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Courage: The Dog Star

Courage: The Dog Star

(The Dog Star is a symbol of power, will, and steadfastness of purpose, and exemplifies the One who has succeeded in bridging the lower and higher consciousness. – Astrological Definition)

Bentley is a sweet dog, great with children, loves to play. But he bears his teeth and barks and flattens his ears with strangers (and some people he knows) and frightens them. He’s an adult Shepherd, and more than a handful to deal with.

I’ve observed that when people back away it reinforces his behavior. He’s enabled by this response. Eventually, someone calls his bluff or tosses a biscuit, and they’re back on the “in” list. The UPS guy just laughs at him at this point. But for most, they cede the ground, and that’s probably prudent with an apparently angry dog.

In life, when we show fear, we enable others, sometimes even unwittingly to them. The buyer asks for more concessions. The business colleague demands more independence. The vender raises prices.

No one is shooting at us. There is no German Shepherd protecting his property and family. There is only another person. Stop being fearful, because you’re undermining yourself from the moment you start, which for too many people is before they walk in the door.

© Alan Weiss 2016

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Alan Weiss is a consultant, speaker, and author of over 60 books. His consulting firm, Summit Consulting Group, Inc., has attracted clients from over 500 leading organizations around the world.

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