Roberto Barata's Social Feed
News & Reflections: Anthrozoology | Ethology | Behavior Modification
The views expressed in this social feed are entirely the author’s own, and responsibility for them rests solely with him. Read more about the author.
The Messy and Beautiful Truth of Connection
The Messy and Beautiful Truth of Connection Photo: From a "Teach Without Speech" Workshop in Denmark. Photo by Tilde Detz Jensen.We all want results—it’s human nature. Whether it’s for Instagram likes, to impress your audience/friends, or merely to feel like we’re doing things “right,” we put pressure on ourselves (and our dogs) to perform. However, the bond between a person and their dog isn’t defined by a perfect report card of tricks or flawless behavior. It goes much deeper. It’s about trust, patience, and understanding each other—even when it’s frustrating. Sure, you can teach a dog to roll over on a signal. But is that really the point? Or is it more about creating moments when they choose to listen, even when they don’t have to?Social media makes it seem easy. You see these picture-perfect dogs nailing every cue, their owners grinning as if they’ve cracked some secret code. But...
Read MoreGoodbye to a special friend
Goodbye to a special friend Photo: Martim. Photo taken by Roberto Barata Today, I want to pay tribute to a special friend, Martim. Although he wasn't my dog, he had a profound impact on my life and the lives of those around him. Martim was a bundle of energy and joy, and his presence brought people together in a way that will never be forgotten.He was a master at teaching us about loyalty and friendship, and his love for his family was unwavering. To his family, he was a beloved member of the household, and his passing leaves a massive void in their lives.I had the privilege of knowing Martim and being inspired by his spirit. He may have been a small part of my life but greatly impacted my heart. His family, however, was his world, and he loved them with every fiber of his being. They gave him a...
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