how I failed as a dog parent (and still have the greatest dog in the world)

I feel like so many people try to cover up their struggles with their dogs, because EVERYONE on the internet will be like – OMG YOU ARE THE WORST HUMAN EVER. I figure it’s time for some real talk.

Pudge is not crate trained.

Pudge and loose leash walking on a flat collar is a joke.

Pudge is leash reactive (we’ve made huge progress).

Pudge doesn’t really do fetch.

Pudge has absolutely zero drive, which is unusual for a corgi.

Pudge really doesn’t have dog friends, he tolerates their existence.

But Pudge has no separation anxiety, he calmly remains in the kitchen quarantine when we leave and sleeps. He makes really cool noises and vocalizations. He really loves humans and human affection, and even adores tiny sticky humans. Pudge really enjoys naps and nap time. He greets you with trills and ridiculous cries of joy. He takes less than 1 minute to go out and pee, no funny business. He pees and poops on command. He is patient during bath time and fluff trimming. He recalls like a boss. He’s never bitten anyone or anything, not even the vet or vet tech (he just cries like a big baby). He is too big and stumpy to really ever climb on things (plus he’s afraid of heights). He doesn’t destroy things, he doesn’t pee in the house, but he will bark. Oh does he bark. He’s smarter than the average dog, but by no means the smartest. He plops his butt down at every intersection waiting for his release command. He waits until we are up before he starts his morning boofs for pees/food, and he can be patient for walkies on the weekends.

So he doesn’t do some doggie things. And he’s totally not a perfectly behaved dog, he’s got some issues. But he’s a fantastic companion.

HE IS THE GREATEST DOG. The sweetest most snorgliest pile of fluff. Straight up chill.

I love this dog. No regrets.