Bunching up sheep

2024 September 17

Do we have the attitude that God gave us a hard thing to do? The way we behave is a window into our character. The way my dog Dixie behaves reveals what she believes. She still looks at me as the bad or hard taskmaster. I’ve not given her a task that is beyond her ability. She obviously loves the reaction from the sheep when they bunch up and run away from the pressure she puts on them. She’s working with me then, doing what I desire, though it needs better coordination.

Kindness hasn’t quite gotten her attention; communicating to her that she’s got talent hasn’t fully hit home. So, I’m using food to lure her into a behavior that is absolutely necessary for her to effectively gather up the sheep. Yet, as I give her food, I still have to use the right tone of voice and repeat an encouragement more often because she’s not in her comfort zone. I’ve been inviting her to her passion, and she brings joy when she tries and even more joy when she accomplishes what is already within her.