Day 1134

With our second class looming near, I look at Sam and actually wonder how much that furry brain understands. He can “do” sit, heel, stay and a host of other commands, but he fails to understand some other pretty critical communications…

“Do not lurch at that puppy!”

“No eye contact with that large Rottweiler!”

“DOWN does not mean time for a belly rub!”

My sweet boy can only understand so much… the rest goes in one floppy ear and out the other!

Listening is ,perhaps, the most important part of communication. Of course, the talking part is needed, but there are many times when the “talker’s” communication falls on deaf ears. It does takes two!

Personally, I have a slight tendency to express my thoughts and then semi-listen to the response as I craft my next portion of the discussion. The problem with this approach might be that I don't fully comprehend the incoming message!

What if I spoke and then focused 100% on the response coming my way? It might take a moment longer in the process, but my deeper understanding might direct the conversation in a more authentic flow.

Perhaps I could even “listen” more deeply to Sam at lesson tonight. If he rolls over on a “Stay” command, I might just rub that belly! After all, that might just be his honest part of our conversation!