Sit Stay Heal

12/21/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AxjnFqUBG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

For the Lenape Indians, the sun’s winter solstice was very important. It was time for the elders to begin telling once again the old traditional stories. But they were more than stories. People were expected to think about how those stories might provide insight beyond the story itself. The winter solstice gives the promise of new light and it also teaches as to work through the darkness in our life. Embraces the first day of WINTER today. The earth is resting and preparing for the upcoming SPRING. WHAT A BEAUTIFUL snow for the Winter Solstice. Our word for snow on the ground is kun.

12/09/2024

The concepts of “alpha” and “dominance” in domesticated dogs have been largely misunderstood and misapplied, stemming from outdated studies on captive wolves in unnatural conditions. Modern canine behaviorists and researchers, including notable figures like David Mech, have clarified that the “alpha” theory is not a valid framework for understanding dog behavior.

David Mech’s Perspective on Alpha and Dominance

David Mech, a prominent wolf researcher, was one of the early proponents of the idea of dominance hierarchies based on his observations of captive wolves. However, as his research advanced, particularly through studies of wild wolves, he publicly discredited the idea of rigid “alpha” roles. Here’s a summary of his revised stance:
1. Wild Wolves vs. Captive Wolves: Mech found that in the wild, wolf packs operate more like family units, with the parents (breeding pair) naturally leading their offspring. There is no constant battle for dominance or “alpha” position as earlier theories suggested.
2. Applicability to Dogs: Domesticated dogs are not wolves, and their social structures have been shaped by thousands of years of human influence. Applying wolf pack dynamics to dogs is a flawed approach. Furthermore, even within wolves, the dominance framework is oversimplified and not applicable to natural pack behavior.
3. Training and Behavior: Using dominance-based methods to train dogs often leads to misunderstanding and conflict. Instead, modern dog training focuses on building trust, communication, and reinforcement of desired behaviors rather than asserting “dominance.”
4. Current Consensus: The scientific community now emphasizes understanding individual dogs’ motivations and needs rather than relying on outdated “alpha” concepts. Positive reinforcement and relationship-based training are widely recognized as effective and humane approaches.

Misinterpretation in Dog Training

The persistence of “alpha” and dominance theories in popular culture and dog training stems from misinterpretation and oversimplification of Mech’s early work. While terms like “dominance” might occasionally describe interactions in specific contexts (e.g., resource guarding), they do not define the entirety of a dog’s behavior or require humans to act as “pack leaders.”

Practical Takeaway

For domesticated dogs, the goal should be to foster cooperation and mutual understanding through humane and scientifically-backed training methods. Dominance-based approaches often result in fear and stress, which are counterproductive to building a trusting relationship with your dog.

12/05/2024

It’s not the Swiss alps but it’s something…

11/29/2024

Three friends over for a visit.

11/16/2024

Mr. Lavender strutting his stuff around Madison.

09/30/2024

Let's get it started! Swing by for the watch party and refreshments if you are able. Bring your dog with you.

09/07/2024

Enjoying some time downtown Madison with Chaka and Mr. Lavender after their vet appointment at The Town Vets

Sit Stay Heal is here to serve. Do you have a dog that you think might be happier with more exercise? Maybe a walk or enrichment visit? We can help.

Going out of town and looking for a pet sitter or boarding in a home environment? We can help.

Have a dog that’s been kicked out of other day cares? We run a small scale highly supervised operation and have been successful at integrating dogs into peaceful coexistence when other outfits have come up short. Have a dog that’s a bit too much to handle? We can help.

09/01/2024

Bubba and Joanie. The odd couple.

08/17/2024

Here is another chance to help the rescue that is helping the St Bernard siblings.

08/16/2024

Here are five shadow work journal prompts tailored for someone using the human-canine bond in their trauma healing:

1. **Reflect on a time when your dog provided comfort during a difficult moment.** What emotions or memories did they help you process, and how did their presence guide you through the experience?

2. **Consider the qualities you admire most in your dog, such as loyalty, patience, or unconditional love.** How do these qualities reflect aspects of yourself that you may need to nurture or heal?

3. **Think about any moments of frustration or impatience you've had with your dog.** What do these reactions reveal about your own unresolved emotions or triggers, and how can you use these insights to heal?

4. **Recall a time when your dog sensed your pain or distress before you even acknowledged it.** What does this say about your ability to connect with and understand your own emotional state, and how can you deepen this connection?

5. **Explore the bond you share with your dog and how it has helped you confront your own vulnerabilities.** What aspects of your past trauma do you feel more equipped to face with your dog by your side, and how can this bond continue to support your healing journey?

These prompts are designed to help you explore how the connection with your dog aids in your emotional and psychological growth.

Sit Stay Heal - leveraging the power of ancient wisdom, artificial intelligence, and authentic experience to bring inner healing and increased community health.

08/10/2024

With Delaware Tribe Cultural Education Dept. – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

I watched the debut of Inside the mind of dog on Netflix last night with Matt Beisner. One thing that stands out to me from that production is the concept of survival of the friendliest. I think the Lenape and Canines have this survival strategy in common. I'm looking forward to continued engagement with Lenape cultural teachings. Grateful for the teachers like Jeremy Johnson and the Elders that visited home recently.

08/08/2024

Hello Friends - we could use your help. Sit Stay Heal is teamed up with Bill Machado to help rehab and rehome two St. Bernard siblings. We are also working to provide care for a rescued tripod Egyptian street dog named Amal for Shahira Ezz El-Deen

If you aren't comfortable with a cash donation please consider a gift in kind from our Amazon wish list. Here are links for both Amazon and Venmo.

Amazon wish list
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/626UL32YFFIX?ref_=wl_share

Venmo
-Yoesting

Apple Pay or Zelle
732 372 1719

Thank you,
Jonathan Yoesting