Harmonizing Nature: Understanding the Interplay Between Nature and Nurture
The age-old debate between nature and nurture is often misconstrued. In reality, nature encompasses a broad spectrum of innate forces that drive canine behavior. Nurture, rather than being a separate entity, refers to the intentional cultivation of specific aspects of nature. By recognizing that everything is, in fact, nature, we can harmonize the various components to foster a balanced, harmonious relationship with our dogs.
Understanding Canine Nature:
Dogs are born with innate forces that drive their behavior:
- Survival - Social bonding
- Exploratory drive
- Protective instincts
- Prey drive
- Affiliative needs
- Rest and relaxation drive
The Power of Nurturing:
The aspects of nature you nurture will shine through in your dog's personality. By intentionally cultivating specific traits, you influence which aspects of their nature become prominent:
- Nurture hyperactivity, working drive, prey drive, and high-energy bonding without balance, and you may create an over-stimulated, dysregulated dog.
- Foster mindfulness, affection, and relaxation, and you'll cultivate a calm, gentle soul.
- Balance is key; nurturing multiple aspects of nature creates a well-rounded, resilient individual.
Nurturing Desired Traits:
Encourage and strengthen desirable aspects of their nature:
Exploratory drive:
- Engage scent work
- Hide-and-seek
- Problem-solving
- Go on excursions
- Car rides
- Adventuring together
Social Bonding:
- Playfulness (play, fetch, tug-of-war)
- Cooperation (training, agility, teamwork)
- Mutual enjoyment (shared activities, outings)
- Emotional support (comfort, reassurance)
- Empathy-building (active listening, understanding)
Affiliative Needs:
- Attachment (closeness, physical touch)
- Affection (gentle petting, cuddling)
- Reassurance (calming presence, soothing voice)
- Safety (predictable routines, secure spaces)
- Belonging (inclusion, acceptance)
Rest and Relaxation:
- Quiet time
- Calming exercises
- Gentle massage
- Peaceful environments
Channeling Natural Instincts:
Provide healthy outlets for fulfillment, without excessive nurturing:
Protective instincts:
- Calm alerting
- Boundary setting
Prey drive:
- Interactive play
- Agility training
- Food rewards
- Acceptable outlets (e.g., flirt poles, tug toys)
Survival instincts:
- Meet basic needs
- Provide stability
Benefits of Harmonization:
By balancing nature, you:
- Foster emotional intelligence
- Encourage adaptive behavior
- Strengthen human-canine bonds
- Promote a balanced, harmonious relationship
- Support overall well-being
- Cultivate fulfillment and satisfaction
Takeaways:
- Recognize that everything is nature, comprising various components
- Nurture specific aspects of nature to promote balance
- Channel natural instincts into healthy outlets
- Prioritize balance to cultivate self-awareness, emotional resilience, and fulfillment