This weekend my daughter was taking care of her friend’s dog, but as she also has a busy social life, she sub-contracted the Sunday morning shift to me.
Part of the deal was that I had to do the evening walk with her, so I met Romy, a flavour of terrier, so that on Sunday morning I was accepted as the boss. As I arrived on Saturday evening Romy barked and growled at the same time sheltering behind my daughter, looking at me with a mixture of concern, suspicion and fear. I then extended a hand which Romy started licking while still watching me closely as if to say,
I’m not saying you’re in yet, its TBC…
Then she let me stroke her head and finally, just before we set off for the walk, she came and snuggled up beside me. The walk, or rather ball throwing extravaganza, was irresistible. Romy’s sparkling eyes, wagging tale, ears at attention – everything was screaming “throw it again” and I couldn’t not.
Mid-way through our morning together I took Romy to a café where I ordered a coffee. Nothing in it for Romy here. Boring. She looked at me as if to say,
Really? This sucks? Any chance of ball throwing?
and then, another look that said,
Well OK. but don’t drag this out.
By the time I had to leave her, she was as good as one of my children. My dear friend Jess’s dog recently helped her through a really tough time in her life dealing with cancer. Having met Olive, the cutest puppy, I can see why. This bundle of fur and tail wagging is a well of empathy and love.
Canines – Masters of Communication
I love dogs. They are so expressive, loving, loyal and fun. And almost the entire communication is though body language. Eye contact, posture, touch, tail wagging or lack of it, teeth bearing – not to mention barking, growling and all other aspects of vocal tone … it’s a masterclass in simple direct communication that leads to deep engagement very quickly. They’d be rubbish with Powerpoint but amazing at everything else.
We all know this and yet very often ignore the most powerful aspects of our own communication toolkit when we want to make an impact. How do I look? How do I sound? Is my intention clear. As for Romy, I miss her already. Hope I can borrow her for a walk and a chat some day soon!
David Solomon
Managing Director, Sun and Moon Training
@SunMoonDavid
Photo copyright: David Solomon