Mindful Canine Leadership
BE-coming a mindful canine leader is a journey of self-discovery.
Welcome to Mindful Canine Leadership.
Welcome to Mindful Canine Leadership. These practices are designed to help the human member(s) of the pack to become the Compassionate Leaders that your furry family member requires in order to thrive. Whether your dog is newly acquired or has been a long time family member, it is critical for a canid to Be a member of a stable pack with a clearly defined hierarchy so they can assume their role in helping the pack to be successful.
Companion dogs mirror our physiological landscape.
They are highly attuned to our emotional dynamics; whether you are sad, irritated or joyful, they respond accordingly in comfort, fear or playfulness.
As Pack Principals we must learn to Be in order to cultivate a Compassionate Pathway to assure pack stability.
These Compassionate Leadership practices will help to foster trust and a deeper connection between you and your companion.
The Practice of Becoming Mindful
Be Compassionate
The guiding principle behind Mindful Canine Leadership is Compassion. When we are giving of ourselves in a loving way, we are nurturing compassion. In the canid world that means acknowledging (Marking) when your dog offers a wanted behavior, such as sitting or being patient, followed by a Reward (praise, touch, play, treat).
This essential learning process is known as Positive Reinforcement; the methodology I use train all my humans and dogs alike.
Be Balanced
Balance is creating by discarding what does not serve our dog and reinforcing what does in our ever evolving practice. When we are consistent and clear in our communication with our companions we create a thriving learning environment. As pack leaders, our compassionate and consistent actions create balance which brings stability to the pack.
Be Present
Stay in the moment. Make time in your busy human life to give your companion your undivided attention. Leave the world behind to play, nap, walk, run and Be Present in each other’s lives. Within these interactions are the subtle beauty of a shared moment that make up a life well lived in the Here and Now.
Be Calm
Creating a gentle sensory environment through calm voice inflection and appropriate body language is essential to any dog’s physiological state. This is especially true of rescue dog; many whom have experienced verbal and physical traumas and as a result are ultra sensitive to raised voices and quick body motions. When we are still, collected and calm we transmit a peaceful vibration of compassion.
Be Aware
As we learn to Be Still our perceptions become more acute, thereby fostering awareness. Within this space we can closely observe the nuisances of our furry family member’s body language; their means of communicating to us. The more we understand what our companion is expressing the better our relationship will Be.
Be Patient
Every dog, like every human, is an individual with unique gifts and abilities. Therefore, it is important not compare or have expectations. When we approach any activity without attachments (training, vet visit, meeting a friendly stranger etc) we will discover a new level of patience within ourself. Remember, dogs are masters of human body language so Be aware of your physical gestures and voice inflictions.
Be Principal
Be the leader your dog needs. It is crucial that your dog understand that you are the Principal so he/she can take their place in the pack. It is critical for a canid to recognize its position in the pack hierarchy so it knows how best contribute to its success. Being a Principal offers you the opportunity to be the best pet parent you can Be for your dog.
These Mindful Canine Leadership practices will help you to cultivate pack stability. You will experience a deeper bond, clearer communication, profound understanding and cohabitation cohesion. Most importantly, we will experience a lifetime of love and mutual respect.
With Gratitude
Todd