Articulate Animals Blog, Kelly Krueger, Animal Communicator

Animal Communicator Kelly Krueger puts voice to your pet's thoughts, needs, and emotions.

Archive for category Animal Behaviors

Animal Communication and Body Language

Apr 16

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 2 Comments

An animal communication client of mine has been studying up on animal body language as they get to know their new puppy. They wonder about a dog’s body language and how it relates to their feelings from an animal communication point of view. I’m so glad they asked! I’ve never thought about this before, and I’ve taken some time ponder.

More than 90% of my animal communication consultations are done via phone. I generally have a photo of the animal(s) with which I am working, but photos don’t convey the ever-changing body language present in all beings. Since I am not in the physical presence of animals during most of my communication sessions, do I notice body language? Do I utilize it while communicating with animals?

I realize, Yes I do! This is one of those things I hadn’t noticed until I actually thought about it. An animal’s body language does come though in various ways as I work with them telepathically. I tried to dissect my process of receiving information from animals as it relates to body language – is it my perception, or does literal body language come though energetically?

Turns out, there is some of both. When I chat with a cat, for example, who conveys an unwillingness to consider a change of opinion or behavior, I might receive an image or a sense of the cat sitting back with his or her arms crossed with a very stubborn attitude. Obviously cats don’t have arms, nor do they cross them in the same posture that humans use. Yet very often the emotions expressed by animals, in this case a cat stubbornly expressing her disinterest in changing her behavior, comes through in such a way that I perceive a typical human expression of body language, and this is often the best way I can convey that strong emotion to the cat’s human. When I work with extremely fearful or aggressive animals, I feel and/or “sense” their fear or aggression; similar to viewing body language of a tail tucked between the legs or a certain posture with correlating snarl or exposed teeth.

On the other hand, animals can and do send me information that contains literal body language which is important in understanding how they are feeling, or what they are trying to convey. I have a number of experiences where the animal sends an image or a sensation of themselves to explain just how they are feeling. A dog once said to me “I’m a Princess” and showed me an image of her walking through the house in a very regal way. Her princess-like attitude was very clearly conveyed to me in body language to illustrate her royalty as opposed to her being diva-like.

My own girl-pug dog does NOT like to talk to me about serious issues; she says “I just want to have fun with you!” So when I broach a serious topic when communicating telepathically with her, I quite often see an image of her turning her head and becoming disengaged in our conversation. If you have teenagers, you probably know the same body language!!!

All of the subtle bits of information come together to form a picture of the animal with which I am working, and just exactly how that animal is feeling. Body language certainly plays a part, even telepathically. How does body language benefit animal communication? The solutions to a behavioral problem with a regal-princess vs. a diva-princess are slightly different; therefore how we proceed in the conversation would be slightly different as well. It is important to be in tune with energetic body language when solutions to the particular topic are delivered to the animal. An animal who hears an expectation or request and responds with the proverbial “arms crossed” will probably need some more convincing, but a dog that receives the expectation of a change in behavior by sending me an image of an enthusiastic tail-wag is good to go!

Thanks for asking this question about body language and animal communication. It has given me something to ponder, and I hope has helped explain an aspect of animal communication which will help you understand your new puppy better!

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Talking To Your Animals is Great Validation!

Feb 11

Posted by Kelly Krueger in About, Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 2 Comments

Animal communication is, in its simplest form, validation for both you and for your pets. External validation helps us know we are on track and making a difference in our world and for those around us. It serves the same purpose for our pets.

The dictionary definition lists:

Validation - to make somebody feel valued as a person, or feel that his or her ideas or opinions are worthwhile; confirm truthfulness of something – to confirm or establish the truthfulness or soundness of something; make something legal–to declare or render something legal or binding; i.e. validate a passport

Just as we humans enjoy a well-timed “atta boy” or “atta girl” from family or co-workers on a job well done, our pets enjoy knowing they are on track and making a difference in your life as well. Praise is immediate gratification to our pets, and most species react physically to sincere praise. An enthusiastic wag of the tail, a special “this is just for you” rubbing and purring, or a little nuzzle on the arm from a horse all give us indication that our pets appreciated our praise – the validation from you to them that they did something well or right.

