What if we "listen"?

Picture from Instagram, courtesy of @kumasamoyede

Yesterday, while at the local dog park with my dog, Coco, I witnessed a common yet disheartening interaction. I typically avoid these parks unless they are quiet, but this one serves as a peaceful sanctuary where Coco can "treat hunt" and observe the world from a safe distance.

While we were there, a man approached the fence with a small poodle on a short leash. The poodle grew curious about Coco and stopped to observe him. However, the owner’s patience lasted only three seconds before he began pulling the leash. When the poodle resisted—simply trying to finish his assessment of the situation—the owner grew visible frustrated and eventually dragged the dog away.

This interaction is a symptom of a larger issue: a lack of "listening" to our canine companions. We often overlook their fundamental need to process their environment. Just as humans observe to understand their surroundings, dogs use sight and scent to determine if a situation is safe or social. When we deny them an extra 20 or 30 seconds of observation, we aren't just rushing a walk; we are ignoring their communication. A dog is a living being with social needs, not a piece of luggage to be dragged through an airport. By learning to "listen" to their body language, we foster a much deeper, more rewarding connection.