Take a Mindful Approach to Pet Behavior and Train Smarter, Not Harder
Many pet parents keep pushing the same training routine, spending hours practicing commands and trying the same techniques over and over. They’re hoping to shift their animal companion’s actions and responses but aren’t addressing a key component: the energetic dynamic motivating the behavior.
I’ve developed a roadmap for training mindfully that links common pet behaviors to underlying motivations. Called “Translating Beyond Behavior,” it ties to the energies of the seven major chakras. Because all of us, including our animal companions, have seven major chakras associated with the main energy centers of the body, the chakra system is a great cheat sheet that helps identify the energetic factor behind every motivation. Each chakra relates to specific aspects of our body and a particular emotional state. Identifying behaviors based on the energetic pattern allows us to understand what’s at the root of our pet’s perceptions.
Just as we humans experience emotional stability, mental clarity, and healthy relationships when our chakras are in balance, so do our pets. And our pets, like us, experience low energy, mental fog, and strained relationships when our chakras are out of balance. Traumatic experiences, illness, and environmental stressors can influence our own and our pets’ energetic balance.
The seven chakras and their corresponding aspects of energy, in ascending order from the base of the spine to the top of the head, include:
1st Chakra – Located at the base of the spine, it governs the lower body, including the legs, feet, and colon. Universal themes associated with it include security, stability, and connection to one’s surroundings.
2nd Chakra – Positioned in the lower abdomen, it governs the reproductive and urinary systems. Universal themes linked with it encompass balance,
emotions, and service.
3rd Chakra – Found in the upper abdomen, just below the ribcage, organs governed by it include the digestive system, liver, gallbladder, and adrenal glands. Universal themes involve personal power, self-esteem, confidence, and creativity.
4th Chakra – Centered in the chest, near the heart, it governs the heart and lungs. Universal themes encompass love, compassion, forgiveness, and empathy.
5th Chakra – Located in the throat and neck area, it governs the throat, mouth, and ears. Universal themes involve communication, clarity, and the ability to speak authentically.
6th Chakra – Positioned between the eyebrows on the forehead, it governs the brain, pituitary gland, and eyes. Universal themes encompass intuition,perception, and vision.
7th Chakra – Found at the top of the head, it governs the pineal gland, brain, and central nervous system. Universal themes involve spiritual connection, unity with the divine, and higher consciousness.
Through Translating Beyond Behavior, the focus is more than just eliminating pet behavior. If we notice a specific behavior, such as housebreaking accidents, we can refer to its motivational and energetic overlay and begin to shift the energetic pattern at the root of the behavior.
It’s still important to employ traditional training techniques to establish a solid foundation. However, focusing on more than just correcting or eliminating pet behavior, Translating Beyond Behavior enables us to better understand how everyday interactions with our pet can lead to transformation in all aspects of both our lives.
Here are examples of how apply the Translate Beyond Behavior roadmap with our pets.
1. Separation Anxiety
Motivation: Emotional needs of belonging and connection.
Energetic Overlay: Themes linked to the 2nd chakra, including balance, boundaries, separation, worthiness.
Translating Behavior: Where do you need to create loving boundaries, both for yourself and your pet?
2. Jumping, Nipping, Barking
Motivation: Esteem needs for accomplishment
Energetic Overlay: Themes linked to the 3rd chakra, including empowerment, joy, frustration, and self-sabotage
Translating Behavior: Where can you step more fully into your power and give your pet a sense of accomplishment?
3. Guest Reactivity
Motivation: Emotional needs for love and belonging.
Energetic Overlay: Themes associated with the 4th chakra, including intimacy, devotion, trust, and self-acceptance.
Translating Behavior: Where should you be putting yourself first, and how can you enable your pet to feel a sense of belonging?
4. Housebreaking Accidents
Motivation: Esteem needs associated with how others regard us.
Energetic Overlay: Themes linked to the 6th chakra, including acknowledgment, regard, and perception.
Translating Behavior: How can you lead a more intentional life, and how can you better acknowledge and reinforce your pet’s positive behaviors?
When we learn to interpret our pet’s signals, understand his or her motivation, and get to a place where we can quickly and efficiently translate the behavior, we can create meaningful and long-lasting transformation for ourselves and our animal companions.
Denise Mange Bio
Denise Mange is a certified dog trainer, animal communicator, pet numerologist, and founder of Pet Prana. Her mindful approach to pet training combines traditional training with energetic considerations of pet guardianship. She has been featured in publications spanning pet guardianship to conscious living, and has appeared on numerous radio shows and podcasts. Her new book, Translating Your Pet’s Behavior: Learn What Their Behavior Says About You to Train Smarter, Not Harder, is a #1 bestseller in its category on Amazon. Learn more at www.petprana.com.