I don’t know about you, but my friends and I love to quote movies and shows. In honor of The Rise of Skywalker, I thought it would be fun to combine life with dogs and some of the lines from Star Wars films.

When your dog is zooming around your home, shout out “Laugh it up, Fuzz Ball.” - Han Solo

As your dog approaches adolescence, remember “You can’t stop the change any more than you can stop the suns from setting.” - Shmi Skywalker

When your terrier mix blows off your cue, exclaim “Why, you stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder!” - Leia Organa

When someone asks if training with treats really works, reply with “I find your lack of faith disturbing.” - Darth Vader

When someone gives you a dirty look as your dog barks, reply with “I’m just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe.” - Jango Fett

After you’ve made your training plan but before you start training, repeat “Stay on target.” - Gold Five

When someone admires how fast your dog responds to her recall cue, say “It’s the ship that made the Kessel run in less than twelve parsecs.” - Han Solo

Change is hard. Whether you are learning a new skill or changing from punishment based training to reward based training, remember “You must unlearn what you have learned...Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda

Keep training! “If you end your training now — if you choose the quick and easy path as Vader did — you will become an agent of evil.” - Yoda

Credit your knowledge and share your talent. “Pass on what you’ve learned.” - Yoda

This post is dedicated to Dr. Bob Bailey whom many animal trainers refer to as their Yoda. But just for the record, Bob is not 900 years old and is a lot taller than 2 feet 2 inches. Thank you, Bob, for generously sharing your knowledge and the knowledge of those who have come before you.

Buster as Chewy, Little Charlie as Yoda, Big Charlie as Leia, Aero as an Ewok, and Mango as R2D2.

May the Force be with You and Your Dogs