In the reverse, most animals *love* giving validation to their humans for what is going on in our world. Very often, however, we humans are too preoccupied to catch the praise coming our way from our animals. Sometimes we even minimize or discourage our animals’ attempt to validate our efforts. How often have you responded to your kitty coming to give a nice leg-massage, “oh that’s just Fluffy – always asking for more attention.” That could be true, but it is not unusual for our pets to want to participate deeply in our life in the ways they know how. They want to congratulate you on your accomplishments, AND they really want to thank you and acknowledge all that you do to keep them safe and healthy. Perhaps in that moment Fluffy was sincerely expressing her pride in your accomplishments.

So many of my animal communication consultations reflect exactly this desire, and serve as a wonderful opportunity for your animals to give you some “atta boys (or girls)” on jobs well done. My list is long of animals who have jumped at the chance to tell their beloved humans:
“I love the new house; good choosing on this huge back yard!”
“That’s the *perfect* job for me – thank you for thinking of it!”
“Thank you for cooking my food; and you could add a little more {xyz} sometimes if you want to!”
“I really appreciate that you moved my litter box out of that scary room”
“You are doing a great job taking care of me as I get older; thank you for asking my opinion on what the next step should be”

What human wouldn’t relish this kind of sincere validation that we are, in fact, making a significant difference in our pets’ quality of life?

Similarly, many of my animal communication sessions provide the human with the opportunity to validate the animal in a very deep way. A nice rub on the head and a “good kitty” goes a long way in showing our immediate emotions to our pets. Adding some words around how deeply grateful we are to our animals for just being them, and a “thanks” to them for being in our lives often elicits a deep feeling of pride in animals. Quite often the ability for humans and their pets to share in mutual validation results in a much deeper emotional connection and a stronger relationship.

Yes, we certainly do communicate in some form or fashion with our pets every day. We know when we’ve given Rover a job which he performs with precision and enthusiasm, and the empty food bowl generally indicates that Fluffy likes her food. Working with a professional animal communicator can take it one step further and expand our understanding of what our pets love and desire, and can provide the validation that we need as our relationship with our pets evolve and grow.

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Animal Articles Worth Reading

Nov 30

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Health & Well Being for Pets, Recommended Reading about Animals | No Comments

I enjoy reading a variety of animal-related magazines regularly. There are a lot of good ones out there! Occasionally I will call your attention to an article here or there. The current issue (December/January 2010) of Animal Wellness magazine has a number of helpful articles which may be relevant for you and your animal family.

December/January 2010 issue

December/January 2010 issue

The article “Aging Gracefully” by Barbara Nefer lists seven steps to a happy senior. Some of the seven steps are common sense for animal lovers, but I found a few tips I hadn’t thought of.

My animal communication practice sometimes deals with dogs who have a desire/need to eat things that are not edible. “Strange Tastes” by Debbie Swanson talks about the dangers of this obsession and offers tips to break the habit.

Have you ever considered meditating with your animals? It’s fun AND beneficial! The article “Peace on Earth” by Kathleen Prasad explains that animals respond well to meditation, often responding with deep relaxation and extra lovin’ for their human.

I was particularly grateful for the article “Making the Switch” by Shawn Messonnier, DVM which lists several very relevant and important questions to ask when considering moving from a conventional to a holistic veterinarian.

Another frequent topic in my animal communication practice has to do with dogs who are anti-social or show aggression to other dogs. Every dog I work with has a different rationale or reason for exhibiting these behaviors. The article “Is He Antisocial?” by Sharon Athanasiou helps illuminate how humans are a factor in the equation with a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” to clip out and post on your fridge!

There is also a short update on the “Happy Bill” which, if passed as written, would give a tax deduction of up to $3,500 per year on pet care expenses. You can stay up to date on this pending legislation http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.3501.IH:

If any of these topics are near and dear to your heart, I encourage you to pick up the current issue of Animal Wellness magazine or subscribe here.

