ENERGY - HARD vs SOFT

In discussing the human-canine relationship, there is a lot of reference to human dominance, humans being dominant and domineering and holding dominion over dogs. Dominion and dominance, in this arena, tend to mean a less than benevolent overpowering, and I just don't agree.

One of my favorite animal behaviorists, Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., wrote in The Other End of The Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs, "Aggression is not a necessary component of dominance...A hierarchical social system allows individuals to resolve conflicts without having to fight. Any individual who truly has a lot of social status has enough power that he or she doesn't need to use force."

I love this. This is the value by which I try to live each day with my dogs. I believe this social status, or respect, can be earned best though your natural energy whether it be hard or soft. I know "hard" or "soft" is a limited way of describing the many variations in human energy, but they are simple examples of seemingly opposing energies.

I believe I have what would probably be described as "soft" energy. I know of others who would be described as having a more "hard" energy. This week, I hope to describe how "soft" does not mean "weak," and "hard" does not mean "mean."