Absolutely! Because animals never unlearn their intuitive communication skills like we humans, it is very easy to communicate to your animals. You will be surprised how much they understand and how much this can improve your relationship with your animal friend. Start with explaining to them what’s going on in your life:
When you leave the house tell them when you will be back (e.g. before it gets dark, for dinner time, when the sun comes through this window etc.)
If you will bring them to a boarding facility, explain to them what their day will look like there and how long they will be there.
If you take them to the vet, explain it to them ahead of time, including what the vet will be doing (touch, vaccinate, x-ray etc.) and if they can come home again after the vet visit
When you adopt a new animal explain to them that you are their new family and that this is their new home where they will be safe.
If you plan to bring a new animal to the family, explain your resident animals why, what this means for them and how you would like them to behave.
If you move to a different house, explain to them how it will look like, what the positive things are about the move
I could list many more things. But you get it – just talk to them like you would to a friend. The animals won’t necessarily understand your words, but they will pick up on your thoughts, emotions and mental images. Two things are important when talking to animals
Visualize what you say
Try to visualize what you are saying in as much detail as possible. Visualize your animal feeling and acting the way you would like them to.
Imagine how you pick up your cat, put her in the crate while she stays perfectly calm, put the crate in the car, drive, walk into the vet’s office, you trusting the vet, the vet examining her, putting her back into the crate, driving home, she comes out of the crate feeling perfectly fine.
Imagine your dog walking calmly next to you on the loose leash (don’t think of them pulling or lunging at other dogs)
Only use positive language
Strictly avoid these words when communicating with animals: Not, don’t, won’t, can’t, never, none, nothing, no one, nobody, nowhere, neither, impossible. Instead use language to describe what you want them to do or to experience.
Examples:
“you will be safe” instead of “don’t be afraid”
“these are very nice people and they will help you” instead of “no one will hurt you”
“I will be back before your dinner” instead of “I won’t be long, don’t worry”
Why is this so important?
Animals do not understand our complex language. They literally read your mind and emotions. It’s your responsibility to be very aware of and control what you are saying and thinking. If you say things like “don’t bark” or “don’t scratch” they will pick up your mental image of them barking or scratching. So, what will they probably do? Negative messages are hugely confusing to animals and leave them guessing what you want from them. Just imagine how discouraging it must be for them being scolded for something they thought you had just asked them to do (like barking or scratching).
One more thing: We must remember that animals have a free will. Even if you’re communicating crystal clear what you would like them to do, it doesn’t mean that they will. They could have many reasons for not following your directions like an overpowering instinct, or physical, emotional, social or environmental factors you might not be aware of and they want you to pay attention to. It is important to know that animals do not behave a certain way out of spite or to get back to the guardian. They just don’t. Ever.
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