How do you react when someone calls your name? Do you immediately glance to see who spoke? Does your response vary depending on the context, such as who, where, when, and under what circumstances?
Have you ever considered your dog’s reaction to their name? Take a moment to reflect on how your dog responds when their name is called. Consider the different contexts in which you use their name and their reactions in those situations.
Over the past year, I’ve noticed a shift in my usage of my dogs’ names, from positive to negative. This realization has left me feeling disappointed and somewhat saddened. I never intended to use their names in exasperation, frustration, or anger. I’ve always made an effort to avoid doing so, as I cherished their names as something special, treasured, and loved.
While I haven’t physically harmed my dogs or damaged our relationship, I recognize that we could all benefit from improvement. Therefore, I’ve decided to embark on a new project to enhance my interactions with my dogs.
It may seem insignificant, but upon closer examination, I’ve discovered the profound impact that my past year’s actions have had on my relationships with my dogs and, to some extent, myself. The use of their names is just one aspect of a broader approach that I intend to implement over the next year, with the goal of making a positive reset for myself and my relationship with them.
My journey has begun with a simple yet effective strategy: returning positive value to their names. I’m speaking softer when calling them, treating their names as something of value. I’m refraining from using their names to start negative responses or excessively. I’m already experiencing and feeling a significant shift. As I progress in this area, I plan to add complexity and work on other aspects of my interactions. However, for now, focusing on the use of their names is more than sufficient to propel me forward.
In my own journey of improving my interactions with my dogs, I’ve also faced challenges. I occasionally slip up and use their names as implied reprimands or expressions of frustration. I even use sarcasm in a backhanded manner, knowing my dogs can understand its underlying tone and reciprocate it. Our dogs serve as mirrors, reflecting our actions back to us. Certain personality traits and responses to the world are deeply ingrained in us, and sarcasm is one of mine. Letting go of my mistakes and moving forward when I slip up is crucial. Sitting and dwelling on my errors or succumbing to the belief that I’m not perfect is a habit I must constantly remind myself to break.
As we approach the new year, identify an aspect of your relationship with your dog(s) that you’d like to enhance and start working towards incremental improvements. These improvements don’t have to be grand or profound; they can be small and manageable. The most important factor is the commitment to making positive changes. Once you decide that a particular aspect isn’t serving you well, you have the freedom to choose something else to focus on. My only request is that you avoid inaction altogether. Even the most senior dogs will benefit from and enjoy the interaction and work involved.