Fedore Writer

About a year ago, a dog trainer said to my sister and me, “I’m not training the dog as much as I’m training the owners.” I’ve owned my dog for almost six months and it’s clear that puppy love has lessons to teach us, if we’re willing to learn. Bonus: We can apply these lessons to people love.

Concise language is best

Being concise is not my strength. I’m a storyteller and will inflate a simple explanation. I’m sure sometimes people listening to me think, “You had me at ‘hello.’” If there’s something we need, let’s just ask in one sentence, see what happens, and reward the response if it’s the right one. Simple.

“Sit.”

“Yes.”

Give treat.

Offer rewards frequently

It doesn’t take social scientists to study the correlation between praising behavior and getting positive results. We know this to be true, so why is it so difficult?

During this month of love, how about if we spend our energy on encouraging and thanking? Let’s thank and maybe even write notes to our dental hygienist, hair stylist, grocer, pedicurist, neighbors, siblings, dog groomer, significant others, and so many more people that enrich our lives. And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves the praise we deserve. Let’s retrain our brains to allow the positive affirmations through and to prevent the negativity from taking over.

Love is both fleeting and enduring

Even though our hearts have been broken, we dive into love again. At the dog park my sister and I visit daily, names of departed dogs line the fence posts. These name plates imply that the owners return to the park with their second, third or fourth dog to absorb the joy of the moment and fondly remember their canines that have passed.

Poo it forward

A sure way to gather positive karma is to pick up piles of dog poo that are in pathways, even when we know it’s not our dog’s. When we don’t clear it away, we’re bound to step in it the next day. Picking up another dog’s business is a way to pay (or poo) it forward.

While we’re on the subject, don’t let our crap become someone else’s crap.

Take turns in the lead

Do we always need to be in charge? We might discover something new about our environment or about ourselves if we let our dogs lead us and set the pace.

In the evenings, my little Yorkie would rather play than sit and watch TV. Sometimes, when I compromise and throw the ball for him, I’m frustrated that I can’t just relax and slump in my recliner. Then, I’ll feel guilty for feeling frustrated and wonder if my Yorkie thinks he’s compromising. He can sense that I need to have a little fun. He’s picking up his ball and dropping it at my feet for my sake.

When we’re done playing, I always feel better. My dog knows this.

“Play.”

“Yes.”

Give treat.