One of the most important things I have learned from my experiences with animals is that they live in the moment. A dog does not hold grudges, dwell in the past, or get anxious about the future. The only thing that matters is NOW. In our society we tend to focus on everything but the now. We become saddened or depressed about what has happened in the past and constantly worry about what the future holds. This is even the case when we deal with our dogs.

How often have you heard someone say “My dog got attacked by a dog at the park so we no longer go there.” In this experience a past event has crippled the person from moving forward in the future. We hold on to a story that prevents us from healing and we create insecurities in our dogs. What we fail to realize is that dogs are forgiving and can be rehabilitated faster than humans. The other day I watched as a pit bull followed it’s prey instinct to attack a llama and within minutes was stopped, corrected and before my very eyes walking peacefully beside the animal, both unharmed and living in the present. The dog didn’t dwell on the fact that it wanted to eat the animal next to it. The llama didn’t run in terror because it was still afraid of the dog. Both animals did not get stuck on the past but moved forward. This was made possible because the human handling the dog and the llama (yes it was Cesar Millan) was able to let go of what had happened and not react but remain calm and in control. All three were living in the moment together in harmony.

If you have had an issue with your dog and are “stuck” please feel free to contact me for help on how to live in the moment.