I had been away for a week in a dude ranch in Wyoming working with horses and TTeam. While my trip was filled with many fun adventures and I got to learn from fantastic horse trainers I was ready to get home. John picked me up at the airport and before heading to the car I was wondering if he had brought the pups along. As we got closer to the car I noticed Rio. She spotted me and in her excitement she was trying to get over the metal barrier that keeps her and Deuce in the back. I approached the window and I said an enthusiastic "hello" while asking her to stay in the back. I peeked further looking for Deuce. I spotted him either waking up from a nap or just relaxing. He saw me but did not jump up nor did he appear that excited to see me. I felt my heart kind of aching - just a little. I have been away for a whole week and this is how you receive me??
My thought took a more self-righteous turn as I admonished Deuce inside my head: Who feeds you every morning? Takes you for walkies and sheepherding? Who plays soccer with you and trains you? And on and on and on…
Then suddenly I stopped and realized that I was clearly taking Deuce lazy-fair (aloof?) response really personally.
Once at home, I let both dogs out of the car. Rio jumped out of the car excited as she began to whine and ask for my attention. Deuce got out of the car still cool as a cucumber.
Before going inside John and I took a short stroll. As I am walking towards the house I spotted Deuce laying just next to me with his ball between his front paws. My gaze met his. Ahh… this is the way he is saying “hello” to me.
I reached down to pick up the ball to throw for him.
While I felt “dissed” at the airport by him, I soon realized that for me giving my dogs choices and options when possible is way more valuable than demanding their attention when laden with feelings of quasi-rejection.
Apparently though, my feelings of wanting Deuce’s attention are not that unusual. In a study by Christy Hoffman, PhD, assistant professor of animal behavior, ecology and conservation, at Canisius College, reveals some interesting findings regarding the bond people create with their dogs. You can read about the study here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140606120403.htm
My thought took a more self-righteous turn as I admonished Deuce inside my head: Who feeds you every morning? Takes you for walkies and sheepherding? Who plays soccer with you and trains you? And on and on and on…
Then suddenly I stopped and realized that I was clearly taking Deuce lazy-fair (aloof?) response really personally.
Once at home, I let both dogs out of the car. Rio jumped out of the car excited as she began to whine and ask for my attention. Deuce got out of the car still cool as a cucumber.
Before going inside John and I took a short stroll. As I am walking towards the house I spotted Deuce laying just next to me with his ball between his front paws. My gaze met his. Ahh… this is the way he is saying “hello” to me.
I reached down to pick up the ball to throw for him.
While I felt “dissed” at the airport by him, I soon realized that for me giving my dogs choices and options when possible is way more valuable than demanding their attention when laden with feelings of quasi-rejection.
Apparently though, my feelings of wanting Deuce’s attention are not that unusual. In a study by Christy Hoffman, PhD, assistant professor of animal behavior, ecology and conservation, at Canisius College, reveals some interesting findings regarding the bond people create with their dogs. You can read about the study here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/06/140606120403.htm
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