Communication on a different level...
Logan doesn't speak my language. He speaks dog. He understands a few words of English but he is not fluent in it. I do not speak dog. I understand some of it.
It is amazing how we can communicate with each other none the less.
I will be in the middle of some important activity such as general relaxation or reading or watching TV. Logan will come over and plop a toy on my lap and sit there. He is quite patient and can maintain a stare for extended periods. If I don't move, he will come over and remind me that the toy is there. If I continue to ignore it, he will gently take my hand in his teeth and move it to the toy. If all else fails, he may hop on the chair and stand on my chest staring me in the eye and giving me a final chance before kissing me full on the lips. That is guaranteed to get a response.
Logan makes his needs known and communicates them clearly. If my dog can communicate his point to me so clearly and easily, why can't I? I know that communication between individuals is the key to maintaining a healthy relationship. What I know and what I do though are not always the same thing.
I grew up with a dad who had a lot of issues with himself which spilled over onto the treatment of his kids. It was a stressful atmosphere and I was always on guard. I was very cautious when I spoke because I never knew what the response would be and I wanted to protect myself. I didn't offer any opinions. I didn't take a lot of chances. I was a very meek and obedient child around him. I found it was the safest alternative.
I swore I wasn't going to be like my dad but as usually happens, I am very much like him. I second guess myself a lot and don't often have the confidence to stand up for the things I believe in. When I am confronted or questioned about an opinion or issue, I tend to freeze up and withdraw. I have improved greatly over the years especially with Dane's help but it is still a challenge for me.
Dane is extremely articulate and I get so intimidated when I try to debate him. It is a very hard thing for me to do. I have very strong opinions on things and yet I just melt away because I get tongue tied. I hate feeling like I don't matter and the things I say aren't important.
It is an awful feeling.
My spousal unit tells me tough luck, he is going to keep confronting me and making me stand up to him so I am forced to get over this obstacle. I guess it is his version of tough love.
It is amazing how we can communicate with each other none the less.
I will be in the middle of some important activity such as general relaxation or reading or watching TV. Logan will come over and plop a toy on my lap and sit there. He is quite patient and can maintain a stare for extended periods. If I don't move, he will come over and remind me that the toy is there. If I continue to ignore it, he will gently take my hand in his teeth and move it to the toy. If all else fails, he may hop on the chair and stand on my chest staring me in the eye and giving me a final chance before kissing me full on the lips. That is guaranteed to get a response.
Logan makes his needs known and communicates them clearly. If my dog can communicate his point to me so clearly and easily, why can't I? I know that communication between individuals is the key to maintaining a healthy relationship. What I know and what I do though are not always the same thing.
I grew up with a dad who had a lot of issues with himself which spilled over onto the treatment of his kids. It was a stressful atmosphere and I was always on guard. I was very cautious when I spoke because I never knew what the response would be and I wanted to protect myself. I didn't offer any opinions. I didn't take a lot of chances. I was a very meek and obedient child around him. I found it was the safest alternative.
I swore I wasn't going to be like my dad but as usually happens, I am very much like him. I second guess myself a lot and don't often have the confidence to stand up for the things I believe in. When I am confronted or questioned about an opinion or issue, I tend to freeze up and withdraw. I have improved greatly over the years especially with Dane's help but it is still a challenge for me.
Dane is extremely articulate and I get so intimidated when I try to debate him. It is a very hard thing for me to do. I have very strong opinions on things and yet I just melt away because I get tongue tied. I hate feeling like I don't matter and the things I say aren't important.
It is an awful feeling.
My spousal unit tells me tough luck, he is going to keep confronting me and making me stand up to him so I am forced to get over this obstacle. I guess it is his version of tough love.
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