How to win friends and influence people
When you live in a big city like San Francisco, with a big old dog like we do, it's been a mission of ours to win over our neighbors. We want them to know that we care about them and the neighborhood.
Dale Carnegie writes, “Actions speak louder than words, and a smile says, ‘I like you. You make me happy. I am glad to see you.”
For a senior dog, or really any dog, based on our experience, we have a few ideas on how they might positively influence neighbors. We came up with four ways to turn the dial [...]
How can a dog win friends and positively influence people?
Here are four ways that have worked for us:
1 - Pick up your poop wherever it lands. Even if you can't help it and it hits the sidewalk, picking up your poop and disposing of it properly goes a long way.
2 - Sniff their flower box or lemon trees. Your neighbors work hard on their curb appeal. They appreciate when you stop to sniff and admire the fruits of their labor.
3 - Admire the new paint. Everyone knows the outside of your home takes a beating by the sun. When you walk by a freshly painted facade, pause for a moment. If the owner happens to be outside, give them a wag of appreciation.
4 - Visiting grand-kids around? Taking a moment to say hello, give the little one a first great impression of a big dog, even a small lick of love will be welcomed. It's never too early to start a child on the road of loving dogs and grandparents know this.
Any special trick or effort that has worked for you where you live? Is the country different than the city?