Over the years I've learned that I do best with lots of autonomy. I want to have solid guidance for the times I get off track, and I also want to have freedom to experiment and find the ways to do things that feel right to me. A lot of that is probably due to being autistic and ADHD with a pervasive drive for autonomy (PDA) profile, which I learned about myself in 2020.
I know my behavior is the only behavior I can control, and sometimes not even then. Rather than try to figure out how to get someone else to do what I want, I'd much rather make the most beneficial choices the easiest to make, and I do that by concentrating on creating an environment that feels safe and secure.
My current partner, Greer, shows me every day how to show up as a partner, and I learn so much from her examples. It's about coming into the team with no individual agenda, a willingness to rely on the other, and the courage to make mistakes.
I value you and the relationship you have with your dog. Let's use that to figure out how to make your partnership even more amazing.