Sometimes I learn from the animals and sometimes I learn from their guardians.
One of my regular clients emailed me and used the word “ challenges “ instead of problems. It reminded me how important it is to make sure all of you understand the difference.
None of the animals have problems. They are perfect beings in every day. Many though, have challenges, just like humans. These challenges can be from past experience or just part of who they are.
When someone has a challenge to overcome, support and empathy is needed. Not discipline. Not frustration. Not anger. Not a lack of understanding. When animals are trying to overcome challenges this can display as behavioral issues or insecurities.
In those moments, you can explain something to them 1000x but they won’t understand. You can correct them over and over but they won’t understand. They will just suffer more and be more confused and feel more alone.
What they need is for you to understand the challenge they are facing and trying to overcome. They need empathy. They need support. This support looks like you setting up their environment for them to succeed. That is the most important and effective thing you can do.
SET UP THEIR ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR SUCCESS.
If you could view “problems” as “challenges”, how would that change your reaction to the situation? And how would that change the way you engage with your pets in those moments? Something to think about.
They are so similar to us in so many ways. And if more humans understood that and offered them the same kind of patience, time, and understanding, relationships between humans and animals would be so much easier.
