Comments on: The Puppiness Project – Take a Pause

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:58:38 +0000

In reply to georgia little pea. I think we are kindred spirits, georgia's mom.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 01:56:13 +0000

I actually read this post yesterday, but being an innie, I had to think about my response for 24 hours before feeling comfortable enough to comment. 😉 (To be honest, my knee-jerk answer was alcohol – nothing like a glass of wine to put things into perspective.) I never really pay attention to how my dogs are pausing; although sometimes they just stop and look up at me like I’m a complete moron. Maybe you could try pausing to look at your audience (covertly, of course) like they’re morons. 😉

By: georgia little pea

georgia little pea — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 13:34:59 +0000

I am an introvert and while I gabble a lot on blogs, I don’t actually talk that much in real life. I find it quite hard to be a social butterfly. I find talking on phones even harder – no eye contact – thank goodness for text!

So I guess, my answer would be – walk away or listen to the other people talking and only say something when I have something to say. Does that even make sense? Not sure I answered your question properly. Hmmm.

By: 24 Paws of Love

24 Paws of Love — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:40:54 +0000

Well, I either sit and take a smoke or sit and take deep breathes somehow hoping one balances the other out! lol I’m not a big talker, so it is easy for me to listen. I do scratch my head quite a bit when my brain is trying to wrap itself around something. I think Honey scratching her head is very cute. I don’t know if I have ever noticed it with our dogs. But I’ll have to keep my eyes open. Great thoughts!

By: Ettel E

Ettel E — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:10:03 +0000

Some dogs scratch when they’re frustrated (I saw a little puppy doing this and it was kind of cute). It’s actually called frustration scratching! But I guess stopping to take a moment’s another way to look at it.

I’m also on the deep breath bandwagon. I sometimes need to walk it off, as well.

By: Kristine

Kristine — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:17:46 +0000

I like the deep breath idea. Or how about taking a sip of water? Anything to force you to take a moment to collect your thoughts.

A trainer once told me that dogs scratch when they are stressed. But I don’t think that is always true. I like your interpretation of Honey’s action much better – confusion makes more sense in these situations. Dogs are so much more natural about the way they communicate, aren’t they?

By: Amy@GoPetFriendly

Amy@GoPetFriendly — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:12:25 +0000

When he’s being deposed Rod always takes a breath before he answers a question. I think it’s a great habit – one that I could use all the time! Like you, I often talk my way through my thoughts and keeping that commentary to myself would often be a good thing.

By: houndstooth4

houndstooth4 — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:16:03 +0000

I tend to stop and take a deep breath, which not only gives me a pause to think, but helps me to center my thoughts. I’ve found that after I pause, I don’t always feel the need to rush ahead with what I was going to say, either. I can feel myself look inward when I do it.

I like Honey’s head scratch a lot! It’s not only a pause to think, it’s also a signal to you that she needs to pause. 🙂 She’s a smart and beautiful girl!

By: Pamela

Pamela — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:09:04 +0000

In reply to Lori R..

Yeah, I’ve never done the “today I’m gonna listen” thing very well myself.

I think part of it is because talking is part of my thought process. I talk to figure things out. But it can certainly get me into a lot of trouble with people who don’t understand that’s what I’m doing.

BTW, it took me a little while to figure out the scratch thing. At first I was worried Honey had an ear infection. But it became obvious quickly that it was her “I’m confused” gesture.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:06:42 +0000

In reply to didiwright. Actually, taking a deep breath isn't a bad idea. I wonder how long it would take me to learn that? Maybe I should try clicker training on myself?