Benevolent Leadership

by alana

Benevolent leadership is a term used by Patricia McConnell to describe an approach to how dogs and humans can have a nurturing, positive, and respectful relationship with each other. Her research and contributions to the public community focus on helping us understand our own natural impulses around dogs as much as she tries to impart her reflections on canine behavior. Every time I read (and reread) her work, I walk away with new insights into my own behavior and that of my pets. Time and again, McConnell advises her readers that simply reflecting on what you are doing in the present interaction with your canine companion is the most important part about understanding and changing your relationship for the better. This is a dead ringer for the professional advice that I give to the families I work with who have infants/toddlers with developmental delays. Deliberate and reflective practices naturally make us better at what we want to achieve in life.

In an effort to be more deliberate about reflecting on my relationship with greyhounds, I am starting a series of entries about my efforts towards benevolent leadership. While I am doing this mostly for myself, I wanted to also do this for others. I am incredibly proud when my greyhounds are complimented for their good behavior by complete strangers on the street. We work diligently on our relationship with each other and they deserve the praise for putting up with my fumbling efforts. But I am equally worried when people attribute it to the breed or say that they are not capable of achieving the same success with their own canine companions. I am a jump in, head first, go with the gut, think later type of person. I know others need to wait, watch, listen, think, then execute a plan. I live with just such a person. I adore just such a person because there is beauty in that method that is foreign to me. And while it sounds like oil and water, it works harmoniously. To that end, hopefully I am creating a space that inspires others to engage in a relationship with their canine companion in new ways.