One of *the* most important behavioral influencers.

"Behavior" is incredibly complex; heavily layered and nuanced. This is true for either end of the leash.

Of all of the behavioral influencers we have as social animals, the feeling of *safety* is the most important.

Physical and emotional safety.

Safety in our relationships, our bodies, home environment, the world around us.... safety.

Many puppies - and human children- are born through and into circumstances riddled with anxiety, fear, and lack of safety and security. Born *through* this, our nervous systems are literally wired for this. Born *into* this, associations are developed, and self and world perceptions become conditioned. Both are difficult to overcome and heal, as both are handed to us; and, as youths, we don't know any better than to take on, take in, accept and adopt. For people, this can mean a lifetime of questioning, various types of therapy, digging, excavating and exploring, undoing, redefining, and re-patterning. For dogs... we've got to help them. They can't do this on their own.

At PackFit, we define "behavior" as a/an...

- manner of expression,

- form of communication,

- external manifestation of an internal condition, and

- reflection of what's lacking, what's in excess, and what's just right.

As with humans, when dogs are struggling with expressions such as: separation/social/general anxiety, aggression, reactivity, fear, "Houdini-ism" and escape-artistry, there's a a common denominator underlying all of them. A lack of safety. When there's a lack of safety, this gets expressed in a myriad of ways.

Ways that we can create safety for our dogs...

: become a source of safety ourselves- which means doing *our* work...working on our fears, anxiety, resistance, triggers, denial, core wounds, insecurities, confidence, etc.

: mindfully help our dogs work through their fears, triggers, insecurities, etc.

: advocate for our dogs and create space when needed. Oftentimes, outbursts are code for "I need space". When we create this space for our dogs, we take the pressure off of them having to create this themselves.

: maintain a "controlled" home environment (what I mean by this is an environment heavily influenced by you; where there's actual "parenting", supervision, accountability, and guidance in play; this is especially important if there are multiple dogs and/or children sharing the same space/s).

: invest your undivided attention, time, and energy in their mental, physical, and emotional development.

: approach behavioral outbursts with curiosity and not with shame, criticism, or judgment. Behavior is information. Don't judge it, listen to it. Listen to what's not being said, but is being expressed.

: learn how to communicate clearly and effectively, and maintain an open channel for this (this is still one of the most common problem areas for people when it comes to dogs... as well as other humans).

: practice patience.

Nurturing safety. Becoming a source of safety. Creating a space of safety. A must for those who are looking to and depending upon us...including ourselves.