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Keeping Our Pets Safe During the Holidays

Nov 18

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

Late fall often signals a flurry of questions from clients about keeping their pets calm in the midst of all the holiday happenings. Those of us in the United States will soon be celebrating Thanksgiving, and the celebrating continues on holiday 3through early January. That’s almost two months of parties, house guests, marathon shopping, extra food in the house, the delivery drivers ringing the door bell, and then fireworks on New Year’s Eve to top it off.  That’s a lot of possible stress for our pets. Hey, who am I kidding? It’s a lot of stress for humans, too! As enjoyable as the holidays are, they can lead to some mild (or more) anxiety, less sleep, less exercise, and chaos around the home. Our pets are right in the middle of it all.

Remember, our state of mind affects our pets. When we are worried about the in-laws week-long visit, or stressed that we haven’t found that perfect gift for Aunt Sally, our pets can take on – mirror – our anxiety. When our stress is intensified because we haven’t been to the gym for a week and a half, we might begin to see our companion animals exhibiting unusual behaviors.  A stressed-out human often equates to a stressed and mis-behaved pet. It is important, for your sake as well as your animals, to stick to your normal routines during this busy time.

Sure, easier said than done! But consider strategies and opportunities to keep your routine in place and to minimize anxiety as much as you can. Try to calm yourself before walking in the door to your home or stable. It’s a cycle – if you are calm when you greet your pets, then they do their favorite thing of keeping you calm and entertained all evening long. The calmer you are, then the calmer they are, then they calm you more…. and the cycle continues.

Consider the things in the next couple of months that will be out of the ordinary in your animal’s perspective. Will your home be a revolving door of visitors, a college student returning home, or relatives taking up residence for a few days? Or perhaps your family will be vacationing for a few days and your pets will be staying in a kennel or cared for by someone else. An animal communicator can help prepare your pets for these short-term changes.

And what about the food? All that glorious food! Both dogs and cats have intolerance to certain foods that humans take for granted – onions, garlic, chocolate, raisins, and some nuts are just a few. While cooking for a party or a family gathering, be aware of tasty but possibly toxic morsels that drop on the kitchen floor. 

The rich and abundant food during the holidays is intensified with the potential side-effect of less time and attention to
exercise. Remember that even during the most hectic of times, getting out with your animals – a nice trail ride with your horse or regular walks with the pooch – will benefit your animals AND you.

HolidayFinally, keep in mind that the holidays often bring in elements which can be harmful, even toxic, to your house pets. Christmas trees with lights strung on the low branches can be snagged by dogs and cats, resulting in the animal getting tangled or stuck, and a struggling pet may have the strength to pull the tree down on themselves. The water in the tree stand is far from fresh and clean, so try to keep the well of the tree-stand covered. Broken ornaments, tinsel  and  holiday ribbon could be deadly for pets if swallowed. Extra candles, possibly scented with essential oils, can have an adverse effect on cats. And remember seasonal plants like poinsettias, azaleas, and holly are beautiful and festive, but also pose serious danger to animals if ingested.

Whether you are traveling or staying at home, enjoy the holidays and help your pets fully enjoy this time as well.

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Halloween Safety for our Pets

Oct 15

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

As the holidays approach, it is important to keep our pets in mind. We don’t always consider Halloween as part of the holidays, but nonetheless it is a day, or series of days, which may cause some stress for our pets. Let’s consider the things during this Halloween season that will be out of the ordinary in your animals’ perspective.

Halloween graphics 2Put yourself in your animal’s paws and think about what must be going on in their mind when the door bell rings repeatedly in one evenings time, and every time the bell rings there is a ghost or monster or animated character yelling (in their heightened sensitivities) at their beloved humans. To us, this annual trick-or-treat ritual is normal. For them, it can be very threatening and scary.

Every animal’s reaction and every environment is different, so be aware of your own personal situation and take care of your pets as your circumstances dictate. If you have a skittish kitty, consider keeping him or her in an interior room (like a bathroom or laundry room) with some white noise and visit them regularly. 

For dogs, consider their individual personalities and work with them accordingly. Be compassionate if they have some fear, but don’t coddle the fear either.

