This post takes a bit of a winding path, so feel free to return another day if you’re not up for a journey through topics like Google, AI, dog training, and blogging. 😊
Unless you work extensively online, you may have missed a significant development from Google: the introduction of AI to transform search engine results presentation. You can read the complete story here, and it’s genuinely intriguing.
For those who use the internet for research, shopping, or staying connected, these changes promise to simplify your experience. Instead of clicking into websites to find detailed answers to your queries, Google’s AI will consolidate results into concise paragraphs drawn from multiple sources. Convenient!
However, for content creators, this poses new challenges. If Google’s AI efficiently compiles the best information to answer questions seamlessly, there may be a decline in clicks to your site. Clicks generate views, which, in turn, generate ad or affiliate revenue. No clicks, no income.
Questions arise about whether this generative AI can be considered plagiarism and other concerns. But for content creators, the fear of significant drops in pageviews is palpable.
And that’s disheartening. I firmly believe that anyone creating valuable, informative, or entertaining content should be able to earn a living from their hard work, dedication, and time-consuming efforts. (On a positive note, it might penalize those low-quality affiliate sites stuffed with keywords, which is a good thing.)
However, I don’t view this as the death knell for blogs, despite what some may think.
To me, it all circles back to one fundamental question: Why do you blog in the first place?
But doesn’t this question underlie nearly everything we do? Why do you blog, write, engage in dog training, scroll through social media, take on extra work shifts, and so on?
The “why” behind our actions matters more than the individual tasks, doesn’t it?
This concept aligns with those of us who are fervent dog (and cat) enthusiasts.
Stay with me here.
Let’s shift our focus to dogs for a moment.
Why Do You Train Your Dog?
You and I likely share many reasons for dog training, and I’m sure you have some unique motivations. Perhaps you train your dog for safety reasons (yours, theirs, or for others), the joy of performing tricks or dancing together, or to assist you with various tasks. Maybe you train your dog as a hobby to keep both of you occupied or to strengthen your bond. You might even compete, show, or hunt with your dog.
When Cooper was a puppy, my reason for training him was to help him manage his fears and stimulate his incredibly vivid imagination, as he often found destructive ways to entertain himself. During his adolescence, I trained Cooper to walk calmly by my side and return when called. Now, approaching the age of 13, we train for enjoyment and to keep his mind and body active.
With Emmett, we conducted rigorous training so he could work as a therapy dog in animal-assisted settings. For Lucas, training was essential to prevent any unwanted behaviors and to help him navigate the human world safely while strengthening our bond.
Ultimately, my reasons for dog training boil down to three key elements: safety, security, and comfort (for both my dogs and me).
What are your motivations for training your dog?
Why Do Dogs Participate in Activities with Us?
Cynics might suggest it’s solely for the treats. And while treats do play a part, it’s not the only reason. After all, you wouldn’t go to work if you weren’t compensated, right? However, I’d wager that your paycheck isn’t the sole reason you work. You may love your job, enjoy the people you work with, or appreciate the flexibility it offers. Regardless of the specifics, you have a reason.
I believe our dogs are no different. Their “why” for participating in these activities with us is because they enjoy it, cherish our companionship, and rely on our bond for safety and security. While they certainly appreciate treats, I genuinely believe my dogs partake in activities with me for the same three reasons I engage in training: safety, security, and comfort.
Why Do People Seek Dog Information Online?
We all strive to provide the best for our dogs. This extends beyond training methods to include veterinary care, health and wellness, feeding and grooming, and even indulgence. So, naturally, we turn to the internet for guidance.
I, too, consult my vet and professional trainers, but my first step is often a Google search. I imagine this holds true for most of you as well.
When it comes to training, I often turn to YouTube or Google to discover tips and tricks. I also follow Instagram accounts featuring fun and amusing dogs to stay inspired and connected.
Why Do People Write About Dogs on the Internet?
Isn’t it all interconnected?
As someone who makes a living writing about dogs and cats, the better the information I provide, the more frequently I connect with readers. Of course, I want to cover my bills, buy squeaky toys for Cooper, and fill my gas tank, but my primary goal is to create connections.
I’ve been doing this for numerous years, and I plan to continue despite the challenges. There are indeed many obstacles, not just those related to Google. Technical issues lurk behind the scenes, and there’s the unfortunate presence of internet trolls who relish posting mean, aggressive, and, lately, threatening comments. Hosting fees, hacking attempts, and content scraping also add to the mix. But much like training Lucas not to harm people, these less enjoyable aspects are essential as well.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for accompanying me on this stream-of-consciousness journey. Occasionally, I have these puzzle pieces of thoughts in my mind—such as changes in Google’s search engine results, the enduring relevance of blogs, and, always, dog training—and I need to assemble them through writing.
