Feel like you’re in a fight? Play instead.
I never tire of watching our cats fight. Or play. I’m never really sure which it is. They mostly seem to enjoy the exchanges. There is the occasional snarly meow that has the distinct sound of being extremely annoyed. But the fighting (or playing) continues, on and on and on, it goes. Co-workers can have […]
The best thing you can do when faced with disruptive behavior
Living in a house with an insecure dog and two confident cats creates lots of opportunities for disruptive behavior. Grace is fiercely jealous of the kitties, Dodger in particular, who seems to find immense pleasure in her discomfort. Oliver moves around oblivious to Grace, unless a carrot is in the room, because for whatever the […]
Behavior begins with your thoughts
Instinct. That’s what everyone said was the reason Grace acted so differently than I expected last week when she darted after that innocent bunny. She and I were worlds apart. But it was just her instinct to chase and mine to protect. I thought a lot about that incident in relation to people in the […]
Looks are important; but the components underneath are critical
This winter has been mild with very little snow. Yesterday and today we’re seeing a typical New England storm with lots of the white, fluffy flakes falling. It’s sticking everywhere and bringing a whole new look to the landscape. That seems appropriate as I’m in the final stages of creating a whole new look to […]
Know what’s behind you, but keep your focus on what’s ahead
Last Friday, I met with a staff of a small organization to review assessment results. It was a fun and rewarding time for me, because everyone was genuinely interested in learning more about themselves and each other. They were filled with probing questions that reflected their interest in looking ahead. They understood that there were […]
Spread the love on Valentine’s Day — even to those you aren’t that fond of
Today, of course, is Valentine’s Day. It’s an occasion that encourages us to devote time to those closest to us — and to tell them that we care. Dogs and cats probably don’t have today on their social calendar. Nor do co-workers. We think of it as only a romantic celebration. But why not expand […]
Clear communication becomes dog’s play
It’s really fun to watch two animals play together. They seem to have a rhythm, knowing what to do and when to do it. If one does something the other doesn’t like, it’s communicated clearly, in a way that expresses their desire, without judgment. No grudges held or lingering resentment, no baggage left to deal […]
Create a culture that is true to your values
This past summer when I attended Suzanne Clothier’s workshop on fearful dogs, I had asked her how to curb Grace’s insistence to bark at any moving thing by our house. A car, person, animal, sometimes even a blowing twig, will incite Grace into thinking she had to protect us all with her sharp bark. In […]
Recognition makes you feel good, among other things
We all know how good it feels when we receive recognition. It not only puts a smile on our face but it has other significant benefits, too. It motivates us to do more of what gave us the positive reinforcement and therefore increases our confidence. These are important aspects for productivity and happiness. The recognition […]
Two things to do when someone is ignoring you
There are times when I feel that Grace is ignoring me. (And I’m sure she does on occasion.) But mostly I think she just doesn’t always understand what I’m saying. What often looks to me as if she’s ignoring me is very likely a result of her not knowing what I’m saying. When she’s afraid […]
