Are You as Reactive as Akila?

I took the dogs to have their toenails clipped today. Normally, this is a relatively simple event: we hop in the car, drive to the groomer, get the toenails cut, and drive home.

 Today, however, Akila 🐕 was feeling particularly reactive. If you’re not dog ‘literate’ that means she was overreacting to familiar sounds, getting spooked by everyday things, and generally acting as if she had never left the house. Granted she is a Basenji, a breed that needs a lot of socialization to easily navigate the outside world. Despite this, she has had plenty of socialization.

 She was having a ‘reactive’ day. Instead of calmly walking from the car into the groomer, she saw a car move, planted her feet, and refused to budge. Did I mention we were in the middle of the street? Getting her moving immediately (out of traffic) meant dragging her across the street. Her legs were locked and her feet were planted. She is stubborn.

 How do I help her relax and still get us to the groomer? It’s both simple and complex. Simple because it requires me to get deeply grounded, sit with her, and help her regulate her nervous system quickly and calmly. Complex because I must focus solely on her; I can’t think about being in a hurry or worry about the people watching who may think I’m a terrible dog mom for dragging my dog out of harm’s way.

 The beauty of this approach is that it allows Akila and me a chance to reconnect. I give her space to come to me, to sniff and explore without rushing her. I use touch and my voice to help her calm down. It takes less than five minutes, and by the end,  I have a new dog.

 She is more confident and connected to her surroundings - and to me – rather than feeling overwhelmed.

 As individuals, we can all become overwhelmed. Our team members experience the same feelings. As a leader, you should be aware of your own emotions and those of team members who might need space to reconnect to and ground. We should give ourselves and our team the same kind of attention I gave Akila. Allow the world to fall away so you can reconnect with your spirit and one another.

Give yourself the same grace I gave my dog. It’s easier for me to give that grace to Akila than it is to admit my own overwhelm and take the time to recalibrate. Don’t be like me. 😃 Give yourself space to relax and try again.