Think about your horses too. Stables can be an easy target for pranksters looking for a little excitement on Halloween. Consider keeping your horses in their stalls inside, if possible, away from easy drive-by shenanigans, and check on them as you can.

Presentation1Remember also that Halloween typically brings with it a proliferation of tasty sweets that may beckon your cats and dogs. Individually wrapped candy with shiny wrappers might look like a fun toy to a playful cat. This is innocent enough, but if the wrapper is torn open, the contents may be harmful, even fatal, to your house pets. Carmel apples and popcorn balls sitting on the counter may lure your dogs for a little counter-surfing leading to, at best, an upset stomach. Keep all Halloween goodies up and out of reach.

Finally, keep in mind other Halloween elements which can be harmful to your pets. Halloween decorations such as small plastic spiders, marble eyeballs, and spray-on hair color are all accidents waiting to happen. If you have curious animals in the home, be aware of all the various decorations. Put yourself in your pets’ paws and see which out-of-the-ordinary objects would appeal to you!

With the proper precautions, your family – both human and animal – can have a safe and fun holiday. Happy Halloween!

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Dog Training – Finding the Right Trainer for You

Oct 9

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | No Comments

Guest Blogger, Christi Campbell, shares her professional perspective on dog training. Part one “The Benefits of Dog Training” discusses reasons why training your dog are important. Today’s article discusses how to find the right trainer for you and your dog, and describes a few types of training that may suit your needs.

Christi Campbell with Wally and Rider

Christi Campbell with Rider and Wally

Okay, I’m Convinced I Need One.  How Do I Find A Trainer?  Finding a good dog trainer is a little like finding a good veterinarian, or a dentist, or a doctor.  Talk to friends, neighbors, people at the dog park.  Find out where they took their dogs for training, and what they thought about the trainers.  Get out the phone book and make some calls.  A trainer should be willing to give you two minutes of their time on the phone to describe their training philosophy and methods.  That does not mean that a busy trainer will agree to diagnose and train you and your dog over the phone.  Keep your initial conversation limited– ask about their training style.  Do not get into your dog’s life story unless the trainer asks for that information. 

Trainer or Behaviorist?  A dog trainer can help you establish lines of communication with your dog and help you teach your dog specific behaviors (Sit, Down, Stay, etc.).  A Behaviorist can help you live peacefully with your dog by helping you to understand how your dog thinks and how to shape their behavior in everyday settings.  If you aren’t sure which one your dog needs, it is always good to start out with a basic training foundation; every dog can benefit from learning the basics.  If you think your dog may have issues that a basic training class cannot address (extreme levels of fear or aggression, for instance), you may wish to pursue some basic training with a behaviorist.  Many trainers are also behaviorists, just ask when you call.

Interviewing a trainer:  Ask about their education and experience, bearing in mind that dog training is still very much a “learned on the job” kind of profession. Membership in a professional organization is a signal, but not a guarantee, that a trainer takes their profession seriously and tries to stay up-to-date with the latest training news and methods.  There are, however, many wonderful trainers who are not members of any organization, as they may have been training for many years and the organizations are all relatively new.

Make a list of questions to ask all of the trainers you interview, that way you can compare apples to apples when you make your decision.  Some questions you might want to include:  When did they start training dogs?  What do they do to keep current on training methods and techniques?  How do they teach the Sit command (literally, step by step)?  How do they make learning fun for the dog?

Making a decision:  Most people and dogs will have their needs met by a basic group class, and, because the cost of the trainer’s time is spread over a group, these classes tend to be less expensive. If your dog is uncomfortable around other dogs, or fearful of people, or simply too disruptive to participate in a group class, having one or more private sessions with a trainer or a behaviorist is well worth your time and money, and can prepare you both for a group class in the future.

What about logistics? You need to decide what your priorities are.   Are you willing to drive 20 or 30 minutes to your dog training appointments or classes?  Is the cost of the class your main concern?  These are just some of the questions you should answer in order to narrow your list of potential trainers.

