Alexander’s Story of Greatness: A Devotional to a Man of Many Wonders & Why He Was so Great-

Alexander of Macedonia is better known for his title, Alexander the Great.

He was one of the greatest conquerors, because of his far-reaching empire and brilliant military techniques. Through his conquest, Greek culture spread throughout his conquered territory and the Hellenistic Age was born. Along with the spread of Greek art and learning, Alexander also was able to finally eliminate the threat of Persia and quickly become an unstoppable force. His military prowess coupled with his cultural influence on the world are reasons enough why he is known as the greatest conqueror of all times and is deserving of the title, Alexander the Great.

Alexander the Great was the son of Philip II of Macedonia.

Philip II conquered Greece and had plans to continue his empire by overtaking the great power known as Persia. At the age of eighteen, Alexander took charge of the Companion Cavalry and aided his father, Philip II.  After Phillip was assassinated by one of his bodyguards, Alexander assumed his father’s throne in a timely, but ruthless manner. “Although few scholars think that Alexander was directly involved in the assassination, he wasted no time dispatching any possible rivals- even instructing his mother… to execute the infant son of Philip…” (Staff, 2004). Although Alexander went through ruthless measures to ensure his throne, his ability to think quickly and consolidate his power served him well throughout his reign.

Some people directly attribute his success to his father, Philip II.

While there are people who may say that Alexander the Great’s success was a mixture of luck and Philip’s hard work, it was Alexander’s intelligence, determination, and charisma that led to all of his achievements. Although Philip did unify and strengthen Greece which allowed for the possibility to invade and conquer Persia, it was solely Alexander who was able to keep Greece together and spread this empire further than his father before him had ever dreamed. Though Alexander did inherit a great “military machine” from King Philip II, Alexander must be credited for leading this machine to conquer many countries. Alexander was a tactical genius, showing his brilliance in military strategy through his many conquests. After fifteen years of conquest, Alexander never lost a battle. “From his first victory at age 18, Alexander gained a reputation of leading his men to battle with impressive speed, allowing smaller forces to reach and break… enemy lines before… foes were ready” (Barksdale, 2014). His triumph on the battlefield is reason enough to consider him one and possibly the greatest of history’s conquerors. Alexander gained the respect of the super powers of his day and from other influential countries, such as Egypt. Alexander used innovative techniques in his aggressive action in Persia and with the decimation of the city of Tyre. He constructed major military works to bring down the city’s walls using a bridge called the causeway and with siege towers which furthered his aggressive reputation (Grant, 2011). This reputation of military prowess led to many of his conquests to be achieved with no bloodshed. Because of the triumph, Alexander experienced in Persia the Egyptians accepted Alexander as ruler and made him their pharaoh. Their acceptance of Alexander was not just based on fear, but rather was based on respect for Alexander along with the Egyptians’ loathing of the Persians who had ruled them for a hundred years. This strong foundation built out of the acceptance from Egypt allowed Alexander to supply his growing empire with food such as grain because Egypt was the bread basket of the known world.

One of the many examples of his military genius is during his battle with Porus, Alexander had to cross the large river known as, Hydaspes.

This was a remarkable challenge because Alexander was unable to lead his men across the river safely because of monsoon season. The Hydaspes River had swollen; resulting in deeper waters. It was then when “Alexander… waged one of the most brilliant campaigns of deception in the history of ancient warfare” (Siggurdsson, 2012). After Alexander established a camp on the riverbank, he then set up most of his forces directly opposite to the main camp of king Porus. “For several days, Alexander used his cavalry forces to range along the Hydaspes, feinting a crossing at one point, making a demonstration at another” (Siggurdsson, 2012). This form of deception led Porus to grow accustomed to the routine marches and also to constant noise. Alexander had chosen to wait for the river to lower and by his strategic mind, Porus was unaware of this tactic. Finally, Alexander decided the time was right and began his assault. With the same use of deception as before, Alexander led a few thousand troops silently to a part of the riverbank where the water had lowered. After Alexander crossed the river, Porus was completely caught off guard and inevitably defeated. Though this was only one example of his brilliance, Alexander also is famously known for making the chariot obsolete during the Battle of Gaugamela, where he crushed Darius’s chariots with his light-armed soldiers (Battle of Gaugamela, n.d.). Alexander the Great proved in the battle against the Persian emperor that a battle is not solely won by its sheer size, but rather by innovation and brainpower. Moreover, Alexander triumphed in battle because of his sharp skills at easily adjusting to any situation.

Alexander was a charismatic leader because he embraced the cultures and countries he conquered.

