/> I recently worked with a client who wanted to invite a new dog into her life (after her older dog gave his approval and support for the idea which is always a good thing to do, of course). So I helped them work with the first few dogs, who all turned out to not be right for them at all.The next dog they attracted felt really wonderful even though she had some problems.
A shelter foster dog, she came to them with the name of Sophie, but my client just got the sense that wasn’t her real name. So she kept asking and trying different names. Nothing worked until one day she ‘heard’ a name pop into her head. “Penny! My name is Penny!”
When she tried that name with the new dog, she immediately got an enthusiastic response which proved to her without a doubt what her new friend wanted to be called.
There are many other critically important reasons to talk with your animal too, especially if you are considering taking in a new companion. For instance, only they can tell you their true history and background. Who else will know but them, right?
Communicating also helps them understand new house rules, and provides an opportunity to negotiate behavior. We also need to know about their training background, their learning styles, what they feel their purpose is, what they like or don’t like.
You’ll also want to know if they feel there is a good fit between you. Please don’t take on an animal just because they are cute or remind you of an animal you had before. If they don’t feel connected to you, then regardless of how hard you try, neither of you will be truly happy together.