Finding True Potential
Don’t get me wrong–I love all dogs and their individual personalities. Each dog I cross paths with teaches me something, just as much as I teach them. My work is indeed very rewarding.
But, I must confess–I do have a particular favorite kind of dog that I thoroughly enjoy working with. This kind of dog is most often the type of dog that many people overlook when visiting a shelter, or picking a puppy from a litter. The personality type that I am referring to is: the dog with no self-esteem! The dog that is totally unaware of their true potential because they are stuck in fear. And it is that very reason that makes these guys so rewarding to work with. The moment you show them how much they can experience in life by helping them conquer their fears, the sky’s the limit! And they are forever grateful to you–the connection is palpable–it’s a bond that you took the time to create, and afterwards can never be broken.
It takes time to grow self-esteem in a dog. It’s a step by step process where even the smallest of victories have to be acknowledged and praised. You have to be patient and you cannot push for fast results.
The hardest part for many owners who own a low-self esteem dog, is challenging them through their fear. Sometimes we think that by a dog remaining hidden when company comes over, or running to hide the moment a loud noise happens, that this is better than a dog who barks loudly or goes into immediate defense mode. Both reactions are extremes that need to be corrected or redirected. When a dog runs away, it’s not a corrective moment–it’s a moment where we need to show them an alternative way to cope. It’s a moment for us to step up as firm leaders and help them through the insecurity.
If a dog likes to hide when company comes over, then an alternative can be for them to lie in their bed in an open part of the living room. We are giving them their space, but on our terms not theirs. From here, the dog can begin to view this experience from a better perspective–from a follower role, and not a leadership role. By being given a directive to follow, it gives them something else to focus on–this is what helps the fear to begin to melt away. We might meet some resistance to this new way of thinking. But it’s the resistance that we need to have the perseverance to follow through with. In this moment of changing the way a dog thinks, we have to hold off any urge to want to potentially administer affection. It can be hard! Seeing our dog struggle through something makes all kinds of emotions erupt within us. But, it’s the journey through the struggle that we are helping them see past, that is paving the way to a happier, calmer dog. Showing a dog that they can do this one simple thing opens the door for endless possibilities! You have just shown them their true potential!
My favorite dog–the one who believes life is all about ears back, tucked tail, and that life is an endless loop of fear and turmoil. Why? Because it’s the exact opposite! And when a dog works with you and trusts you to help them figure this out, the joy in their face and the love they give you is something that cannot be replicated.