There are a few examples of his insight and logic for gaining support from opposing peoples. When he conquered the Persians, out of respect for their culture, Alexander began to dress like the Persians. Alexander understood how to properly govern his empire, “[r]ealizing that the best way to maintain control of Persians was to act like one, Alexander began to wear the striped tunic…” (Barksdale, 2014). Not only did Alexander adopt cultural customs, but he also had honor on the battlefield which is displayed in his fight against Porus in the Battle of the Hydaspes River. Alexander had crushed Porus’s troops in a swift assault, but Alexander could not bring himself to kill Porus, because of the Indian king’s determination despite his failure to beat Alexander’s army. Not only did Alexander spare his life but also allowed Porus to continue ruling his kingdom in the Punjab. Rather than killing Porus and taking his kingdom, Alexander led his troops onward after a decisive win at the Battle of the Hydaspes River. These examples are a brief insight to the honorable and charismatic man known as, Alexander the Great.

Lastly, Alexander was not only a respected man but also a man of great intelligence.

Alexander was the pupil of the well-known philosopher, Aristotle; teaching Alexander the doctrines of morals and of politics. Aristotle taught Alexander the fundamentals of ethics that contributed to the Macedonian king’s success. “The philosopher imbued his young pupil with a love of Greek art and poetry and instilled in him a lasting interest in philosophy and science” (Bowra, 1965, p. 158). Aristotle’s teachings contributed to Alexander’s campaign by Aristotle’s lessons in logic and critical thinking; leading to the ability to adapt and overcome any challenge. “[a]though his life and talents were mainly devoted to warfare, he handled the political problems created by his military conquests with brilliant originality” (Bowra, 1965).  Moreover, this ability allowed Alexander to create brilliant tactics and achieve victory while using them not only in combat but also in how he ruled his empire.

Alexander was a great conqueror, but, more importantly, an incredible man.

Though some may question whether he was deserving enough for his title, there is no dispute concerning his achievements and influence. Just like any other human, Alexander was prone to faults and flaws, his temper being one of them. Does this really make him undeserving when he proved just how great he really was? Aside from his tactical know-how and the ability to govern an entire empire, Alexander was a man who achieved much more than mere conquest through battles. “His life immediately flew into legend, but the reality was more impressive. Alexander lived his life on his own terms, fixed on a heroic ideal of “warfare and a man at war” and dragged the world in his train” (Tsouras, 2004, pp. 106, 107). Alexander created a new Greek world and gave many countries a chance to prosper. After Alexander’s death, one of his generals, Ptolemy, took over Egypt and refurbished the Egyptian culture; allowing them to rise with new power and glory. This is just one of the lasting impacts to transpire during Alexander’s short life. If it had not been for Alexander’s influence and conquest, much of what we know as great ancient innovation would not be prevalent. It is because of Alexander that Greek culture flourished throughout much of the known world, and Alexander’s military tactics contributed to the evolution of strategic warfare.

Do you agree with this estimate on why Alexander the Great was indeed, so great? 

Do you have any interesting facts to add to our devotional to one of the greatest conquerors of all times?

As always, we love feedback! Let us know what you think of Alexander and his many accomplishments as the leader of ancient Greece.

Get out there, get active!

 

 

~

References

Barksdale, N. (2014, May 13). 8 Surprising Facts about Alexander the Great. Retrieved February  03, 2018, from http://www.history.com/news/history-lists/eight-surprising-facts-about-alexander-the-great

Battle of Gaugamela | 331 BC. (n.d.). Retrieved February 03, 2018, from http://www.britannica.com/event/Battle-of-Gaugamela

Bowra, C. M. (1965). Classical Greece (1975 ed., Great Ages of Man). New York, NY: Time.

Grant. (2011, August 08). Alexander’s Siege of Tyre, 332 BC. Retrieved February 03, 2018, from            http://www.ancient.eu/article/107/

Siggurdsson. (2012, May 03). Battle of the Hydaspes River: Alexander the Great Defeats Indian  King Porus. Retrieved February 02, 2018, from http://www.burnpit.us/2012/05/battle          hydaspes-river-alexander-great-defeats-indian-king-porus

Staff, B. L. (2004, December 10). Top 10 Reasons Alexander the Great Was, Well … Great! Retrieved April 07, 2016, from http://www.livescience.com/11315-top-10-reasons      alexander-great-great.html

Tsouras, P. G. (2004). Alexander: Invincible king of Macedonia (1st ed.). Washington, D.C.: Brassey’s.

