Being the bridge.

....not to be confused with the bridge *signal*, which is used as a "marker" to indicate to a dog expectations have been met and a job was well done. When conditioned properly, bridge signals essentially translate to: "Amazing, Dog...great work! Bravo! Your paycheck is on its way!"

Bridge signals speak to the mental body of the dog.

Being "the bridge", speaks more to the emotional body of the dog.

In taking on the responsibility of raising and caring for a dog, we take on the role of being the bridge.

The bridge to our dog's understanding of "our world" (i.e. our way of life; what *we* consider to be "okay" vs. "not okay" behavior, home life, beyond-the-home life, etc.).

The bridge to the associations they develop and the connections they make.

The bridge to overcoming and healing from past trauma.

The bridge to their resources.

The bridge to getting their needs met; and, therefore, the bridge to their level of satisfaction, calm, contentment, and balance.

The bridge to their level of safety, security, and comfort.

The bridge to opportunities to develop and maximize their potential.

This is why "dog training" is far more about educating, equipping, and empowering the human at the other end of the dog's leash. The human that is the dog's "bridge".

Every strong bridge has a strong foundation, and is carefully constructed in order to withstand the test of time, the various elements, and different forms of pressure. Herein lies the connection between personal development, empowerment, and self-care..... and dog training.

How sturdy and dependable is the bridge in your dog's life? Does it buckle and snap under pressure? Is where it leads to clear or unclear? Does it offer a feeling of security and safety, or insecurity, doubt, and lack of safety? Every day, we have opportunities to be a better bridge.