Your Dog Is Your Mirror

Synopsis

In Your Dog Is Your Mirror, dog trainer Kevin Behan proposes a radical new model for understanding canine behavior: a dog's behavior and emotion, indeed its very cognition, are driven by our emotion. The dog doesn't respond to what the owner thinks, says, or does; it responds to what the owner feels. And in this way, dogs can actually put people back in touch with their own emotions. Behan demonstrates that dogs and humans are connected more profoundly than has ever been imagined - by heart - and that this approach to dog cognition can help us understand many of dogs' most inscrutable behaviors. This groundbreaking, provocative book opens the door to a whole new understanding between species, and perhaps a whole new understanding of ourselves.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Reflection of Your Dog

* Summary: Dogs mirror their owners' emotions, behaviors, and beliefs. They reflect what their owners are not aware of or unwilling to acknowledge about themselves.
* Real example: A dog that is anxious and barks excessively may be reflecting the owner's own hidden anxiety.

Chapter 2: The Shadow of Your Dog

* Summary: Dogs can access the unconscious mind of their owners and bring to light unresolved issues and traumas.
* Real example: A dog that digs in the backyard may be trying to unearth a buried emotional issue for its owner.

Chapter 3: The Doorway of Your Dog

* Summary: Dogs provide a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind, allowing for self-discovery and healing.
* Real example: A dog that sits on its owner's lap during moments of stress may be providing comfort and offering an opportunity for emotional release.

Chapter 4: The Mirror of Your Dog

* Summary: Dogs reflect not only the present state of their owners but also their potential for growth and change.
* Real example: A dog that is playful and energetic may be encouraging its owner to embrace their inner child and live a more joyful life.

Chapter 5: The Echo of Your Dog

* Summary: Dogs can communicate with their owners on a non-verbal level, using their body language, eyes, and energy.
* Real example: A dog that yawns or looks away when its owner is talking may be expressing discomfort or disapproval.

Chapter 6: The Projection of Your Dog

* Summary: Owners often project their own fears, desires, and expectations onto their dogs.
* Real example: An owner who is afraid of abandonment may see clingy behavior in their dog that is not actually there.

Chapter 7: The Shadow of Your Dog (Continued)

* Summary: Dogs can trigger unresolved emotional issues in their owners, forcing them to confront their own shadow side.
* Real example: A dog that misbehaves may be triggering the owner's own feelings of guilt or shame.

Chapter 8: The Doorway of Your Dog (Continued)

* Summary: Dogs can facilitate self-discovery and healing by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for their owners.
* Real example: A dog that is always present and attentive may be creating an environment where the owner feels seen and loved.

Chapter 9: The Mirror of Your Dog (Continued)

* Summary: Dogs continue to reflect their owners' growth and change as they journey together.
* Real example: A dog that was once anxious and insecure may become more confident and relaxed as its owner works through their own emotional issues.

Chapter 10: The Echo of Your Dog (Continued)

* Summary: The communication between dogs and their owners is an ongoing dance that evolves over time.
* Real example: An owner may learn to interpret their dog's growls as a sign of protectiveness rather than aggression.