Our Energy and Emotions Influence Dogs

Brene Brown writes, “the opposite of belonging is shame.” Our shame, guilt, and sadness separate us from our dogs in a way. We may become silent as we struggle with a choice. We may feel guilty for leaving our dogs alone. We may feel sad because our dogs needed rescue. Our tension and emotions make us silent or emotional. The dog is still trying to figure out the relationship. When we are weird, the energy can make them weird, too.

Think about the person who says, “I’m sorry I have to leave” and makes a big production over leaving. That dog is likely to have some anxiety issues–issues developed by our behavior. Dogs pick up anxiety from many places. We can help them not pick it up from us.

We (My husband and I) strive to be intentional with our energy, thoughts, actions, voice, tone, etc., when working with the dogs. We want to communicate calm, security, trust, approval, encouragement. We praise for behaviors we like. We tend to ignore or use “leave it” for problem behaviors. This practice is good for us, too. We are more aware of our own feelings and emotions. We understand that our feeling of well-being supports Gabe and Rose in their healing and understanding of home.

Our vision of Gabe and Rose provides a guide for who they can become. We can’t see “poor pathetic rescues” or “broken” or “unwanted.” That message doesn’t give them anyplace good to grow. We must see healthy, happy, well-adjusted, family members becoming all they can be. That vision gives them a place to be and to become.

Yes, they still have much to learn. Toddlers and teens do–and so do we. Yes, I am sometimes still overwhelmed with the process and the time it takes to build long-lasting relationships. However, with time, focus, and training, Gabe and Rose calm, learn new commands, make room for us in their relationship and play through the changes. Perhaps they will teach me to not only breathe through the stress and changes, but remember to play through it all, too. What a wonderful gift during the year of COVID-19.