I become more grounded and an emotionally healthier enneagram 4, no longer finding my significance attached to how others perceive me. Advocating for Etsu has helped me speak up and stand my ground, regardless of who I'm speaking with. I become a people pleaser when under stress and have a hard time speaking up (enneagram 2, disintegration). The more I practice this, the more I'm able to strengthen this muscle of following through with what I need to do regardless of how I feel. I have a hard time being productive when I'm emotional (enneagram 4) but Etsu helps me maintain structure regardless of my emotions (enneagram 1, integration). Here are some questions to get you started in identifying those tendencies. So even if you're a type 4, they may show up differently for you in your dog training. The personal ways they've shown up for me are just that - personal. Even if that means a rock, or a packaging material. So I also emphasize in looking at the details since they tell you a lot of what you can tweak to find the solution.Īt times, I can see my environment as a puzzle and have really enjoyed using it as moving pieces to fit our training needs, making use of what we have. Even if our dogs have a similar temperament, I still agree that not one size fits all. Puzzles are my jam so I tend to see training as creative problem solving for each individual dog. I am hungry to learn, so I learn best from trainers I can have casual conversations with and don't shut down when I ask questions or if I politely disagree Only then will I be more likely to do a one-on-one training with them.
I learn best from trainers who share a lot of content that I can digest for free as I dive into the rabbit hole. As we know, the doing is what is helpful for our dogs. I do a lot of research, and will at times probably over do it for the sake at looking all sides which means if left unchecked, I can dive into rabbit holes of training methods as opposed to getting in my body and physically trying them with Etsu. Teaching Etsu to intentionally tilt herself on the Penny Board to develop confidence with moving items. Ex: Teaching Etsu to use her back legs to push herself on the Penny Board to develop rear end awareness. It can be as simple as seeing everyone train one way, so I'll intentionally try to find a different way to see if it's any more fun, effective, or if it helps boost her confidence at all. While in my case, it tends to show up more as feeling 'different' and not having a place to belong, I have found that I do love training in unorthodox ways with Etsu. In fact, it will only be her training (my purpose) that will probably keep me accountable in following through with that area of training.Įnneagram 4's are known to feel special or unique.
Rugged, dirty, busy, urban areas full of people are probably going to be one of our challenges in training since I avoid them. Which means maximizing this in me and our training helps her develop her chill. I get excited to sit at a coffee shop, people watching, daydreaming and doing absolutely nothing with Etsu. I thrive and look forward to training when I know we're going somewhere in nature and can actually stay out with Etsu for hours at a time just relaxing outdoors. In our training, I've found myself constantly looking and searching for a beautiful park, or beautiful scenery.
This does not necessarily mean extravagant. I love things that are aesthetically pleasing or beautiful. Training with Etsu, however, has helped me take steps to share, be vulnerable, and be more in my body so I can develop community (integrating into growth). My tendency to withdraw goes directly against my basic desire to have significance. This can make me prone to having a difficult time feeling like I belong somewhere.
Pandemic training can make this feel more normal and socially accepted, but pre-pandemic, I would have felt pressured and simultaneously drained gathering with others in larger group settings.
This can lead to me being a bit of a loner, and tend to do things by myself since I actually enjoy it. Therefore, Etsu has been key in maintaining structure, even when I don't feel like it.Īlthough I am friendly, I am typically withdrawn. I tend to need to sit in my feelings and can't just snap out of it, so I'm sure to be unproductive. When I'm struggling emotionally, I have an extremely hard time getting up or doing anything.