A recording of the webinar will be available if you cannot attend live!
Behavioral consultations can have awkward moments. People often feel ashamed about their dog’s undesirable behavior, especially if the issue is aggression. Family dynamics can be on full display, with very personal issues coming up. I hear all about why married people sleep in different rooms, how long someone has been out of work, and specific fears and phobias people are dealing with. The interpersonal dynamics of families, everyone’s insecurities, and financial problems are all front and center in consultations.
Dogs can add to the awkwardness by chewing on office furniture, peeing on the behaviorist’s floor, or counter surfing off her desk. It happens! Being able to ease any embarrassment and make everyone feel comfortable enough to share relevant personal information and be able to work together is critical. Sometimes it’s the little things I say that make that possible. The right words can do more than save the day—they can save the dog.
In this webinar, I will share a variety of ways I ease the tension by saying (hopefully) just the right thing. After nearly three decades of working with clients in dog training and behavior, I have uttered many phrases in consults to attempt to set everyone at ease so we can move forward most productively to help them and help their dog. I will be sharing various expressions that did the job well. When people feel at ease around me and unashamed, it’s easier to move forward with the important work that brings us together because our relationship is good enough for people to feel comfortable being truly honest and vulnerable.
