Читать книгу My Dog, My Buddha - Kimberly Artley - Страница 10

2.

We teach others how to treat us.

We teach others how to treat us. This goes for both human and canine, through what we permit and do not permit. What we stand for, and what we negotiate. What we allow will always continue.

How we allow others to treat us is directly related to our level of self-worth and self concept. How “good enough” we feel we are. Our level of confidence. Self-acceptance. Self-love and appreciation. Self-respect.

In learning how to establish rules, boundaries, and parameters with our dogs, we learn how to do this in our personal lives, as well; for this sets the tone for any relationship (regardless of species) and any household. Without this, lines will always be skewed, expectations gone amiss, disappointment and resentment abound, and buttons and envelopes constantly tested and pushed.

Creating and sticking to these healthy boundaries isn’t “mean”, “bad” or “cruel”, it’s necessary; and is enforced out of respect for ourselves, our dog(s), and others.

What we don’t address, we give permission to continue to occur. What we don’t disagree with automatically receives our consent. Being clear with what makes us feel comfortable and uncomfortable, and what is appropriate and inappropriate, will help everyone to get on the same page. Respect begets respect. When we respect ourselves, we won’t allow anything less from others.