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Dogmatic approach to improving communications

Now that I’m a pet owner (or guardian according to the People’s Republic of Boulder) my life has officially become a Gary Larson cartoon. You know the Far Side cartoon that compares the dichotomy between what people say to dogs and what dogs actually hear. The master barks “Okay, Ginger! I’ve had it! You stay out of the garbage! Understand, Ginger?” At the same time the dog perceives “blah, blah, Ginger, blah, blah, blah, Ginger, blah, blah, blah…”

The quizzical looks and shameful eyes flashed on occasion by my puppy have me wondering exactly what’s going on in that fuzzy little head of hers.

Dogs undoubtedly understand a lot more than we often give them credit for. Much more than that, I think there’s a great deal we humans can learn from our four-legged friends when it comes to communication and understanding.

Unlike some people, my dog actually considers a person’s tone of voice as an important factor in the communication process. Say her name nonchalantly and she might ignore you in favor of her chew toy du jour. Add just a hint of excitement or urgency to your voice, however, and she’s all ears.

She has also mastered the art of sitting with a hand command only, suggesting body language is something to which canines are in tune. Sure, it might be the “Pavlovian” response to simply elicit a tasty treat, but at least dogs can learn through repetition. We can’t always say the same thing about people when they act the same way over and over again despite experiencing an undesired result the first time.

In fact, if doing something repeatedly while expecting different results is the definition of insanity, my dog might be the only sane one in my household.

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Posted by Joy Wasendorf on 10/07 at 12:42 PM
(2) Comments • Permalink

Its harsh to compare humans with dogs but learning good things are never embarrassing.One who wants to improve themselves and learn from their mistakes your article will inspire them.

Posted by Lipozene  on  03/28  at  09:55 AM

Pretty insightful publish. Never believed that it was this simple after all. I had spent a good deal of my time looking for someone to explain this subject clearly and you’re the only one that ever did that. Keep it up.

Posted by lån uden sikkerhed  on  05/09  at  07:45 PM

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