A new year is always the perfect time for new beginnings, resolutions and meaningful reflections. Which makes it a great time to revisit what it means to be a leader for our dogs, beyond the stereotypical “boss” or “master” figures.
In this episode of the Enlightened by Dogs podcast, Kathy highlights the benefits of approaching leadership from a platform of love. She also explains why good listening and genuine curiosity are vital to fostering an environment where both you and your dog feel safe, calm, and happy.
In this episode:
- Kathy shares the attributes of a loving leader
- Why good leadership is based on trust (not counter conditioning or desensitization)
- How good listening leads to mindful leadership
Quotes:
“Behavior is what you do, culture is how you learn to do it — so we’re not born with culture and neither are our dogs.”
“A loving leader knows that a kind, confident leader doesn’t command but asks and seeks cooperation — this eventually creates trust.”
“It’s proven that across species — including humans, dogs, and other social beings — the natural response to feeling safe is trust and cooperation.”
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One Response
I love love your podcasts. I learn something everytime. I love the idea that I am the matriarch and I set the tone for my dog’s life.
Being a leader is what I’m striving to do. I live alone so there is just the 2 of us but we go out often to walk and play. She is 15 months old and I can see she loves being with me and I her. She is learning to be calm when we encounter other dogs and humans and I am learning also to just put my hand on her back and she sits til they pass.
Thanks so much.