Today, I’m waiting for a home delivery. Both dogs are crated in my office as requested. When the delivery person knocks, Rio immediately starts barking—curious and frustrated she can’t say hello. Deuce joins in once he hears the commotion.
I pause, then enter calmly, praising them for being quiet. But Rio starts barking again. I consider my options: yell, spray water, use a corrective device… or try something better.
I choose kindness.
Armed with hot dog slices, I quietly toss treats into their crates during moments of silence. The barking fades. The delivery ends. When I open Rio’s crate, she waits patiently, asking for just one more treat with a sweet look.
This simple act, rooted in science, proves we don’t need fear or intimidation to change behavior. Instead, we reinforce what we want to see.
Not only do I sleep well knowing I stayed true to my values, but my dogs feel safe and understood—not scared or punished.
Isn’t teaching through kindness the better way?