By Jeffrey Rolo
copyright 2004 AlphaHorse
In the dating world many men and women put their potential partners to a "dog test," whereby they introduce their date to their dog and see how the dog reacts to the stranger. If the dog reacts badly towards their date then a red flag is waved, whereas if the dog accepts the stranger instantly the opposite holds true. While many people look upon this test in a tongue-in-cheek manner, many dog owners actually do take it seriously. As they probably should!
Many animals, including horses, possess an uncanny ability to detect emotion as well as the inner nature of an individual. Whereas you may be able to slap a forced smile on your face and hide powerful negative emotions such as stress or anger from fellow humans, you won't find it as easy to fool a horse! In fact I consider horses to be natural truth detectors due to their ability to read a person's emotional state as well as their sincerity when it comes to a love for equines.
If one of my naturally friendly horses takes an instant dislike to someone out of the blue, 9 times out of 10 I'm going to respect my equine partner's instincts. Horses generally do not possess vendettas or have reason to target anyone for no real reason ? they tend to call them as they see them. If a horse usually takes a liking to visitors but holds a sudden aversion to one in particular, clearly the horse sees or detects something that I may not have initially caught.
When a horse enjoys your company, you'll know it. When a horse trusts you, you'll know it. And when a horse actually dislikes you, he will make sure you know it. I often state that the world would be a much better place if people were as brutally honest as horses. But I digress?
A proficient horseman at work should be cool, calm and collected, three essential qualities to maximize the productivity of a training session as well as create an all-around positive aura over human-horse interactions. Keep in mind that you are the horse's leader, and as such the horse will take his cues from you. If you are agitated the horse will recognize something is wrong and either feel you are angry with him or you are annoyed with something else he cannot detect but probably should be also be concerned about. The horse will not be able to focus on the lesson or your requests well at all, nor will he be able to draw strength from you when he becomes concerned about a foreign object or behavioral request.
It is essential that you try not to visit or work with your horse when you are in a negative frame of mind since these undesirable emotions will disturb your equine partner. Try to take a few minutes, or even hours if necessary, to collect your emotions and clear your mind of life's daily irritants.
When we see a loved one is feeling down, it often puts a damper on our day too since negativity tends to breed negativity. The same will happen with your horse, so do not underestimate your horse's ability to detect your feelings.
Visit http://www.alphahorse.com/horse-training.html A> to view more articles about horse training.
Jeffrey Rolo, owner of AlphaHorse and an experienced horse trainer and breeder, is the author of the above article. You will find many other informational articles dealing with horse training and care as well as games and other horse fun on his website: http://www.alphahorse.com
AP - President-elect Barack Obama picked a national security team headed by former campaign rival Hillary Rodham Clinton and Bush administration holdover Robert Gates on Monday, and said he wants to consult with military commanders before settling on a firm timetable to withdraw U.S. combat troops from Iraq.
AP - The U.S. economy has been in a recession since December 2007, the National Bureau of Economic Research said Monday.
AP - Barack Obama says the U.S.-Iraq security agreement approved by Iraq's parliament puts the U.S. on a "glide path" toward reducing forces there.
AP - Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Monday that further interest-rate cuts are "certainly feasible," but he warned there are limits to how much such action would revive an economy likely to stay weak well into next year.
AP - Authorities responding to a shooting at suburban Miami mall say one person has been shot and taken to a hospital.
AP - Retailers who saw Thanksgiving holiday sales drop off as the weekend progressed stepped up online promotions on the day known as "Cyber Monday" to try to get consumers tired of the crowds at stores to keep shopping.
AP - India demanded Pakistan take "strong action" against those behind the 60-hour siege that left at least 172 people dead, as new details emerged Monday about the gunmen and the survival training that enabled them to thwart Indian commandos.
AP - Tina Fey's husband is talking about something the "30 Rock" actress would rather not discuss: the scar on her left cheek.
AP - Plaxico Burress was led out of a police precinct in handcuffs Monday after surrendering on a weapons possession charge, and authorities said that teammate Antonio Pierce is being investigated over his role in an accidental shooting at a Manhattan nightclub.
Reuters - U.S. President-elect Barack Obama named former rival Hillary Clinton as secretary of state on Monday and said Robert Gates would remain defense secretary in a national security team charged with recasting America's leadership role in the world.
Reuters - Stocks stayed near session lows on Monday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that the U.S. economy remained under considerable stress.
Reuters - India on Monday demanded Pakistan take swift action over deadly attacks in Mumbai it said were carried out by militants from its rival neighbor.
