Room to opt out
When now feels safe and enjoyable, behaviour returns.
Not because I remembered.
Because I am ready again.
What I Wish You Would Remember
- I am not replaying mistakes.
- I am not holding onto failures.
- I am not trying to disappoint you.
I am living in the moment you are standing in with me.
If you meet me there with patience, curiosity, and kindness, I will keep trying.
Because right now, all I want is to love you and make you happy.
And right now, is everything is to me.