Awareness, Dogs, and Power Projection
Awareness is necessary if we are to change our behavior in a desirable direction. Without awareness planning can be ineffective. Awareness lets us perceive the direction events are moving. If we’re aware of where we are headed we can take appropriate interventions before there is a crisis. On a more optimistic note, awareness also gives us the chance to make preparations so we can take advantage of opportunities.
An awareness of our surroundings and, our place in the history of events, allows us to practice flexibility. Awareness is part of the feedback system that gives us insight into what we need to do next.
Awareness is an important part of social interaction. The connection between social interaction and awareness is very evident when training dogs. Dog training is a social event, it requires at least two individuals, the handler and the dog. When participating in dog training lessons there is also an instructor. With in home dog training there is most likely a family.
Social dynamics make dog training a great place to observe social behavior. What makes teaching in a complex family environment successful? One ingredients is understanding what is transpiring between family members. There are often conflicting motives for each member of the household. A dog can prove to be the perfect focal point for disagreement. Individuals also tend to demonstrate their preferred style of power projection when training their dogs. Power projection preferences are not always confined to how individuals treat the dog, but how they interact with other household members.
If dog training was only about training dogs it would not be nearly as fascinating as it is.
Wishing you the very best in dog training and in life,
Andrew Ledford