Chapter 1: Meet Finn

Allow me to introduce Finn, a four-month-old Shepsky who has recently joined my family. Although he's only been with me for a week, his journey mirrors experiences I've had in the past, albeit less severe than some. He hasn't faced abuse or neglect; the family who relinquished him genuinely wanted him to find a loving home but simply lacked the time and resources to care for the remaining puppies from a sizable litter.

What I can confidently say is that Finn has the potential to become an outstanding companion. While crossbreeds may not suit everyone, my familiarity with Huskies makes me excited to discover the traits he inherits from his German Shepherd lineage.

Upon Finn's arrival, it was evident that, despite some training in commands like "sit" and "lay down," he had not been fitted with a collar or harness. Fortunately, I have ample experience in this area.

Many believe that at four months, a puppy has missed critical training opportunities, but I'm here to challenge that misconception. Older puppies and dogs may require more patience, but they are just as capable of learning. The real challenge lies not in their ability to be trained but in their established routines, which can make sudden changes unsettling.

Training an older dog requires a nuanced approach grounded in understanding. They are accustomed to their existing life and may resist abrupt changes, much like people do. Patience, affection, and appropriate rewards are essential. With time, these dogs can forge deep bonds with their owners and become incredibly loyal. Understanding their unique personalities is key to effective communication.

When Finn first arrived, he seemed overwhelmed, a common reaction among adopted and rescued dogs. The sudden changes in his environment made him hesitant to engage or move, akin to how some abused children might react. However, he wasn't afraid of me; he was simply more accustomed to the company of his siblings than that of humans.

Alongside his unfamiliarity with harnesses and leashes, Finn also had to learn to navigate stairs, which terrified him. To be fair, my existing dogs were a bit too excited, adding to his anxiety. Fortunately, this worked to my advantage, as Finn was more comfortable around other dogs. When I allowed my dogs to interact with him, they became invaluable allies during his adjustment period.

Huskies are naturally inclined to work in teams and learn rapidly from one another. When faced with dominance issues, walking them together can help them establish their roles while focusing on their tasks. This lesson became clear to me seven years ago with my male Husky, Loki, who had also faced challenges.

Chapter 2: The Power of Mentorship

The first video, "The Gift of Dog Training," illustrates how the right training can transform a dog's behavior and strengthen the bond between owner and pet.

Through my experiences, I discovered the concept of mentorship by accident. As I juggled a full-time job, I had to ensure my Huskies were exercised, especially since Loki needed to be crated while I was away. He struggled with harnesses, often chewing through them and tangling himself in his leash.

To manage this, I started walking them together, knowing that Tazmin was well-trained and obedient on the leash. She could run freely in parks but had to adhere to a shorter lead on sidewalks. For these privileges, she listened well, and her dynamic with Loki changed in this setting. She taught him how to behave without aggression, and as he learned, his training progressed significantly.

When River, my Mastiff mix, joined our pack, she also had difficulty with leashes. I decided to see if Tazmin's mentorship would help her as well. Remarkably, River responded even better than Loki had, showcasing the power of positive canine relationships.

Now, we return to Finn. I quickly realized that communicating with him as a human was unnecessary. He instinctively looked up to Loki, who became his mentor from the very first day he spent with us. Observing Loki navigate stairs with confidence encouraged Finn to follow suit, though we still face challenges with the steep stairs in my home.

As I harnessed Loki and took them for walks together, Finn seemed to find comfort in being close to Loki, and soon enough, he was walking with Tazmin. Today, he even ventured to the park with me alone.

These aren't monumental achievements, but in the world of an older puppy like Finn, every small step counts. Each victory, no matter how minor, feels like a significant milestone.

In this journey, we haven't merely been training a dog; we've been learning from him. Finn has been pushed beyond his comfort zone, meeting new dogs and adapting daily, celebrating small victories along the way. Yes, we are addressing some bad habits, but that’s part of the process with any puppy.

The goal is to keep moving forward, not to dwell on past setbacks, and to avoid setting rigid expectations that lead to frustration when they aren't met.

This lesson is relevant not only for our pets but also for ourselves. We often have timelines in mind for how long things should take, and when we don’t meet those expectations, we can become self-critical. But just like Finn, we must remember that change requires time and effort.

Taking small, manageable steps is often more effective than drastic measures, which can overwhelm us and disrupt the lives we've built.

It all starts with a single walk or a single step on the stairs, perhaps guided by a mentor who knows the way. If we are open to it, there is much we can learn from our animals. Finn may appear to be just another puppy, but he has invaluable lessons to share.

The second video, "Dog Gives Puppy A Gift," showcases the power of companionship and support in a puppy's development, reinforcing the importance of a nurturing environment.