Instead of teaching our dogs that the world outside our front doors is a frenetic and crazy place, we can help our dogs become more balanced and calm as they make their way through our human world.

My heart skipped a few beats when we turned left into Golden Gate Park at 36th Avenue on reopening day and saw the many terrific upgrades to this once dilapidated place.

For many dogs, such a transition may not come so easily. But being comfortable alone or independent of you are skills every dog can learn.