Reuters - The U.S. economy has slumped into a recession, the nation's business cycle arbiter declared on Monday, while European leaders clashed over how much public money to spend tackling a deepening downturn.
Reuters - Democrats in the House of Representatives likely will seek passage next month of an economic stimulus bill costing about $500 billion, a House Democratic aide said on Monday.
Reuters - President George W. Bush said the biggest regret of his presidency was flawed intelligence that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction and told ABC "World News" in an interview airing on Monday that he was unprepared for war when he took office.
Reuters - Thai protesters prepared to end their three-month occupation of the Prime Minister's office on Monday to consolidate their grip on the main airport ahead of a court verdict that could dissolve the elected government.
Reuters - Federal authorities arrested the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, on Monday in a corruption probe surrounding a massive sewer bond debt that has forced Jefferson County to the brink of bankruptcy.
AFP - Barack Obama on Monday nominated Hillary Clinton to be his "tough," "smart" secretary of state and his former foe vowed to give her all to steer America through a perfect storm of global crises.
AFP - India on Monday formally accused "elements" in Pakistan of being behind the devastating Islamic militant attacks in Mumbai and demanded that Islamabad take "strong action".
Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a wide variety... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull Terrier you... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are few rules... Read More
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what to do!'... Read More
When Lucky was starting to show signs of aging, we were concerned... Read More
It's no secret that Americans love their pets. In fact, we spend... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our life better,... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot if left... Read More
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday" or "Merry... Read More
No one knows your dog better than you, and as such you... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food, or pet... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully, through careful... Read More
Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic body language... Read More
I get a lot of horse training questions about stopping a horse... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition to remain... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do you spend... Read More
Obesity is one of the most important health concerns facing dogs. If... Read More
This is the story of my dog called Shandy. He was my... Read More
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are destroyed because... Read More
My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to our friends.... Read More
The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With Your Horse.Today... Read More
So you just loved that sweet little puppy that you found in... Read More
It's been weeks since you went riding. Now you have time to... Read More
Occasionally, some of us get to do work that is totally fun... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among animal owners.... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and loyal, and... Read More
A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came up with... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most important things... Read More
Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition to your... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting business?" I... Read More
Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie, and they'd... Read More
Many chronic diseases commonly seen in pets result from immune suppression. Diabetes,... Read More
Dogs are creatures of habit; and once they develop a habit, breaking... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if you bump... Read More
Can Your Dog Stomach This?There's an old adage that says "You are... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme disease in... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt like your... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might surprise you... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse And Simply... Read More
The main ways a puppy will play with another dog or puppy... Read More
Still remember that very moment when you first laid your eyes on... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a hammer is... Read More
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort of behavior... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or girl is... Read More
"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that line before?... Read More
Chocolate. Who can resist it?Your dogs health depends on it! (resisting, that... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like all youngsters... Read More
The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen million dogs... Read More
Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just as important... Read More
Dogs come in many assorted breeds, shapes, and sizes. They also have... Read More
Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms. This is... Read More
When you get a puppy, one of the first things that you... Read More
Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring your puppy... Read More
If your cat has recently decided not to use the litter box,... Read More
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know what to... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior of your... Read More
Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird cages can... Read More
A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented and they... Read More
My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up with all... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know in that... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder is "how... Read More
Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show dog world... Read More
Most dogs live between ten and seventeen years. The relationship you have... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? Crate Training... Read More
Which cat food should you feed your cat to be certain that... Read More
Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that their feline... Read More
Is your dog or cat tormented by ear infections? Do you spend... Read More
Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed you want,... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if you bump... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets. Dogs and... Read More
Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. They're also very inquisitive creatures, and... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they have a... Read More
Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful in helping... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are often left... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual checkup with... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures if you... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs, with dots... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the family as... Read More
In compiling some information on achieving a proper fit to the horse... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11 when I... Read More
As much as you love the sound of your new little bird,... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt like your... Read More
Guide for training a dogSo you can use a guide for training... Read More
In most cases you should not be too concerned about your dog... Read More
There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you. Ten of... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my Rolodex. It's... Read More
DogtraWhen looking for a dog training collar or containment system, consider Dogtra... Read More
I was talking to a friend of mine today and I asked... Read More
Dear Fellow Dog Lover,I assume you love your dog, or you probably... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume that you... Read More
Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a warm spot... Read More
If your dog could talk, these are some of most important things... Read More
Over the past 30 years we have learned so much about taking... Read More
Dog TrainingSo, we've got a new best friend that needs some dog... Read More
Pet Pet |