Coco started to resist walking last week. She had learned to walk right beside me without pulling the leash really fast, so I never thought she would give me troubles with walking. She would just stop walking and wouldn't move. Initially, all I had to do was to pull the leash for a half second and she would start move, but last week she really started to resist. I tried different strategies (adding a gentle kick to her side or back, etc.), but eventually she got used to my tricks. I also noticed that sometimes I just had to stay with her for a minute and move - then she would respond to my move and follow...but that waiting time got longer and eventually she stopped responding. Two days ago, I got frustrated and started to pull harder - of course, she resisted even further.

Then I remembered what Cesar Milan the Dog Whisperer had said a few weeks ago in his show - "The absence of patience goes against Mother Nature". I didn't quite get it, but his words stayed in my head and challenged my mind several times.

This morning, I accepted the possibility that I may have to spend minutes wherever and whenever she stops. Before the walk I repeatedly told myself I was going to be patient with her. Sure enough, she stopped only after a minute or so. I didn't pull the leash at all and I was immediately ready to make myself comfortable there (sidewalk)....then as soon as I I relaxed, she started to move by herself!

When I heard Cesar's words about patience and Mother Nature, I tried to understand what he meant, but it wasn't about what that means; it's about what it is. I was totally missing the point. The Universe knew what I wanted to know and it gave me this experience and that's how we have a conversation with the Universe.

Coco might still resist tomorrow and I may get inpatient again, but this episode will stay and be a reminder for me. She will try to communicate with me until I get it.