Читать книгу My Dog, My Buddha - Kimberly Artley - Страница 22

13.

Don’t give up.

I may or may not have repeated the following words with every single one of my pups over the years: “… I don’t know if I can do this.” And I dare say, I haven’t been alone. But, let me tell you. Yes, you can. And it always.

Gets. Better.

Raising a pup, from any age, isn’t easy. We’re raising a different species of animal that has different (yet similar) needs, methods of communication, and manners of expression. Yet, as we open ourselves up to these little beings, the realization that they teach us much more about being human than we realize becomes more and more evident.

My self-awareness, approach, responses, and reactions have all evolved over the years, and have changed (and will continue to) for the far better, thanks to Dog. Taking inventory of how I feel, being both accountable and responsible for the energy I bring into each space, clarifying, and delivering expectations with poise and composure, and re-grounding then re-approaching before I make delivery.

This is Life. Life is messy. And messiness rocks. Why? Because we learn more from making mistakes, having setbacks, tripping over road-bumps, and those not-so-graceful face plants. We blossom through experience rather than having a smooth road paved for us. Each are opportunities to learn, grow, and evolve, if we allow ourselves to see it that way.

“Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”—African Proverb

Your dog flips out every time someone approaches the front door. GREAT! Recruit a pal and have them approach the door 10 – 15 times each day while you address his reaction, and reward his good, polite one. Do this until he starts putting two + two together.

Your pup charges the vacuum cleaner every time it comes out. Fantastic! Whip it out a number of times to help her understand it’s a “friend-not-foe”. Have her accompany you on a leash through the house as you vacuum. Disagreeing with ill behavior. Rewarding and praising desired behavior. Practice and repetition… x 100.

People don’t master an art or skill overnight, and Dog is no different. Mastery requires patience. Practice. Repetition. Consistency. Follow through. Commitment. And the belief you’ve both got this.

Whatever comes your way, and especially when it comes to your canine companion, don’t give up. They’re trying to understand what you expect of them just as much as you’re trying to understand how to get through to them. You’re partners in life. A team. Your full commitment is welcomed, necessary, and appreciated. Enjoy the adventure!