When you are looking for your animal to change an unwanted behavior or adopt a new preferred behavior, realize that animals don’t always work according to our modern, unrelenting time schedule. They do things on animal time, more organically, more in tune with the environment, because that’s their natural state. Even though domesticated, our animal companions are not as influenced by culture as we are. Thus the fact that they retain intact the ability to communicate intuitively and we have to learn it over again. We typically demand and expect instant results, but this just isn’t the way things often happen. Of course, things can change quickly, but some things just take time. It took me over a year to realize I wanted to keep my rescue dog Dougal, a Chocolate (lab) (Irish) wolfhound. I spent that year trying to find him a new home, taking him to four obedience classes to temper his high energy, and despairing of ever finding anyone who would want him. Then one day I realized I wouldn’t sell him for a million dollars. He became one of the greatest dogs I ever had. He also mellowed out and was the most polite and gracious dog I ever knew.  Well, except for Bear of course! 

Lately I have been blogging about my cat Miles, a Maine Coon who showed up at my door as a 5 month old feral about 8 months ago. I have been working with him on tempering his aggression toward my other cats and he has been doing pretty well. One thing he had not mastered, but wanted dearly to do, was to get the other cats to play with him. They would see him coming and scatter. I talked to him about it and explained what he would have to do to achieve this goal, but had no expectations. Eight months later he finally got it. I saw Miles and my long haired black and white cat, Megan,  lying in the grass batting at each other in a companionable and leisurely way, and then chasing each other around the back garden. Good job Miles!

 

THIS STUFF REALLY WORKS!

 Terri Carver sent in this story about trying out intuitive communication with her sheep and her new herding dog, Gid.

I work stockdogs and have a large herd of sheep.  I was taking a new dog that I have in for training out to about 15 of my sheep on about 5 acres.  Well, not knowing the dog, and he’s an intense Border Collie; my sheep took flight.  The dog and I moved to stop them, but they were still poised for flight.  So, I told them, “Boys just stand still. I promise not to let this new dog hurt any of you.”  The sheep then calmly turned to look at me and waited patiently for me to send Gid around to bring them to me.  I’ve talked to them before, every day as a matter of fact.  But, this little experience really opened my eyes. 

I continue to talk with my sheep and my dogs.  I am getting the behaviors that keep both the sheep and dogs happy while working.  I believe that the sheep enjoy working with me since it is like taking a walk.  I have certain sheep that always want to participate.  Thank you again for providing the insight in to what is always there.
 

  HORSE VIDEO PROJECT

My Blog designer, Mark Mottershead, who also does the HorseConscious site, is traveling from Germany to visit some of the HorseConscious teachers. He will be videoing Liz Mitten Ryan in BC . Liz has a beautiful ranch in Canada and I wish I had had time to go see her and her horses when I was there last month. Maybe next time Liz. Mark will also be going to visit my favorite horse trainer,  Carolyn Resnick, in Escondido, CA. You can follow his trip at

http://www.horseconscious.com/marks-video-travelogue.html