Dog Training (Child Rearing?)

As I sit and wait for Daughter B to finish swim practice this week I've had the opportunity to watch a man and his dogs several times. He has two border collies - Meg (almost a year old) and Sierra (4 years old). These dogs, especially Sierra, are incredible. He stand in one spot and throws a ball for them (with one of those flinger things so it goes 50 yards or so). The dogs chasing the ball isn't so incredible, but the relationship between the three of t hem is. These dogs are totally devoted to him. Sierra never takes her eyes off him. Even when he's not throwing the ball she keeps him in sight and watches for his directions. Meg often runs ahead and anticipates what he's going to do. Sometimes she's wrong. Sometimes she doesn't give the ball back, but he gently reminds her and she will. Sometimes she drops it too far from him, and he makes her do it again - but always with a tender voice. From time to time he puts a lead on Meg and firmly pulls on it if she doesn't obey, but, still, his voice is soft and kind. She quickly complies. When they are done with their play they head back to his SUV. He give them water and a bone for a few minutes, then picks up the bones and tells them to get in. They sit like two children side by side looking out the windows.

Watching this regularly has gotten me thinking...

Those dogs ARE like children. With love and consistent reminders they need to be trained. Meg is only seven in dog years - still young, still learning, still making lots of mistakes and pushing the limits. Sierra is 28 or so. More mature. She knows he will only do what is right for her. She trusts him and loves him. She has no need to rebel or push because she's learned her lessons.

My children are in between somewhere. I imagine that over the next three years Meg will become more like Sierra. Perhaps not quite so compliant - she's a different dog with a different personality. JB and the girls will likely do the same. That's natural. The challenge for me is to be like the man - consistent, gently, kinds, soft-spoken... Looks like those fruits of the spirit are needed not only in biblical terms, but in real life as well - dog training and child rearing.