​  Many people who come to us to adopt a dog  have always had dogs in their lives and understandably feel they have enough dog experience to live easily with dogs without having to acquire much more information. Life is always changing and we live in a time now where there seems to be precious little opportunity to be fully present and aware of what is happening in the moment. Dogs don't know any other way to live. Many of the shifts of energy and subtle nuances of communication that we all feel and read are more and more slipping away from us.

​We here at LOVE DOGS have had the opportunity to learn a GREAT deal about dogs, their language and how ours impacts them and their behavior. It is our mission to share all what we have learned so that every human can be their dogs best friend as much as we expect and wish dogs to be mans best friend.

..The child is gentle, soft calm.. she isnt invading the dogs space as much as is common..BUT to those of us familiar with canine body language this dog is clearly very uncomfortable with the closeness. Her body is tense and is pulling back, she demonstrates whale eye (whites showing) her mouth is closed tight.. her ears are in a submissive position. The dog is tolerating this girls closeness, probably because the girl is in a receiving vibe. It would be an instantly better moment if the child did not lean toward the dog but stayed at a distance with her shoulders back and chin up permitting the dog to explore her with her nose and creating an inviting space. This would have made a better start on trust building and the dog would be most impressed by the child's understanding of canine etiquette, energy and body language. ​​

​This is another example of a child sharing intimate space with a dog. This dog is enjoying the attention and isnt at all concerned about the closeness.. These two have had previous encounters.. theres established trust. Stella is showing signs of relaxation.. open mouth, soft body relaxed ear position.. While ideally it might be better to have her hand a bit lower its good the child has put her hand on the side below Stella's jaw. This is a nice example of relaxed and happy closeness .. side by side as opposed to ( sternum to sternum), shoulders back and chin up.

​Gracie was a shy dog making it is especially important that she be able to meet people on her own terms.. This lovely young girl has the "magic feel" .. she fully senses Gracie and keeps her energy calm and inviting. As tempting as it must be to want to reach out and love on Gracie for coming to visit, she retrains herself and permits Gracie to gain trust.. This is a beautiful example of shared respect. The young handler is very attuned to her new friend... placing more importance on the budding relationship she wishes to share with Gracie than her own impulses to lay some love on the curious dog! Gracie feels her welcoming gentleness and enjoys the greeting/getting to know you ritual. This is ideal.. what begins with mindful respect paves the way for an enduring connection on a solid foundation of trust!!  ITS ABSOLUTELY LOVELY!