Thinking levels 0 - 10. 7 and above is overthinking. Fear is in those levels and represents a perceived problem. Others are worrying or over-excitement. When we react to an animal (e.g. barking at strangers) by raising the voice or physical intervention, we also raise our thinking level and match their reaction and make it worse.

Principles:

1. Creative Reaction: Reduce own thinking level. Mindful regard. Working with focused presence. Delivering a peaceful feeling at the pace of the animal. Creating a peaceful state and deliver it to the animal at their pace. By being present and maintain a listening state for the animal. Practice this regularly with the animal, like a meditation.

2. Realisation learning: Ability to reduce high thinking levels at the point of reaction. This helps to change the perception. It is important that the animal's opinion comes before our own agenda. By putting their needs first we are in a position to help them. If we put our agenda first (e.g. we're embarrassed that the dog is barking at person on a walk and want him to stop), then we're going to increase the fear or reaction of the animal. When the animal is in a thinking level of 7 or above, it will not be able to feel our focused presence. It only takes one (us) to change the dynamic. The first responsible action we can do is change the environment without judging the behaviour as good or bad. This can allow to reduce the thinking level where we then can establish mindful/focused presence to reduce thinking level further. By accepting the fear/reaction this creates trust by the animal. Acknowledge, acceptance, reduction of thinking level allows to let go of the fear/overthinking.

3. Trusted Cooperation: voluntary, mutual benefitial exchange. Two main techniques: a) working with gratitude b) intuitive connection.
Look at how an animal is treated in their education and ask:
1. What are the thinking levels? If it's above seven, the only thing that is being taught is fear.
2. Is the engagement voluntary? What is the benefit to the animal? If you can't see any of these, it's not cooperation.
To get there we need again a low state of thinking and allows clear communication. Break the tasks down into easy actions. Acknowledge when they are doing it right. And provide a well timed reward. Repeat. This engages them in the learning process. Keep thinking process low.

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