You get out of both what you put into both. Approach each day in an upbeat, positive manner and good things will come. Or, you'll just feel better. It doesn't matter if you're just going to work, or doing the laundry, or going on vacation. Smile, and the world smiles back. Appreciate nature on your way to work, admire your snowy white unmentionables, or anticipate all the great stuff that you'll be doing on your days off. Everything will be brighter. By the same token, frown at the world and you'll be cranky all day.
I don't want to seem like a Pollyanna. Some days are just hard. There have been lots of days when absolutely nothing goes right. Cranky customers call, one after another. Loads of returned orders in the mail. I've come to the conclusion, though, that the day is better if you can focus on the positive, even if it's just that the sun is shining. Or that it's warmer today than yesterday (or cooler, depending on the time of year).
I'm also trying to apply this lesson in dog training. No matter that Tango is cranky and tries to lunge at another dog on our walk. When we walk, I'll be upbeat and watch for those other dogs. I'll talk to Tango in a very excited voice and have him focus on me. When he does, it's praise and reward! Yummy treats for looking at me and not the yappy Maltese thing. And before we know it, we're past that other dog and walking with purpose down the block! That's certainly better than trying to drag a lunging. shrieking Griff down the street.
Training Booker in a positive manner is somewhat easier since he's a more positive dog. It's still hard sometimes to sustain the energy. On days when I'm feeling lackadaisical, I just keep the sessions shorter!
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