In previous posts, I have talked about how it can be awkward when we encounter people (random strangers) who ask questions (“What’s wrong with you?” or “Is that your dog?”) or want to pet Memphis without asking. What I have failed to mention is that sometimes that environment is created by Sam.
What does “creating the environment for Memphis” mean?
Sam can dictate if he will be “free.” Being “free” means Memphis can run around, go sniff out things, play with a toy, try to climb on the human couch, or see people.
The environment is created because Sam will introduce him to, or allow him to be in certain situations.
If Sam feels that the environment is full of stimulus (a lot of people, noise, distractions), then Memphis has to sit/stay (one of his commands) upon entering that “new” environment. Meaning, Memphis has to sit and stay in that position until Sam commands him to do something else like “heel” (when Memphis needs to be walking right beside Sam).
Sam can determine if Memphis has adapted to the new environment, and if he has, then he can enter the environment, which is when he is sometimes given the command, “free.”
How you introduce an animal to an environment is how they are going to act in that environment. If you allow a dog to run in all wild into an environment, that dog may act all wild or frantic in that area/environment.
If you present guidelines or commands (sternness) with the new environment, then that is what the dog will abide by. Memphis is no different. He needs to be aware of his surroundings.
Sam also dictates who Memphis can interact with–which means he will allow Memphis to “meet” people or allow people to pet him. Believe it or not, sometimes, when that is allowed that calms Sam…he can see that Memphis is adapting to others and welcoming the environment…in addition to getting love, Memphis is also charming those he meets.
However, at the same time, if Memphis is working and the environment is one that is intense, meaning there’s a lot of stimuli, it may not be good for Memphis to “meet” someone or get love from others. It could distract him from what is going on with Sam, and that means that Memphis is not doing his job if he is distracted. By controlling Memphis’ environment, Sam is also controlling his own environment by doing just that–focusing on Memphis.
The environment is so important when Sam is out and about with Memphis. If Sam notices that Memphis is not acting like his usual self, then he could use a day off, or maybe he needs some more love from Sam. It is okay to give Memphis a break, and Sam can recognize that his behavior changes at times too. Memphis works hard, and sometimes he may just want to lay on the human couch with a blanket and snore like a freight train.
We are so thankful that so many of you love and care for Memphis (even if you have only “met” him in photos)! It also warms my heart to know that so many of you understand the importance of the job Memphis has to do. I know my heart is always full and at ease knowing Sam and Memphis have one another.
If you ever encounter Sam and Memphis, please say hello. Maybe you can even get a little love from Memphis depending on the environment that is surrounding him.
Sweet baby Memphis…this guy has a birthday Friday!!!! How blessed we are that he is part of our family.