When communication isn’t easy, the disappointment of another relationship you can’t trust creeps in, and time spent with your dog becomes more frustrating than fun. It can easily become less time and more in an augmentative state. Hmmm, does that sound familiar? Sounds like some of your personal relationships? Have you ever wondered why? Could it be something you are doing or is it always about someone else? hmm, again…
Our relationships with our dogs often reflect how we communicate in general. Wrong. Less then clear, and much less than consistent. We constantly stop at “no” and never bother to say what we really want from our dogs or from our friends. Somehow they’re supposed to know what to do after the very terse “no.” It’s supposed to say a lot.
Relationships cannot work well on the basis of a “no”. The best way to be clear with your dog is to tell him what to do and at first help him get into position so he knows what action you want from him. In other words, go ahead with help until they know what he’s asking of them. It doesn’t happen overnight. Like any great relationship, it’s about spending time together and having clear communication and lots of fun every day instead of occasionally.
Learning to communicate with your dog so that there is a true understanding between you and your dog is not only rewarding, but also gives you a friend who is never late, is always there for you, never lies to you, and is always happy to see you.
