Tag Archives: instinct

Fighting Like Cats and Dogs

So why do dogs and cats have this stereotypical relationship as enemies? We see it over and over in books, television, and film — think about Garfield and Odie, for example. Most dogs can learn to tolerate cats. It depends largely on the dog’s prey drive. Canines are predators. They chase and catch smaller animals for food; even thousands of years of domestic life can’t quite change that instinct to chase. Selective breeding has enhanced that trait in some dogs, and faded it in others. For instance, many terriers have high prey drives, as they were bred to be hunting … Continue reading →

Taming Instinctual Responses

I wrote earlier today about accepting and keeping criticism in perspective. My confession that criticism is NOT something I naturally take well got me to thinking about other “instinctual responses.” While we do need to be able to tap into our instincts when it comes to running a small business, we also need to keep them in check. I do not think there are “good” and “bad” instinctual responses, but I do think there is a time and a place for everything! As an entrepreneur and a sole-proprietor—as many of us are—we ARE our businesses. Whatever we do is a … Continue reading →

Are You Really an Expert on Your Own Child?

With all the self-help, parenting, and expert advisors out there, it can be challenging for a parent to know where to turn. I think we often turn to official “experts” when what we really need to do is dig in and realize that WE should be the experts on our own child… The truth is, no one knows your child as well as you do. Or at least, that is how it should be and if you are a caring, involved, attentive parent—that is likely the way it is. Since parenting is such an inexact science and not a one … Continue reading →

The Power of Women’s Intuition

I believe in women’s intuition. Call it what you will — the little voice, your gut feeling, or a sixth sense — it is real, and it helps us. Experts say that we only use something like ten percent of our brains. So what’s the other ninety percent up to? Some part of your brain is recording and responding to stimuli that we may not consciously notice. Could this be the source of intuition? Your brain and body responding to something on a subconscious level? Don’t dismiss those feelings of intuition — you could be responding to signals that aren’t … Continue reading →

Lassie, Come Home!

You have probably heard stories about pets who were lost, or dropped off, or left behind miles from home. But can dogs and cats really find their way home over seemingly impossible distances? The skeptical answer: These amazing tales may not be quite so amazing. A pet may happen to find a ride in the right direction, or may simply pick the right direction by accident! The modest answer: If the distance is reasonable and the pet is in a familiar area, the chances of him finding his way home is pretty good. Dogs and cats can roam pretty far … Continue reading →