tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123619179975663900.post613330020029535739..comments2023-10-25T06:31:04.161-07:00Comments on Mindful Leadership: Intonation Matterssilvia4dogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06754651331524490306noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123619179975663900.post-60063740988072083952009-12-17T09:24:17.794-08:002009-12-17T09:24:17.794-08:00Sylvia, I learned this well when I started obedien...Sylvia, I learned this well when I started obedience with Kallie. It almost seemed as if she was annoyed at me when I used the more militant tone I was used to using with Chloe. I found out quickly that a light and fun voice works much better with her when I want her to do something, which can be hard to do when I get frustrated with her because she isn't doing as I ask, but as soon as I change my tone, I get results.Marlahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12400883027310180763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123619179975663900.post-58063562394796174732009-09-03T15:12:32.954-07:002009-09-03T15:12:32.954-07:00Dear Oracle, your descriptions fit exactly what I ...Dear Oracle, your descriptions fit exactly what I am trying to say. Thank you for your comments.<br />I believe the reasons why we are at times emotionally unclear is because humans are more cerebral than dogs - and much more pretentious because of it.<br />In addition, there is so much contradictory information how dogs ought to be treated, and such an almost paranoid fear of the "aggressive alpha dog", that many layowners are concerned that if they follow their emotional intuition what is needed at the moment, the dog might take over and become an out-of-control predator. <br />That is, in my opinion, also the reason why people overreact to a dog's slightest infraction.silvia4dogshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06754651331524490306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7123619179975663900.post-54681278741810809102009-09-03T03:46:58.926-07:002009-09-03T03:46:58.926-07:00Once again, you've written an insightful and m...Once again, you've written an insightful and meaningful post—one that deserves to be read several times over by people who seriously want to contemplate and learn more about how they relate to their dogs.<br /><br />In so many ways, the things you say about intonation support people being true to their own hearts, as clear as they can manage to be, and as sensitive and aware. So much of what you so eloquently describe seems natural, almost something that it seems to me we should take for granted. For example, a clear, sensitive, natural emotional response to a frightened individual is to go soft and quiet, which is harmonious with how you describe Will needs to be addressed in so many instances. A clear, attuned, natural response to a confident, self-assured, human-raised dog who knows and trusts you and has known no abuse, when that dog is not listening and is trying to get away with something that is not appropriate, would so often be to speak very firmly, even as though giving an order. No nonsense. But as you say, just for the moment! And once the dog is coming to you or whatever you've asked for, become encouraging, warm, and receptive again. I don't know if my descriptions of these situations fit exactly with what you advise in your post, but it's how I understand it. Because I'm thinking that if a person is natural, clear, and true to themselves, they'll do some of what you describe spontaneously.<br /><br />And yet being emotionally clear is something we humans have a terrible struggle with, on the whole! It's not easy at all! Most of us, like most dogs, have been affected by a whole number of factors that have made us less confident and oftentimes highly reactive, and we try to protect ourselves by showing fearfulness or compensate by being aggressive. If we were all emotionally clearer, the world would be a much saner, more humane place for all! So of course so very many of us are not yet able to be as attuned to our individual dogs, and as naturally appropriate in our way of relating to each one, as would be ideal. Which is why it's so marvellous that you are able to deliberately articulate some of the workings of this kind of attunement and instruct us in such a kindly and patient manner so that we may consciously move ourselves in a more sensitive and aware direction in how we relate to our dogs.<br /><br />Of course you may wish to clarify some of the things I am saying, since this is your area of expertise and I am responding to it with an understanding born more out of my own sensitivity. I wouldn't be the most confident dog for someone to work with! I would need a lot of positive encouragement. So I get the sensitive side of things pretty well by instinct.<br /><br />Anyway, thanks again for shining the light on these things, for dogs' sakes. I look forward to your future posts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com