The Complexity of Life

 

The Complexity of Life

Life is full of variables and its complexity is unimaginable. Let's take communication for example. All words have specific (and multiple) definitions, but everyone does not follow the same definitions. In dog training, I often refer to "reinforcers". Through my studies, this has been defined as something that increases the frequency, duration, or intensity of behavior. Other trainers use the term "reward" meaning the same thing. When communicating with others, it’s important to be clear in what we are saying to minimize miscommunications. Then we have the difficulty of interspecies communications, such as that with our dogs! Dogs communicate using nonverbal behavior. They are also reading our nonverbal behavior as well. How conscious are you of what your body is saying? Without placing much awareness on it, you may have no idea! By using the fundamentals taught via Ethology we can “speak dog”, using behaviors that are more familiar to them aiding in our communication.

We’ve had many experiences in our lives. These experiences have shaped who we are today. Someone who had a fearful experience in a pool may see a pool party as a punishment rather than a day out. All of our individual experiences have left us with different associations. This leads to creating our likes and dislikes. Like us, dogs have had combinations of both positive and negative emotional experiences. By learning about your dog's own likes and dislikes, fears, and pleasures, we can better shape their environment to help them feel safe and content.

With each experience, we can take away what we want from it. Learn from your mistakes, see the good where you can, and bring that with you. You're not perfect, no one is, this includes our four-legged friends!

I used to be big on the "motivational" talks, and sometimes it's good to get a little motivation from an outside source. But at the end of the day, it’s what is important to you. What you value most, you will accomplish. On the flip side, we all have limitations. I could spend the rest of my life in the gym, with unlimited free time, a personal chef, and all the pharmaceuticals available. I would still not obtain the physique of a world-class bodybuilder. Understanding your values, acknowledging where you are, and setting attainable goals will lead you to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life. This goes for our dogs as well. We should not expect them to become robots listening to our signals 100% of the time. That is not only unrealistic but also unfair. That is no way to live. Remember, like us, they are also living organisms!

Let’s focus on the things that better ourselves and those around us. Let’s bring the good memories and the lessons learned. Let’s stay focused on what matters. Let’s be open-minded and compassionate with others. Let’s work with each other, and with our dogs, not against them. It’s not “us” versus “them”. We can all grow together.

"Be a friend. Not an owner."