August 2023
Understanding Energy
August 3, 2023
Energy, here, is the output of your emotions — in words, body, touch, sometimes smell. It is not mystical. When you know your spouse is sad, you are feeling energy. I have landed on five types. This can still change. I am still researching.
Static
A ball of electricity. Unstable, sparks, unorganized. Mad, upset, frustrated, short-tempered, little patience. The person — or dog — you walk on eggshells around. Two dogs fight and you stomp, scream, and panic: that is static, and it makes the fight worse.
Free flowing
A strong, steady stream. Stable, calm, peaceful, firm, patient. This is what I teach clients to use. It takes self-discipline. It comes from confidence and assertiveness. Your dog barks because he is not getting his way: you calmly, firmly block and correct until he submits, then you let it go.
Avoidant
Conveyed by staying out of it. Poor social skills, easy to bully, would rather skip the confrontation. When they are finally forced, they usually snap static or go into fear. The dog at the park who will not interact, then snaps when mounted and retreats.
Anxious
Worry. Cannot relax. Separation-anxiety dogs often show this right before you leave, then static after the door closes. Fear, worry, paranoia.
Passive
As balanced as free flowing, not as firm. This is the energy you want from your dog. Calm, easy, looking for someone to lead. The dog in your path who gets up, moves, and looks at you like, “Anything else?”
Nobody is locked in. You practice a different output on purpose. Rehabilitating dogs is changing the core energy toward passive. A passive dog is a happy dog.
Free flowing: patient, calm, assertive, balanced. Static: unbalanced, chaotic, emotional. Avoidant: stand-offish. Anxious: nervous, fearful, paranoid. Passive: calm, submissive, happy-go-lucky.