The definition of submission is to be “brought under control”. When most people hear the word in reference to dogs or people, they imagine force being used to obtain it. Unfortunately, that is the way some people obtain it with both people and animals. If the goal is to have a relationship with a dog or person, submission cannot be forced. It is done through building a relationship.
Relationships built with love and consistency are those who take time but are also the ones that last.
Dogs, like people, have hurts, habits, and hangups that keep them from living to their full potential. If you have been following me for any period of time, you know that I am into metaphors and you may have heard this one before.
Picture someone who is hurt and struggling hiding in a dark closet. The door opens and the light of hope peers in. The one who opened the door closes it behind them and it is back to darkness. They sit down next to the person and hold them, rocking back and forth, and saying “it’s OK”. There is no growth in that.
What if when the door opens, the one who opens the door extends an arm into the closet and leads the person out without saying a word but confidently leads them out of the darkness and into the light.
In my experience with dogs that have behavioral issues as well as men in recovery, this is what works. It’s not easy. No matter how miserable the situation, we can become comfortable with it. Misery is always more comfortable than change. Even as things begin to go well, I have had dogs bite me and men yell at me. The more you work on change the scarier it can be. The key with both is not to react. This builds trust and lets them know, maybe for the first time in their lives, that they are not being given up on. This also explains my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Most of you know that I start every appointment with a walk. I walk into the house and say nothing to the dog. I have the owner put the Immediate Correction Lead on the dog and hand me the end. I then face away from the dog and begin to walk. If they don’t want to move, I don’t pull them. It needs to be their choice. I just keep tension on the lead. This makes it easier to submit and go forward than it does to pull back. I don’t get frustrated or angry, I just wait. The breakthrough comes when the dog submits and steps forward. From that point on, the dog begins to understand that submission to the right person is freeing. From that point on, they begin to trust and add one good experience to the other. You have to be calm for them.
It is the dog’s job to keep the leash loose and the handler’s job to remind them. As long as they focus on the handler, the leash will remain loose without any tension. Picture yourself as standing on a platform at the end of a high wire. Your dog’s head is up and they are walking effortlessly looking at you. Then all of a sudden, they look down and begin to pull and struggle. With a little correction, their eyes are back on you and again by submitting they enjoy peace.
This is also how a relationship with Jesus Christ works. Once you know and follow him, how hard life is depends on how long it takes for you to look for him during troubled times instead of struggling on your own. Submission is the opposite of quitting.
Put the chaos of the world on hold for a while, walk your dog, and lead them as you let the Lord lead you.
If you struggle from any hurts, habits, or hang ups please check out-
Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Group every Tuesday night at 7 PM.
Celebrate Recovery every Friday night at 7 PM.
Freedom Biker Church York every Sunday, hangout time is 9-1015 AM, 1015 AM is Prayer Circle, 1030 is the service. The above listed meetings are also @ Freedom Biker Church York.
This SAT from 2-6 is Freedom Biker Churches 5 Year Anniversary. Please come check out this FREE event catered by Mission BBQ. We will also have music and other activities.
For anymore information on anything in this article, please feel free to e-mail me at mercop27@gmail.com