Treat People Like Dogs
Treat People Like Dogs
Years ago, we had a miniature dachshund. He howled when we howled at him. I still howl occasionally just to remember him. It makes us laugh.
One day, when Spunkie was with us, I came home to a “normal” welcome-home from my wife. I realized we seemed more excited to see Spunkie than we did to see each other. In that moment I said, “I wish I was a dog.”
Everyone enjoys being loved like a dog.
Treat people like dogs:
#1. Don’t make unnecessary demands.
#2. Greet people with joy.
#3. Use an uplifting tone of voice.
#4. Realize people sit nearby waiting for an invitation to play.
#5. Let them stick their head out the window to follow their joy.
#6. Give clear short directions.
#7. Scratch ears and rub bellies for no reason other than to bring joy.
#8. Accept their nature. Some dogs like to jump around. Some enjoy sniffing the ground.
#9. Let them run around without a leash once in a while.
#10. Show appreciation immediately.
What would you do today if you treated people like dogs?
Adapted from:
Added resource: https://www.forbes.com/sites/sallypercy/2022/04/11/eight-leadership-lessons-from-dogs
Almost a perfect post. After having 13 dogs in my life, I might offer for your consideration that THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO FOR A DOG IS FEED THEM. Food is every dog’s LOVE LANGUAGE!
Simple and powerful. I missed the opportunity on #10. “with food.” Two words would have made it perfect. Thanks Anthony!
and give them “treats”
I’ve been reading this blog for perhaps five years and was wondering when there’d be one that would not work for me. I live in a country where no dog is treated the way you describe.
Thank you for the still excellent points you’ve made, also in this post.
I’m glad you stopped in today, Christian. Feedback is important to me. I wish you well.
I mean, I live in the country and my dogs are spoiled rotten. They are my pack, and I am theirs.
Ahh! Got it. Thanks for the clarification. Cheers
Even a tiny “sit” deserves a treat. 🙂
Human Takeaway- Recognize incremental progress. A quick “great job” email can boost morale as much as a promotion.
Fun post, Dan!
Thanks, Joe. You’re great at giving treats. 🙂
Simple things are very powerful!
Unfortunately, some leaders seek the dramatic because it feels important or powerful.
Something I’ve always loved is the quote by J.W. Stephens. “Be the person your dog thinks you are.” What a wonderful person I would be if I could live up to it! Thanks for this today 🙂
Love the quote, Philip. Thank you.
I appreciate the sentiment of this post and would only make one suggestion. I would revise number #9 to read “Use the leash as little as possible.”
Thanks for the suggestion, Timothy. That’s a positive approach.
As is typical, this post made me smile. As a part of a canine agility team, I’d add celebrate and share every win (even small ones!)
Sounds like a cool job, Robin. Those dogs are incredible. Thanks for adding your suggestion.
It seems that many leadership styles are much more comfortable at “swatting on the nose with a newspaper” or “putting them in their Kennel”, than with building relationship, rewarding good behavior or just enjoying the moments!
Thanks for this powerful post!
The trouble with bad leadership is it gets quick results. Problem is quick results often become hindrances.
For years I’ve been saying that if there is reincarnation, I want to come back as one of my dogs. Unconditional and trusting endless love and support.
Think how good it would be to have someone scratch your ears!
I love the post this morning. A very good way to think of some leadership methods. I have always tried to get to a point where I would want to do anything for one of my team members and they would want to do anything for me. This involves treats, quality time, scratches, and tone of my voice.
My wife and I are weenie dog people too!
Who would do anything for you? Who would you do anything for? The question is, are we for each other or exclusively for ourselves? You add a wonderful insight, Matt.
PS Our dogs name was spunkie but we often called him wiener. 🙂
This list beautifully reminds us to embrace joy, kindness, and freedom in life, just like dogs do. Simple actions like greeting warmly, using a happy tone, and showing appreciation can strengthen relationships. Accepting others as they are brings harmony. Great tips for a positive life! 🐶✨ #Happiness #Positivity