“A Mans Best Friend”
Aug 14 2009
There are so many different approaches when it comes to training animals. The old school way, this is through the feeling of we are more superior and is based on dominance. The animal had better do what it is told!
Then we have the I will let my dog or horse do as he or she pleases and its OK if they misbehave because I love them so much.
Between these two examples there are many variations. So where do we find the right way of training our animals? A place where the animals and the humans get what they need from the relationship?
So to get a better understanding lets look at these two extremes and what is happening on an emotional level.
The hard approach is similar to a child who is doing what they are told in the fear of the consequence. This child can be very submissive and show insincere behaviours, finding it hard to express them selves and shows emotional sensitivity.
We can see this with horse training, this type of horse is not relaxed in its work and has jumpy movements. Basically their mind is so busy wondering what is going to happen that they find it hard to be present enough to really hear what is being asked.
The opposite can be just as emotional, with no guidance, they are left with too much responsibility. When they do not know what to do in a situation they are responding through their fear rather than learning from the human. Long term lack of confidence with extreme cases in dogs can showing aggressive and protective behaviour.
The same thing is happening in both cases the mind of the animal is too fast and this produces excess levels of emotion.
Have a look at the video below which uses a method based on building trust between an animal and a human. Creating a relationship by helping them to find peace of mind.
There is a balance that is very special and this can be created through trust. Then clearly there is no place for old dominant behaviour from the human. Why would there be any need if both the human and animal had this strength of relationship.
Your animal with naturally listen to you when they share this feeling of trust, as you will be someone who is trust worthy.
The world of animal training is changing as more people discover much more efficient and rewarding ways in working with animals. It is not the animals who need or are going to change this it is us!
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