The best way to find a trainer that you and your dog will be comfortable with is to talk to them, *several* of them.  Will they allow you to come observe a training session or class?  Are they patient with you on the phone?  Do they sound like you might like them?  Trust your gut.  And don’t be afraid to leave a class and not return if things are not working out.  This is a relationship, like any other, and it must work for both of you.  As a side note, I use the Internet to find almost any service I am looking for.  You may be tempted to email a trainer to get their answers to your questions, and that is fine, but it is very difficult to “read” someone from an email, and I suggest that you follow up with any promising candidates by phone.

No matter who you choose:  If a trainer ever asks you to do something with your dog that makes you uncomfortable, STOP.  Have them explain their reasoning and what they hope the training result will be.  If they cannot or will not explain, or if you are still uncomfortable, DO NOT KEEP TRAINING.  Your first duty is to your dog.  He trusts you to make sure nothing bad happens to him.  LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE AND HONOR YOUR DOG ABOVE ALL.  A good trainer is flexible and has many tools in their toolbox, they will keep trying until they find something that works for both you and your dog.  If a trainer ever tells you that there is only one way to do something, walk away.

Types of training:  Every dog (and every human living with a dog) should start with a foundation of a basic obedience class.  The basic class provides a way to start developing a shared language with your dog.  Basic classes cover things like Sit, Down, Stay, Come and Walk on a leash.  These life skills are wonderful additions to any dog’s repertoire — they are also the foundation for any advanced training you may want to do.  Many trainers will require you to attend a basic class, or demonstrate some basic proficiency, before moving on to more challenging work like off-leash training, which opens the doors to fun activities such as hiking with your dog off-leash or participating in dog sports.

Christi and Red Rocket Rider competing in Houston, Texas

Christi and Red Rocket Rider competing in Houston, Texas

After you have completed the basic training, you may want to continue your learning partnership with fun dog sports, such as: 

Agility – an obstacle course where the dogs jump over bars or through hoops and run through tunnels, over A-frames, across dog walks, teeter-totters and much more.

Frisbee/Canine Disc – dogs catch flying discs in several formats: short distance; long distance; and freestyle, where they perform choreographed moves to music.

Flyball – a relay race where dogs work as a team to be the fastest to finish each dogs’ run over a series of hurdles, catch a ball from a specialized box and return to the start.

Rally/Obedience – dogs perform a variety of obedience commands in sequence.  Rally obedience is less formal than traditional Obedience competition.

There is a dog sport or activity suited to everyone and every dog!  Lure coursing, earthdog trials, dock diving, musical canine freestyle, carting, sheep herding…  and many, many more.  Playing with your dog is a great way to keep the lines of communication open and to keep the learning fun!

Christi Campbell, J.D., is a partner in Harmony Animal Wellness in Kittredge, Colorado and offers private training by appointment through Harmony Animal Wellness, 303-674-6288.  Christi has been training dogs for more than 30 years, professionally for more than 15. In her quest to understand the canine mind and body, she has taken animal communication classes, trained in TTouch and Dorn Therapy and become a Reiki Master.

Christi travels nationally and internationally teaching training seminars and judging canine disc competitions. She volunteers as a trainer for Freedom Service Dogs, Colorado Disc Dogs and several rescue groups. She lives in beautiful Evergreen, Colorado with her husband, four dogs and two cats.

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The Benefits of Dog Training

Oct 3

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Frequently Asked Animal Questions | 1 Comment

Guest Blogger, Christi Campbell, shares her professional perspective and answers a question I receive frequently: “Should I find someone to help me train my dog?”

 

Why Train My Dog?

Many people live, if not happily, at least in equilibrium with their dogs without any formal training.  Indeed, the words “dog training” can bring to mind images of police dogs marching around and harsh methods of compulsion and punishment.  While there are some people who still train that way, the vast majority of dog trainers have evolved into much gentler “life coaches” for you and your dog.

Christi Campbell with ??? Ryder

Christi Campbell with Red Rocket Rider, 2006, Belgium, on a four country tour teaching frisbee seminars.

