Teaching Moments

Yesterday was training day with Max's trainer. Because of my schedule it had been several weeks since we had scheduled an actual lesson. However, we continued to practice our skills , albeit more sporadically as time has gone by.
Max is a very loving and social creature. He is enthusiastic and passionate about every aspect of his simple life. Unfortunately he will never pass his Good Citizen Certification if he leaps up and greets with a wet, sticky lick across the face. Now, I know this is a cultural-thing and that in some lands tight squeezes and kisses are the norm but for my poor Western give-me-my-three-foot-bubble society puppy this is unacceptable.
I am learning that Max must place all of his attention on me and ignore the many distractions that surround an Autumn walk in the crunchy leaves that dance with each gust of wind and the squirrels that tease from the trees dropping acorns in our path.
How hard is that!?! Life is filled with so many fun sounds and sights and smells and people. How easy is it to surrender to the activity around us instead of doing our work and chores and lessons.
Instead of sitting in front of our computers for hours, what would it be like to rake a pile of leaves, smelling the musty earth, and take a huge leap into the moist heap.
Or taking a brisk evening walk, just as the stars are beginning to pop out among the dark cloak of night. Or piling up a large mug of rich, hot cocoa with mini-marshmallows only to be topped with a dollop of whipped cream and maybe a spritz of peppermint.
Have you noticed that the green has changed to gold and orange and red against the blue sky? Or the infusion of red to the round green berries that have lay dormant in the summer sun?
But...back to work...no time for play.
Anyrate, for now, should you pass us on a walk you will hear my mantra "Look at me, Max. Look at me. YES!"
But, if you look closely ... if you stop for a moment...you will see both owner and canine taking the briefest of moments to catch the family of deer enjoying an Autumn day.

Lessons from a Dog Park

Max loves the dog park. He senses our arrival before we enter the gates. His tail begins to wag practically elevating him from his seat in anticipation. He enters the first gate searching for the familiar others that he longs to tackle and chase. And with one quick motion, he charges into the four-legged frenzy of furry companions. He greets each with a quick sniff and then bows down preparing for his quick get-away in play. He is so happy. He takes turns running and then chasing his friends. Every once in a while he stops, looks for me, and making eye contact he appears to say, "Thanks, mom. You're the best." Then he resumes his play.

I watch the dogs play. There are so many varieties of breed each with her own unique personality. Yet, they figure it out. They figure out how to get along.
Now, I know there exist 'pack rules' in the animal world that include sanctions and corrections known innately by the members. When one infringes on the rules, she is corrected (as is her owner is she isn't a quick study). However, for the most part, the animals figure it out and enjoy the moment.

Mindfulness is a dog concept. Max lives in the moment. He enjoys rolling in the leaves and chewing a fallen stick as much as he does splashing in the mud puddle or going for a long walk with his 'pack'. He finds contentment in the most mundane and ordinary.
He greets with enthusiasm as if this is the first time he has met you. And he always makes you feel as if you are the most important person in his world.

Tolerance, living in the moment, gratitude and love...alot of lessons to be found in a dusty, old dog park.