have discovered that in most instances the dog can be “cured” via one or more of a series of positive messages, inspirational
sayings, and uplifting bits of life wisdom commonly known as “affirmations.”
Now, when humans make use of affirmations, they read and recite them out loud, to the universe, in order to hear themselves
say those words. Dogs, of course, can’t do this. So we have devised a series of affirmations to be read
to the dog by the owner, about the dog himself
.
The affirmation is read to the dog, who then repeats it to himself until he breaks free of the negative emotional loop and
feels better about everything.
We are currently compiling a complete collection of affirmations for dogs, which we intend to publish under the title
Arffirmations
. For now, however, we present a handful of these positive, upbeat messages guaranteed to improve your dog’s mood. They appear
in the following table, along with the kinds of behavior that can alert you to the problem, and the negative emotional states
they are meant to cure.
Dealing with the Depressed Dog: The Affirmations
Dog’s Behavior
Negative Emotions
Affirmation to Recite to Dog
Lies listlessly on couch, bed, etc., sighing
Dog thinks all his efforts are futile, that “nothing ever turns out right”
“I am a really great dog and I don’t need to be depressed in order to lie on the couch. I can be on the couch without having
to be depressed because I am well loved and treasured. And I deserved it.”
Acts touchy, irritable
Dog feels trapped in his life, surrounded by mediocrity and tedious routine
“I love my routine. Without routines, there is chaos. I am moody sometimes because that’s just the way I change my routine
without causing chaos. I am brilliant.”
Stares blankly into space, is uncommunicative
Dog harbors unexpressed anger
“I stare blankly into space because I can. I get attention from my owner just by doing nothing. I am great.”
Lies with head between paws, doesn’t move
Dog feels taken for granted, unappreciated, and a failure
“I have perfected the position where everyone thinks I’m doing nothing, but I am, in fact, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.
I am a genius.”
Sleeps all the time, refuses to go on walks, eats very little
Dog suffers from anomie, barely has the will to live
“I feel a little bloated so I will pretend I am at a doggy spa. By the morning I will be back to my model figure and feel
fabulous, which I already am.”
Stares, does nothing all day but watch TV and eat Snausages
Dog is trying to numb self, to escape into distraction and cheap pleasures
“ I have been good all week and deserve a reward. I shall watch TV and pop Snausages while sitting on satin pillows. My owner
will be thrilled because I have seen her do that, and by emulating her I make her feel good as well. I am extremely thoughtful.”
Listening to affirmations, dog visualizes actualizing the reality of his vision.
Encourage the dog to recite these affirmations to himself, and before too long he’ll feel much better—and so will you.
CHRONIC DEPRESSION: THERAPY VERSUS DRUGS
Occasionally a Jewish dog is subject to chronic depression, which even affirmations cannot alleviate. In such cases, we urge
owners to consult with a qualified dog therapist, whether a dog psychologist, a dog whisperer, or a dog acupuncturist. Each
offers specific areas of expertise and a range of techniques. For recommendations, ask your vet, other owners, or look online.
(Many clients ask us for referrals to a dog
psychiatrist
. When they do, we decline to offer any recommendations. Quite frankly, we don’t believe in psychiatrists for dogs. The notion
of a dog being subjected to Freudian analysis is, in our opinion, rather ludicrous. We don’t see the usefulness of having
the dog jump up on a couch and lie there for fifty minutes, when jumping on the couch is often one of the very problems the
owner wants to
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