Every dog owner has a collection of embarrassing stories.

This week, a few dogs enjoyed the sound of their own voices in class. It got really loud.

Not one but two dogs peed in the water bowl.

To top it off, one of my dogs stole treats out of someone’s treat container in puppy class.

We’ve all been there.

Everyone looks at you.

And you want the ground to swallow you whole.

It’s easy to think everyone else’s dog is perfectly behaved, especially if you’re comparing your dog to social media or the older, more mature dogs you see living their perfectly angelic lives. 

The truth is, every trainer, dog sports competitor, vet, and experienced owner has their own collection of embarrassing stories.

Trust me, it happens to all of us.

Need proof? Here’s more of what my dogs have done.

Freya stole a donut out of a small child’s hand. 

As a puppy she also peed on my mum’s shoes every time she saw her. Thank goodness she grew out of that!

Missy screams like a banshee from the moment she smells the beach until she gets into the water.

Freya peed while sitting in a Bunnings trolley when she was a puppy. That required some creative cleaning.

She also humped one of my husband’s co-workers. That was really awkward. 

Then there was the time she stole a wheel of Brie from the snack table on New Year’s Eve. Yes, there’s a food theme.

Missy can get her tongue in your mouth before you can blink. That’s how you know she likes you.

And Freya pantsed me in the park once. Undies and all. Yes, other people saw.

There’s also probably plenty more that I’ve just blocked out.

So, my dogs aren’t perfect. But neither am I.  

Our dogs aren’t trying to embarrass us. They’re just doing their best with the skills they have. Perhaps they’re young, over-excited, tired, unsupervised, or opportunistic scavengers.

So next time your dog sings in front of the whole class or leaps head-first into a treat pouch, know you’re in very good company.

Don’t get angry or punish your dog. Take a deep breath, laugh if you can, apologise if you need to, and think about what your dog was trying to tell you.

Learn from it, adjust your strategy, and try to do better next time.

Have you ever felt embarrassed by something your dog has done?