Motivation is an interesting topic. I’m very motivated when food is involved. Just shake a can of pellets, and I’ll sing and dance for you! Okay, okay. I nicker and stomp. But you know what I mean.

If Jane corrects me, she always follows up by “retesting” me with the same question. The retest gives me the opportunity to be rewarded for doing things right. And that inspires me to do them right the next time. I guess you can say I’m motivated by reward.

If you know what motivates you, you can set yourself up for success. Think about whether you’re a “move away from pain” or a “move toward pleasure” kind of person. Pay attention to your choices. Then use that knowledge to plan the path to your next important goal.

I’m really motivated by carrots. If you’re coming over would you bring me some? I’ll sing and dance for you! Just watch your toes!

Love, Moshi

From Indy:

One of the nice things about living in a house (as opposed to Moshi’s barn) is that I get to watch TV with Rhett. I usually don’t pay much attention to the TV unless there are dogs barking or cats meowing. Then I get excited and try to find them. That makes Rhett laugh.

One evening I heard the little people on the TV talking about a man called Gibbs. He’s on a show called NCIS. This Gibbs was a very strange fellow. He’s the strong alpha male in his pack. He has all his less dominant pack members on edge all the time. They try and try to figure out what he wants just by watching his body language and the lifting of his expressive eyebrow. He doesn’t speak much so they have to guess what he wants them to do next. If they guess wrong, he snaps and growls at them. If they guess right, he simply moves on to the next subject.

I decided I wouldn’t like to be in Gibbs pack. I much prefer clear and kind communication. Being left to guess what the pack alpha wants is exhausting and unnerving. Rhett and Jane give clear, concise requests to both Moshi and myself. We always know what is expected of us. It really helps us relax. I’m very grateful!

Rhett said NCIS is currently the most popular show on television. It’s fun watching the NCIS pack try to work together under such stressful conditions. But I’m glad Gibbs is not my pack alpha! I’d have to bite him when he snarled at me. Then maybe I’d be the alpha! Indy, the NCIS police dog! I like that idea!

Are you the alpha in your pack? If not, does your alpha communicate clearly with you or does he/she make you guess? How does that make you feel? How do you communicate your own demands and desires to the rest of your pack?

My number one desire is to chase tennis balls. All I have to do is take one to Jane or Rhett, and they’ll usually play with me. They understand my request by observing my actions. How about you? If I bring you a tennis ball, will you throw it for me? Just don’t give it to Gibbs. He’d probably just stick it in his desk and then smack the back of your head.

Love, Indy

Jane Savoie
1174 Hill St ext.
Berlin, VT 05602
Jane’s Website
DressageMentor.com