Yesterday a friend introduced me to the show The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. I'd heard of it but never watched it before and now want to watch every episode I can on Netflix. I've also recently watched documentaries and read books about Buck Brannaman, the horse whisperer, which are equally as amazing and intriguing.
As I watch the Dog Whisperer I find myself getting frustrated with the owners' behaviors, but at the same time, recognize so many things they do that are what I grew up doing with dogs. My family is the perfect example of loving our dogs so much that we let them rule the household. It's definitely something that can be passed from generation to generation. I'm pleased to see though, my nieces, Adam and Melissa are much better at disciplining their dogs than my parents, sisters and I have ever been. Maybe it's because they've seen The Dog Whisperer, I don't know. It's not that we've had horribly behaved dogs, we've been lucky not to have any really aggressive dogs take advantage of our submissive, what-can-I-do-to-please-you behaviors. Every time I've gotten a puppy I think I'm going to be more authoritative. Ha! That doesn't last very long, BUT I have gotten better.
I've seen evidence in working with my donkeys and cow, that being firm and being in control makes a happier, friendlier, more confident, pleasant-to-be-around, animal.
My standard donkey, Wilson, is now 3 1/2 years old and strong enough to support weight on his back. He adores me (or maybe I'm projecting again here) and I think he'd be pleased to have a job and give me a ride. This is my next goal - to ride him. Stay tuned for progress on this front.
I'll admit I'm a pushover with my animals and there's work to be done in recognizing they don't have human brains and emotions. They live in the now and don't hold grudges. They want stability, direction and a strong leader. I'm going to be that leader.
I hesitate to post this link http://www.hopeforpaws.org/ because people like me and my family who watch these dog rescue videos want to rescue every dog like this and spoil them like we've always done. They're so sad and touching. They make you want to rescue any animal that has been neglected or abused. I can't help but share them though.
As I typed this my very submissive, sweet dog, who makes me look like a good pet owner, sleeps by my side.
As I watch the Dog Whisperer I find myself getting frustrated with the owners' behaviors, but at the same time, recognize so many things they do that are what I grew up doing with dogs. My family is the perfect example of loving our dogs so much that we let them rule the household. It's definitely something that can be passed from generation to generation. I'm pleased to see though, my nieces, Adam and Melissa are much better at disciplining their dogs than my parents, sisters and I have ever been. Maybe it's because they've seen The Dog Whisperer, I don't know. It's not that we've had horribly behaved dogs, we've been lucky not to have any really aggressive dogs take advantage of our submissive, what-can-I-do-to-please-you behaviors. Every time I've gotten a puppy I think I'm going to be more authoritative. Ha! That doesn't last very long, BUT I have gotten better.
I've seen evidence in working with my donkeys and cow, that being firm and being in control makes a happier, friendlier, more confident, pleasant-to-be-around, animal.
My standard donkey, Wilson, is now 3 1/2 years old and strong enough to support weight on his back. He adores me (or maybe I'm projecting again here) and I think he'd be pleased to have a job and give me a ride. This is my next goal - to ride him. Stay tuned for progress on this front.
I'll admit I'm a pushover with my animals and there's work to be done in recognizing they don't have human brains and emotions. They live in the now and don't hold grudges. They want stability, direction and a strong leader. I'm going to be that leader.
I hesitate to post this link http://www.hopeforpaws.org/ because people like me and my family who watch these dog rescue videos want to rescue every dog like this and spoil them like we've always done. They're so sad and touching. They make you want to rescue any animal that has been neglected or abused. I can't help but share them though.
As I typed this my very submissive, sweet dog, who makes me look like a good pet owner, sleeps by my side.
Getting my dog, Chloe, and training her proved to be life-changing for me. I had to learn to be assertive, but calm, to have good energy and to lead. It was a life lesson. I transferred that whole mentality into my life in general without realizing I was doing it and found more contentment, less resentment. It's a good philosophy.
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