If you are reading this, it is a safe bet that you are interested in a more balanced and fair approach to training.  In fact, you may not be interested in “training” in the traditional sense at all.  So, what does the word “training” really mean?  Dog training is a systematic approach to developing a common language and way of communicating between you and your dog.  Dog training gives you a way to ask your dog for specific behavior that you like (or to ask your dog to desist from specific behavior that you don’t like) and it gives your dog a way to understand what you are asking and to do something (or stop doing something) in order to please you.  Without a common language, you are speaking Chinese to your dog and your dog is speaking Martian to you, and that can lead to a lot of frustration on both your parts.

Talking to your dog through an animal communicator, though wonderful, is not a substitute for dog training.  That would be like expecting a toddler to do everything you ask of them without showing them what you mean.  Toddlers understand our language and our meaning, but they still need some teaching and guidance around what behavior is appropriate and safe.  Dogs do not understand our language and our meaning until we help them, and they need the same kind of guidance as a toddler regarding appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior.

Your dog is brilliant and wants to please you.  Your dog is also living in the moment as a DOG, not a human, and will do what works for him in that moment.  If there is a steak on the counter and your dog is hungry, what works for him in the moment is to grab that steak off the counter and run out into the yard to devour it.  That is a totally normal response for a dog and, to a dog, there is nothing at all wrong with that behavior.  It is only in the context of a human life that the behavior becomes problematic.  Dog training is a way to help your dog understand the peculiar constraints that come with living as a dog in a human world. Dog training smoothes out the  rough edges and makes life a little easier for both of you.

Now, by “dog training” what I really mean is “intentional dog training.”  Whether you are aware of it or not, every moment you spend with your dog is training of a sort.  Your dog is highly educated in studying you.  He knows your every nuance, and he’s always interested in what good things may come to him as a result of his careful study.  If you are inconsistent, your dog has learned to play the odds.  For example, if you sometimes feed your dog from the table and other times (like when you have company) you fuss at your dog for begging at the table, your dog is going to beg at the table every time because he is sometimes rewarded for that.  That kind of intermittent reinforcement is a very powerful tool, and that is what gets humans to sit at the slot machine for hours and hours hoping for a payout.  Your dog is essentially playing the table scrap slot machine.  No matter how much you fuss most of the time, if you ever slip up and feed him, you are setting yourself up for a lifetime of begging.

Christi and ??? Ryder at ??? competion

Christi and Red Rocket Rider at UFO World Cup in Denver, 2002 (they won).

Which brings me to a critical point about consistency.  The most important part of intentional dog training is consistency, and usually it is the most difficult for humans to grasp and follow through with.  Just as with the begging at the table example, there are many hundreds of situations that you and your dog encounter in everyday life.  If the “rules” are not consistent, your dog will choose the option that rewards him the most and go with that, whether or not it is the behavior you intend to reinforce.   I’m not saying you have to be “on” every second of every day, training without a break, never getting to just hang out with your dog.  You just need to be aware that inconsistency is a clear message to  your dog that he can choose his behavior in that situation because you can’t make up your mind what your preference is.

Your dog is always studying you, and your every action and interaction with your dog is filed away under “more information about my human.”  More importantly, your dog believes everything you say to him, and most of what you say is non-verbal.  If, by your actions, you say you don’t mind him jumping up on the couch, your dog believes it, and is genuinely shocked when you get upset because his paws were muddy this time.  If, by your actions, you tell your dog “it’s okay not to come when I call you,” he is truly puzzled when you freak out because he didn’t come when you were worried he would be hit by a car.

We call it dog training, but it is really “people training.”  If you’ve noticed, dog trainers generally spend very little time training your dog and a lot of time training you.  We need you to understand your dog’s point of view and how he thinks, in order to help you communicate with him more effectively.  In many cases, we need to explain to you why your dog is behaving the way he is, because if we can’t get you to change YOUR behavior, there is little chance of getting your dog to change his.  Remember, your dog is doing what works for him in the environment he lives in.  If you teach him what to do to make you happy, even if it isn’t his first preference, usually he will do it because he loves to make you happy.  If you do not teach him what your preferences are, he will make himself happy and love you all the same.

