Rise Up

Is March over yet? This seems like an ever ending month with so many changes happening effecting our entire world. We, as a global community are pushed to altering our social lifestyles, our work environments and how we conduct our daily routine. Our children’s school classrooms became virtual meeting spaces with one on one check-ins with their teachers. Even my husband is teleworking and let me tell you, both of us working at home at the same time is both exciting since its a new adventure, but another routine to establish on the fly. One thing is for sure, being a military spouse making these adjustments have become second nature. I’ve become accustomed to the rapid changes of PCS moves, TDY timelines shifts and most of all employment and job changes.

The pull of this season of adjustment continues through my commitment in guiding and coaching clients in working with their dogs. As a dog trainer, I’ve built my business with direct one on one relationships with those who are seeking understanding and answers for things like nuisance barking, lunging on walks with passerby’s, resource guarding or any other number of questions and concerns. Before March happened, I met with clients in person and spent hours walking with them on their journey of deepening their relationship with their dogs. I listened intently to their concerns while encouraging an open heart in understanding their dog’s behavior. At the same time, I gathered pertinent environmental and behavioral conditions as contributing factors and responses. These two pieces are paramount in providing a holistic approach in preparing an action plan for clients.

Where to go from here where social distancing prevails and restrictions in movements are necessary for the greater good? Just because face to face meetings are a no go, I quickly learned the same quality of service delivery is possible. A quick rethink of how to conduct business while finding resources in websites like the Modern Dog Trainer, guided my repositioning. Now, I’m exploring a new venue-a virtual meeting space-where I can maintain the personal touch of working with a client one-on-one while integrating new modes of service delivery through tailored training videos. This is uncharted territory for me, but one where I’m exploring other creative outlets and expanding my reach in meeting my clients’ training needs. I found I’m rising up in these uncertain times.

As I write this, I’m inspired by U2 (my favorite band btw), their song Rise Up. Its a call to love in the midst of uncertainty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC_J1CDlQuI This is very much as appropriate song for today as it was intended back in the 80’s when it was produced. I encourage you to continue finding ways to rise up and keep moving forward. We are #inittogether

Check out my biz page for a virtual Q and A I conducted last week if you haven’t already. Interested in virtual options, send me a message. https://www.facebook.com/FourPawsandYouDogTraining/videos/210940559997088/

Reiki

Hello Friends! These are some uncharted times and uneasy waters. We are forced in maintaining social distancing as a way of keeping ourselves and each other safe from COVID-19.

These forced lifestyle changes can hamper our lifestyles. Many of us are accustomed to meeting up and sharing ourselves interpersonally. We meet at bars for brunch, the movies and for some of us, our work life is a great social hour too.

What about our dogs! These social venues also allow our pups to be with us. Being in Germany, that is TOTALLY the case. These forced closures of public spaces distance ourselves from one another and our dogs lose out too. The loss of a routine and our own stress translates to our own pups. They are so in tune with us and it only shows when things get upended in our own world. I know this first hand. Jack Bear is totally out of sorts realizing I’m home way more than usual! His rest and relaxation is tested 🙂

In the past year, I’ve been instilling a Reiki practice. Reiki, is essentially the flow of energy through one to another and out to the world again. We are all made of energy and for us who ever struggled with anxiety, for sure knows when energy is stored, can create unsettledness and agitation within ourselves.

https://positively.com/contributors/how-reiki-energy-can-help-dogs-in-many-different-ways/

Let’s keep the energy flowing. I’m still apprenticing with the practice of Reiki. I would love to share the gift of it with you and your dogs. If you would like exploring this energy work, reach out at katherine.porter09@gmail.com. We will chat a bit over email and set up a time to virtually meet! Challenges lay ahead, but the community we build through human connection over the internet or in person only builds the same-LOVE.

Dog Days of Summer

I don’t know about you, but its been hot as anything the last couple of weeks. My husband and I’ve been suffering in our sweat boxes of an office and home. My pups have been not themselves either. Heat is such a buzz kill for this Northeasterner even though I grew up without air conditioning. Maybe its me getting older and more intolerant of high temperatures or the world is getting warmer, whatever the case, I’m looking forward to autumn.

Friday marked the first day where we had comfortable temperatures and Jack and Bernie could not have been more thrilled. My husband got home early for work and was able to spend time with the Bears. When I returned home, Jack and Bernie were playing like they used to before the summer. They were wrestling, grabbing each other, play bowing and sneezing (you know its fun when both are sneezing a ton!). We caught them in the midst of their game of chase and Eddie said “they’ve been playing like that on and off all afternoon like that.” That makes my heart soar!

In celebration of cooler temps and my spirited Bears, I did a little DIY treat dispenser. Both were interested, but per usual, Jack was the most determined (I think Bernie likes the easy way out).