It has been a really hard week for the human race.
So much anger, fear, confusion and misinformation on so many levels. It makes me want to retreat to a mountain hideout, away from this fanatical chaos. It also makes me envy the simple and uncomplicated lives of dogs. Left to their own devices, they figure things out quickly and efficiently. The only thing that tends to mess up the minds and lives of dogs is humans. But that's OK, because one of the coolest things about dogs is that they are super forgiving and really do want us to get it right. Sometimes I jokingly tell myself that's the reason they can be such a challenge to train. Because in their moments of misbehaving, they are actually teaching us about ourselves as we flounder around trying to get them to behave. If we are really paying attention to ourselves in the moment, we will learn. If not, well, dogs will keep on doing what they do until we get it right.
Another amazing thing about dogs is their freedom from judgment. They don't go to the dog park, see a foreign dog and say, "Nuh-uh. Who let THAT in here?" In fact, the first thing they do is wander over to that new dog, get really personal by going in for a good sniff of their hiney, then offer to play!
From time to time conflict may arise, usually due to a misunderstanding, but it's usually quickly resolved without grudges or resentments. On occasion, a dog may enter the group and start a serious fight.
This poorly socialized dog unfortunately didn't have a lot of healthy guidance early on and now sees life through fearful eyes. Its fears tell it to be afraid of other dogs because something might be taken away from it.
Given time and proper guidance, the unsocial dog will begin to understand that other dogs pose no threat and it's OK to share because there is enough to go around. Dogs get that - the sharing thing I mean. They don't have a fear of running out of anything because if another dog takes their ball, heck, there is a really cool stick that is probably way more fun than that drool-covered ball! They proudly carry that stick, probably seeing the whole incident as a blessing rather than a burden. Dogs are cool that way.
Dogs make great lemonade. Because of their inherent joyfulness, they don't fret over the bucket of lemons at their door. They can turn a rainy, windy day into the best puddle-splashing event ever.
Or, they can never leave the comfort of their house and work on their goal of finding the ultimate sleeping position.
Dogs could happily sleep an entire day away. They have absolutely no fear of missing out. Wondering and worrying about what other dogs are doing is just not part of their present moment thinking program. They just don't give a hoot.
Dogs are the best sleepers. Wouldn't it be great to be able to sleep as deeply as dog? Imagine how it would feel to wake up as rested as a dog every morning. Unlike cats, who seem to sleep with one eye open at all times, dogs sleep with both eyes shut and can do it anywhere. They can turn the noise and negativity of the world off and be found lying belly up, blissfully snoring, and unabashedly passing gas on the bed.
Dogs are amazing communicators. If only we could communicate as honestly as they do. Besides being incredibly astute at recognizing, interpreting and understanding the most minute body language changes, they are direct and to-the-point when they have something to say. They don't beat around the bush leaving cryptic and confusing messages. If a dog has something to say to the dog down the street, it leaves a clear message at the base of a tree or shrub and walks away.
In our convoluted and messed up human world, it's a wonderful blessing to share this life with uncomplicated and fearless dogs. If only we could let go of our egos and be more like them, what a peaceful place it would be.
Joan Klucha has been working with dogs for more than 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Visit her website k9kinship.com.
