Out from under the rubble
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • About
  • Test page

Words of affirmation...

10/12/2019

2 Comments

 
Picture
This is Moose on our morning run this morning.  He’s two years old and still learning.  We’ve been working with Moose to not act like a complete fool when he sees other people and dogs.  This is now how he looks at me when we pass by people and he behaves well, as if to say “Did I do good mama?”  It reminds me of when Ryanne was little.  When she did something she was proud of and I complimented her, she would say in a high pitched, sweet voice “I’m so happy with myself right now.”  Even to this day when someone in our family does something good we will sometimes say in a sing song voice, “I’m so happy with myself right now.”

I’ve tried tons of tactics to get Moose to behave on walks.  I started by using my best alpha, intimidating voice by barking at him to say “LEAVE IT!”  When that didn’t work I tried what works for my other dog, who is highly food motivated, offer him treat after treat trying to get him to focus on me and behave.  Moose just chewed the treats as fast as he could to clear his vocal cords, so he could carry on.  It’s as if every time we faced a situation, he could sense me tensing up like “OH shit…here we go.”  

Whether we are motivated by treats ($), the corner office, recognition or making an impact, there is not one person who doesn’t get a little pep in their step and want to do better when they hear words of affirmation. You are doing good. You make me proud.  You inspire me to be better.  You are making an impact.  You make me happy.

Now when Moose and I go out for a walk or run, and I see someone approaching I gently and firmly hold his scruff and calmly say, “Good boy Moose.  You're okay.”  In dog language I believe this means ‘You got this.  You’re doing good.  I got you.’  When the situation passes he turns around and gives me this look.  I will gently bop him on the nose and tell him “You’re a good boy!"

Believing someone is capable.  Showing people you have confidence in them.  Empowering them to be better.  Telling them they did good.  The best investment you can make.

2 Comments
essay uk link
10/28/2019 07:20:45 pm

Moose definitely looks amazing! He looks so healthy and the fur looks so clean. Well, when a dog is well loved and cared for, he will surely get what he deserves. Proper grooming and right amount of food are just two factors why animals are lively to look at. But those who haven't been groomed yet look fantastic too. I am not a pet owner, but Moose painted smile on my face and I guess, that's a good thing! I am hoping to know more from him!

Reply
Anne Pettingill
11/20/2019 10:15:39 pm

Yes. So much yes.
Ps I love Moose

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    About Me

    A daughter and a mother trying to find my way.

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Family
    Grief
    Health
    Laughter
    Most Popular Posts
    Parenting
    Special Reflections
    Travel

    Archives

    July 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    October 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014

Proudly powered by Weebly