animals - our teachers

Those of us that work with animals and apply ethical animal training principles are very fortunate because we get to practise these principles every day, and our teachers, the animals, reinforce us for using life strategies that work.

For instance, we focus on what we want. When the animals do what we want them to do, we consciously reinforce that behaviour.

When the animals do something we don’t want to reinforce, we simply ignore that behaviour. This is not focussing on what we don’t want.

Being intuitive requires presence of mind. When we practise our intuition, we succeed while training the animals – this enables us to become more intuitive.

Being present requires that we breathe and stay calm… A life strategy in its own right.

When we have fun, and are enthusiastic (The word enthusiasm comes from the word ‘the God within’), our training sessions are more productive. More than that, we are simply having fun – playing. Surely that is what life is all about.

Comments

Overwhelmed

Sometimes I spend time with people who see others in a different way to me. I am left feeling insecure in my intuition. Some believe that human beings are inherently bad. I prefer to see them as inherently good. With regard to people in relationship with animals, any poor relations, I see as misunderstandings or confused belief systems. I need to be able to trust my take on people. Because if I don't, there is no hope. If we don't inherently care, if we don't have that foundation to which we can return once we put our ego and greed aside, then there is no hope. People governed by their egos do three things when faced by challenges - 1. Keep doing the sam and expect a different result. 2. Dig in their heels and force the issue. 3. Give up and walk away with an excuse. All points refuse to acknowledge a problem which can be solved because it is a problem of our own making. So, when I look around and see litter, pollution, unethical care of humans and animals, corrupti...

On his retirement. A tribute to a legend

Veterinarian & human extraordinaire. 50 years of true service to the animal world, the animal people, and to his animal-loving family. Four siblings all who care significantly for animals as a result of the way we were raised. To respect life. Because that is who our father his. Our father is more than a vet. He is a compassionate man. A vet who took his oath to care for animals to the greatest level, inspiring those close and around him to do the same. Caring so deeply. Working so hard. Ensuring that he always did his best. He has such depth and wisdom. He has always had a following of people in his life who he wisely guides. His generosity is boundless. He has inspired his children way more than can be imagined. We are pretty sure there are not many people who are so fortunate to have this example of humble love to follow. We are equally unsure whether we can truly honour his example by dupli...

Control freak?

Love is - letting go of the outcome Are you a control freak? Do you train to control or do you do it because it is where there is an excuse not to be in control? (-: Imagine that lion trainer forcing that circus lion into the corner with a whip and a chair. Days of old. Imagine that dog being yanked into position using a choke chain. Hearts are cold. Imagine the horse being spurred into a gallop and bitted into a stop. Souls are sold. These used to be accepted training methods. In some instances, they still may be practised. These are not what we consider training at all. True training is something much more harmonious. We have all dreamed of being Dr Doolittle. Of talking to animals. Truth be told – it’s possible . Using true training. I love it when I hear new information about animal training. When I am challenged to think in new ways. I love to be challenged. ...

Touching Animal Souls

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