Living with dogs is a partnership, a dance, a privilege.  We owe it to them to at least try to understand their world and their way of thinking.  We also owe it to them to be as coherent as we possibly can when asking something of them, and part of being coherent is sharing a language, a common understanding of certain words, phrases and actions.  I used to think dog training was important because it made the humans happy.  I know now that dog training is important because it informs the dogs and requires the people to do their best to communicate in a way the dogs can understand.

 

** Continue on with Part 2, which discusses types of training and how to choose a trainer that is right for your family and your needs. 

Christi Campbell, J.D., is a partner in Harmony Animal Wellness in Kittredge, Colorado and offers private training by appointment through Harmony Animal Wellness, 303-674-6288.  Christi has been training dogs for more than 30 years, professionally for more than 15. In her quest to understand the canine mind and body, she has taken animal communication classes, trained in TTouch and Dorn Therapy and become a Reiki Master.

Christi travels nationally and internationally teaching training seminars and judging canine disc competitions. She volunteers as a trainer for Freedom Service Dogs, Colorado Disc Dogs and several rescue groups. She lives in beautiful Evergreen, Colorado with her husband, four dogs and two cats.

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Our Well-Being Affects our Pets

Aug 14

Posted by Kelly Krueger in Animal Behaviors, Health & Well Being for Pets | No Comments

For years now I’ve challenged myself to consider carefully how I think and act. I believe strongly that my internal state of mind and my external way of being directly affect how my life plays out in big ways and in small. My health and overall well-being, as well my animal companion’s well-being, are directly linked to my state of mind. Still, it can be a challenge to maintain a positive outlook, especially in today’s difficult times. 

 

Most of us are looking for a reprieve, a way to feel good about *something* at the end of the day. Enter stage left our beloved animal companions. If we let them, they can elevate a mood in no time flat! Animals are loyal, loving, intelligent creatures who generally aim to please. No matter our preferred species – cats, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, horses, or others – they are in our lives for companionship and mutual nurturing.

 

well-beingIn the midst of all the world’s chaos and the many stresses in our lives, we can help ourselves and our animals by promoting balance and peacefulness in our home environment. Our animals are little sponges, soaking up the energies we exude. If we enter our home or horse stable feeling anxious, frustrated, or confused, our pets pick up on these emotions and ways of being. They also pick up on our joy, peacefulness, and grounded way of being. If you can wash away the stresses of your day before you walk in the door that evening, you very likely will notice a calmer, more attentive pet greeting you.

 

Our overall well-being and outlook on life is powerful, for us as well as our animals. Too frequently I work with animals who have literally taken on some of the energies of their human as their own. When I communicate with an animal exhibiting anxiety, stress, or worry I often uncover some linkage to the human(s) in the family. Don’t get me wrong – some animals are worriers on their own accord, or are naturally anxious creatures. Others, however, are deeply connected with their human and are determined to help their human regain balance – even if that means trying to pull the stress or worry from their human and bear it themselves. As valiant as this theory is, it simply doesn’t work, and sometimes can lead to real physical distress.

 

Yes, the world and our lives are busy and stressful, these days especially. It’s easy to feel out of control and overwhelmed. As we flow through our lives we naturally have good days and challenging days. Don’t deny that fact for the sake of your animals; rather acknowledge when you are feeling stress, grief, worry, or sadness. Empower yourself to take control of the worry or stress and keep it in context. Explain to your pet that you’ve had a challenging day and you love that they are there to make you feel better, but it is important they let you deal with the human worries. Our animals can be a bright spot in our day, and we should let them be exactly that!

 

Next time you notice your animals acting out or exhibiting anxious behaviors, stop a moment and check-in with yourself. Are YOU acting out and exhibiting anxious behaviors? For the sake of our animals, and for our own health and well-being, set aside your worries at the door. It may not seem like much, but one stress-free, calm, joyous evening with your animals may change your whole outlook on life!

 

For tips on other ways to promote a balanced and joyful environment with your pets, see previous Articulate Animals blog post “Positive Thinking = Positive Behaviors”

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