Wally did not recognize me bundled up with hood pulled tight around my face on that cold and windy day, and us having not seen one another for several days. He was back to "aggressive defender". I had my dog treats in my pocket. I took my hood down and spoke calmly and friendly to the dog I hoped would renew his friendship with me. This calmed him a bit. I threw a treat out in front of him. He ate it up.
Unfortunately I made a strategic error, neglecting to consider where I tossed the treat. I tossed it in front of him, while he was standing in the middle of the road. That means that he was rewarded and encouraged to stand in the middle of the road, . . . eating his treat, . . . as the delivery truck approached, . . . and then another vehicle approached from the other direction, . . .
I had unintentionally encouraged him to endanger himself and inconvenience others. I commanded him to get back onto his property, and eventually and safely, he did. Not all of our attempts to be kind to our fears (or selves, or friends, or enemies) turn out the way we intend. We extend kindness the best we can, and try to learn. I was careful the next time to offer him a treat ON THE SIDE of the road.
A day or two later Wally was trying to follow a woman in her car leaving his property. She asked my assistance in getting him to stop following her and return back home. She was able to inform me of "Wally's" real name. He is "Tigger". Much more friendly and innocuous than my "Wally." Tigger remains my friend and followed my commands to return home.
The other day, walking farther down the road than usual, I encountered another scary protector, protecting his property. The master was present and managed to somewhat restrain this dog with verbal commands, allowing me to pass the property without incident. But on the way back the master was back inside and this dog was growing more aggressive in his protection. This dog, newly christened "Fred" (couldn't reuse "Wally"), growled and began to encircle. One treat tossed. A little calmer, but still stalking me. Another treat. A little calmer, but not friendly by any means. By then, well past his property, running low on treats, I decided to command him back home. This held him at bay, but did not send him home. He followed for quite a while. Protecting? Seeking treat? Investigating this strange man? Attempting to appear to be ignoring him, I refused to look back and he eventually was no longer there.
Each fear is different. Each fear, even from the same source, may react differently to our courage, to our command, to our kindness, to our ignoring . . .
Be mindful. Be aware. Be kind. Be wise. Be flexible. Be loving. Be courageous. Be interested and inquisitive.
Unfortunately I made a strategic error, neglecting to consider where I tossed the treat. I tossed it in front of him, while he was standing in the middle of the road. That means that he was rewarded and encouraged to stand in the middle of the road, . . . eating his treat, . . . as the delivery truck approached, . . . and then another vehicle approached from the other direction, . . .
I had unintentionally encouraged him to endanger himself and inconvenience others. I commanded him to get back onto his property, and eventually and safely, he did. Not all of our attempts to be kind to our fears (or selves, or friends, or enemies) turn out the way we intend. We extend kindness the best we can, and try to learn. I was careful the next time to offer him a treat ON THE SIDE of the road.
A day or two later Wally was trying to follow a woman in her car leaving his property. She asked my assistance in getting him to stop following her and return back home. She was able to inform me of "Wally's" real name. He is "Tigger". Much more friendly and innocuous than my "Wally." Tigger remains my friend and followed my commands to return home.
The other day, walking farther down the road than usual, I encountered another scary protector, protecting his property. The master was present and managed to somewhat restrain this dog with verbal commands, allowing me to pass the property without incident. But on the way back the master was back inside and this dog was growing more aggressive in his protection. This dog, newly christened "Fred" (couldn't reuse "Wally"), growled and began to encircle. One treat tossed. A little calmer, but still stalking me. Another treat. A little calmer, but not friendly by any means. By then, well past his property, running low on treats, I decided to command him back home. This held him at bay, but did not send him home. He followed for quite a while. Protecting? Seeking treat? Investigating this strange man? Attempting to appear to be ignoring him, I refused to look back and he eventually was no longer there.
Each fear is different. Each fear, even from the same source, may react differently to our courage, to our command, to our kindness, to our ignoring . . .
Be mindful. Be aware. Be kind. Be wise. Be flexible. Be loving. Be courageous. Be interested and inquisitive.