Why Real Authentic Can Be Learned From Dogs

Authentic Maui DogsWe all have this version in our head of our authentic self and yet we are actually pretending to be something we really aren’t most of the time.  I swear it’s the reason we are so drawn to our Maui dogs, even when they behave in a way that isn’t exactly acceptable.

We get why they are acting out, don’t like another dog, or our partner.  We get why our dog’s like perfect strangers on first sight, or take to an unlikely dog friend and why they cuddle up to us even when we are in a really bad mood.  The reason?

Dogs are authentic in their actions.  They do not have a a filter.  Dogs are truly authentic in their whole being.

Living with a Dog Version of Authentic

You don’t choose to be authentic. Authenticity is a state i.e. whatever you are in any given state ~ asshole or angel.  You are what you are. People might call you authentic or not.  Really, they’re making a judgement about whether they like your code. They’re saying “Hey, I like the way you play” or “Eff off.  I don’t like your rules.”  Both are a paradox. Whether asking you to be different or be the same, both are opposites of authenticity (because it’s different than what you truly are). Whatever mask you choose from the closet to wear in the morning, wear it. Be it. That’s authentic.

Living that lesson from a dog’s standpoint is easy.  Dogs are simply authentic.  They bark at people because they feel like it.  They find their pack to play with and forcing the issue doesn’t really work.  There’s no pretending for a dog.  What is, is what is.  That simple.

Same at the statement above.  Whatever you choose in the morning, wear it, be it.  It’s okay to practice being your authentic self instead of being something, doing something, liking something you really don’t want to have anything to do with.

Play by your own rules.  While you can be kind in doing that, you don’t have to be unauthentic because you feel you need to be something else for anyone else.

The Authentic Maui Dog Pack

This morning I took a pack of dogs to the beach here on Maui.  These dogs know one another and they have their games with one another.  One will break up two that are hogging the bumper.  They will try and out swim each other to get the bumper.  The Boxer will even try and dunk the not so good at swimming Weimaraner in an effort to get the bumper, and it’s all in being their true authentic selves.  No “sorry, I didn’t mean it” needed!

My observation of this women who had a dog she didn’t a have a lot of control over this morning was interesting and I realized her snapping bitchy attitude at the pack of dogs and me was her authentic self.

Six Maui dogs playing.  Six dogs listening to what I wanted them to do when it comes to not running off, not bothering other people or dogs.  The one dog that joined… out of control.  Wild abandon.  And the women got irritated at us.  It was our fault her dog wouldn’t come.  In her opinion it was all the other dogs fault her dog was out of control.

Blame.  The other dogs.  Us.  (my friend and I) for her dog not doing what she wanted him to.  Her authentic self was showing in a serious way.

What is Your (Dog) Authentic Self

Take a lesson from our Maui dogs.  Own up to who we are.  Be it.  And be grateful for all we have on our Maui Hawaii Island.

*Author’s note:  I say this about Maui dogs because this is where I live with my dogs, this is where I practice my dog thing.  The concept applies to where ever you and your dog are in the world.  And yes, I’ve traveled quite a lot.  It is a sign of our times that our authentic selves are being compromised all over the world and the state we expect our dogs to be is also falling outside of authentic as well.

Now, go wag, have fun, be like a dog.  No expectations.  Just grateful.  Just be you.

Maui Dog Training + Running + Retreats + RemediesJt Clough lives in Maui, Hawaii and practices health, happiness, natural remedies and training for dogs and their people.  Her uncanny way of communication with both dogs and people is healing and her training is effective physically and emotionally. Her work at ReVIBE | Dogs + Joy + Vibrance is for people looking to live healthier and happier lives through their dogs and her passion for it has helped so many to find and do that thing they’ve been talking about or wishing to happen for so long. She is a dog whisperer for our best friends, specializing in private training and dog retreats, studies natural dog remedies, nutrition and communication. Her latest publications are Pumpkin Dog Food + Treats Recipes and 5K Training Guide | Running with Dogs.

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