Article -The Day by Suzie

Each new dawn is a new day for the dog! Dogs live in the day, not yesterday or tomorrow.

So 365 days a year we need to lead them in a consistent way and they will loyally follow. No dog wants to be nervous,overexcited, aggressive or bored. Mine certainly don't! Unfortunately being a human, I live in many different time zones, sometimes in the past, worrying about the future but rarely in the day, the "here and now". My dogs have taught me that if I do as they do and live for today I am less anxious, less regretful, more positive and more contented.

So there is much I can learn from my pack, this may well be one of the most important lessons, as aren't we all seeking serenity? I believe they do think ahead, they plan, in the wild they plan their hunt, in domesticity I reckon mine plan their walk and how to get in front of the fire first! Dogs react to things as they happen, mine react to my energy and direction. They can learn new skills through training and provide service to us.

What they don't do is "negative projection" - decide what is going to or may happen, spending time worrying about it! I know I do this and all it achieves is a sense of confusion and leaves me with an uncomfortable feeling, sometimes panic!

Dogs don't understand our celebrations, parties or significant events. Whatever is happening our dogs remain in the here and now. So whatever is going on around my pack I make sure the dogs feel calm and secure, working together as a team. If my house is busy, I put my dogs in their own secure areas so they do not react in an unwanted manner or suffer from anxiety. They prefer it this way, it's my boundary, it's consistent and they know it and like it.

So let's go with the dogs attitude and try living in the day, try it it works if we work at it! Come on you're worth it!