Comment by 542354234235
Comment by 542354234235 9 hours ago
It probably isn’t accurate to classify it as working and relaxing, in the way we humans see “going to work”. I’ve never worked with a service dog but I have with “working” dogs. They almost universally enjoy and prefer working to “relaxing”. The reason people need to take their dogs on long walks and play with them in the park is really to simulate working. Dogs like tasks, focusing and following a leader, and having a structure of being a pack member fulfilling whatever goal.
Agreed. A better word might be "focused". A dog has one set of behaviors when focused, and another when not.
When I research a topic, whether it's an engineering diagram or looking up a half-remembered recipe on my phone, I immediately engage. It's fulfilling, not tedious. It can lead to "being in the zone".
It doesn't mean it's not taxing, but there's definitely a positive feedback from my system. Probably the same feeling if you're watching the water for a fish to spear, or watching your dad to see how he spears fish, or watching your mom to see how her lips move when she says "Mom". Or the ball to see when it's thrown and where, or if cars are coming because then you need to stay still and keep your human from proceeding.