Understanding and Managing Anger and dog/child care – Part 5

Hi coach

Ok, for next steps, as you say now that i have thoughts and feelings to go from…. (I pasted them here from part 4)

T: It’s OK that the dog isn’t responding as usual to this cue.
F: neutrality

T: There are many possible reasons why the dog isn’t responding to this cue.
F: patience, empathy

T: A dog is not capable of insolence.
F: reassured

It feels a bit inaccessible to have these thoughts in all circumstances of dog care. These are from the simple model of a dog not responding to a cue.

But I have had instances the past weeks of sensory overload from really loud nonstop barking dog, so my body is in hyperreactivity mode.

I reckon the next steps are to work on how to deal with myself first, then starting on the model of sit dog from part 4. I.e. calm myself down first ?

But how to do that when t

 

 

Answer:

I’m not sure if your question got cut off, please let us know if that is the case. In regards to what we’ve got here: Yes, you’re right on.  Noticing your nervous system activation and supporting yourself will help you be able to access any thought work.  This includes changing circumstances. You never have to be totally zen with a barking dog.  As you’re figuring this out, just keep noticing, supporting and trying on thoughts. There are no right or wrong thoughts, just look at the results you’re getting. For example, a person could think “terrible” things, but if it works, it works.

C: dog does not respond to cue

T: this dog is such a monster!

F: amused

S: lighter

A: laugh, complain a little, tell dog they are a monster, keep working with them

R: I take back my power

What other thoughts could lighten things up when the dog is being a dog?