Finding myself reflecting on what is often the public’s incorrect understanding of mine and Sigurd’s relationship.

So many people (often cis men) see me with a big, often excited dog and love to talk down to me because they perceive the situation as less controlled or “under one’s thumb” as they expect/desire their own dogs to be (which is often complete shut down control).

In reality Sigurd is the most difficult dog I own. He is aloof, incredibly intelligent, very low biddability, and requires a very specific and curated relationship to do ANYTHING for you. He knows his size and he is in excellent shape. If he wanted to truly drag me and do what he wanted on a walk he would. He does to anybody that’s not me, including Mr D who he will often nip and manipulate to get his way. I am the only one that’s ever been able to get this dog to do work in my hands, be it sports or obedience. These men that negatively “joke” on my lack of control while my dog stands by my side and listens when I hold him back from his excitement would have no idea what to do with him. He would baffle them.