There are times when we have to shift our patterns and challenge our limiting beliefs because they no longer serve us.
For many of the pet parents I serve, they are actively questioning their understanding and belief systems around their dogs because they are making the choice to see their dogs differently and desire to change their thinking.
Letting go of beliefs that dogs need a powerful hand, dogs need to be under our control and dominated or else they will take over.
When you are presented with new information and it contradicts what you were taught to believe can be challenging to do, but it’s not impossible.
It requires keeping your thinking flexible.
You may be questioning what you know about how you grew up with dogs and how they were treated when you were younger.
You recognize now, pieces of what you were taught don’t fit in with what you’re learning now, but you are open for accommodating the new information.
Go slow. By taking one small step in changing how you show up for your dog can shape how you interact with your dog and seeing your relationship with your dog with new eyes.
Stay empathetic. We have real needs like food, air to breath and a safe place to sleep. Our dogs do too.
It doesn’t end there. We share needs with our dog like the desire for connection, trust, safety and freedom.
When we can accept we have shared similarities it opens us up to see the world through our companion’s eyes.
When they hurt, we hurt. When they feel love, we feel love.
Challenge the pattern of thought when it arises.
When you experience your dog growling and the belief comes up that this is wrong and a dog shouldn’t growl at me.
Ask yourself, “is that true?” What else can be going on?
When you can take a step back and consider the point of view from your dog, you will start opening your heart rather than repeating patterns and beliefs which keeps you small and limits what’s possible for you and your dog.
Choose curiosity and stay open minded.
Do you want to live a life with ease with your dog? Set up a Discovery Call and find out you can achieve this!
Four Paws & You Dog Training 