We recently acquired our rambunctious, new puppy, Brady this winter. And because it’s important to us that we have a well-trained dog, we’ve (well, read me) have been taking Brady to dog training classes. Liz Langham, of Tree Frog Farm is a very talented and gifted dog trainer and behavioral specialist, and I’ve really been enjoying her classes. Brady has graduated from “Puppy Class” and is currently in “Charm School”.
I must admit, I’m very interested in how much dog training material applies to humans as well!
Here’s the nugget I learned today.
Liz, the gifted and talented dog trainer from Tree Frog Farm, was giving us a demonstration on leash walking. She was demonstrating the example of how many people grip very hard on the leash, because they believe that they will be in more control of the situation, rather than having a more relaxed hold.
“Try relaxing your grip and give a little more leash”, she advised us.
She also shared a tight grip on the leash, not only makes your hand and arm cramped and tired but the dog can also feel the energy of your grip through the leash.
Bingo!
A light bulb went off for me!
I thought to myself, hmmm, where else (besides my dog’s leash) am I gripping too tightly, holding on, trying to control the situation, and ultimately the outcome?
I realized that there were many. And that my “tight grip” in every instance, had no reflection on whether it was a successful outcome or not, in fact, in all cases, it had zero impact of a successful outcome, and in at least one of the examples (my children’s behavior) it often had just the opposite effect.
Where are you “gripping” in your life or business? Trying to control an outcome, behavior or situation?
“Try relaxing your grip and giving a little more leash.” And watch what happens.
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