Media

Gathered from: Pexels

*All pictures belong to their perspective photographers but have been approved as free/stock pictures available for public use. These pictures can be found in the search bar on Pexels. All credit goes to Pexels and the artist.*

Real Ways to Make Money Without Leaving Home: Passive Income & How to Find it-

Tired of surveys being the only option?

How many articles from the same blog have you clicked on in hopes that they have updated their suggestions, and clever ways to make an income on the side?

A similar question is, how can we bypass looking over hundreds of blogs and having to hand test to see which of them work? How many of you are tired of filling email addresses and the varying information asked for when trying to find a “get rich quick” scheme.

Look no further. Just like you we at My Culture Coffi got tired of the vague and seemingly endless research on money making methods.  So we have complied a list of ten real ways you can make money. Some have been pulled from other ideas surfacing the website, but the difference? Hand tested them for you convince.

An even bigger motivator for this article was also the frustration of not knowing how legible these sites, apps, or methods were. An example would be with box subscriptions, on which there are many articles that suggest the best and free box subscriptions. Detailing what the companies offer, lots of bloggers forget the fraud awaiting readers who are not as trained to see errors post red flag signal. Some sites do not even specify their credit charging and in turn, most of them charge you instantly. Learning from others we took it upon ourselves to give you a list of some safe ways to make money, and some other ways where devotion and creativity are required!

When we contemplate these easy ways to make money, we must take in account pay off for both parties and what each gain. Hard work is the best and most rewarding way to make money, and that can still be achieved at home or on your own time. 

Here are the REAL ways to make a profitable passive income or an income on the side to fiance the lavish part of your life:

Let’s get the surveys out of the way-

Even though we are tired of the whole survey option, there are still some survey sites that it is incredibly easy to make money without having to do too much. Below are a few survey places that offer more then their counterparts:

Opinion Out Post

Inbox Dollar

Make Money App

Your Art is Valuable-

If you could sell your art an make money off it, it’s a win-win, right? Right! There are a few different and creative ways here you can profit from your unique niche, here’s how:

• Foap is a great way to upload your everyday pictures and make some side cash off them. There are contest, giveaways, and special featured images that can increase your popularity among image seekers like Getty Images or even Target. Your art is being sold for public use, but hey, all those food pictures on your phone must be good for something? We have been training for this the entire time we have had smartphones. They use paypal; securing payments and ensuring satisfaction for artist and customer.
• Shopify is just down right a better platform then Etsy and has better chance of success for you profit wise and outsource wise. Not only can you have your own crafting store, where you have custom or prepared templates for your website at easy access, but you have room to grow your store beyond just that! As we go down the list, it will be evident that Shopify is a great platform to stand when starting an business. You get a free trial to start off with when you join, but no big deal, you do not have to commit it to your card or anything. Have fun designing and learning about your website and then come back when you are ready!   *Etsy takes some of your profit in its percent when being factored after purchase*.
• Freelancer App is not an app you make money from coins or watching videos with, rather it is actually an app that helps people find master freelancers like yourself. Anything from art, contracting, dancing, singing, marketing, or poetry could be your next money making scheme, and scheme does not always have to be a bad thing. People pay good money for freelancers who’s passion is whatever they are freelancing. Though it’s not going to make you money within minutes, advertising your services and expanding your talents is a sure fire way to increase revenue in the comfort of your own home. You choose what you do and on your own time.

Website Tester-

Yes, there are programs that need people to test websites. This means recording your experience, thoughts, troubles, and any valuable information you may have to the owner of the website. You perform task and give feedback as you navigate; recording your monitor screen as you give real opinions on its overall functionality.

Of course, there are different qualifications or requirements asked by these website testing sites. Normally you do a demo first shoot and then are either approved or not by the company. This is to ensure quality videos, sound, and commentary.

They are looking for vocal, free thought, and confident speakers who are in a quiet location and are open to giving feedback even if it is hard to find something to critique on. We will provide a couple of our favorite website testing sites but there are a bunch you can work with so you are bring in more money!

Here are the typical requirements you will be facing when becoming a website tester:

• 18 years of age or older
• An updated, reliable computer with internet access that will not fail you
• A computer microphone, good lighting, and sometimes a webcam
• Sample video tests are usually required as mentioned above
• PayPal account for payments
• Consistent, in-depth performance will make you eligible for more tests

UserTesting

UserTest (yes they are different)

Test Birds (this one is specifically for error fixing. e.g., bugs)

Free Space-

If you are fortunate and have something you can rent out or sell, freeing space is a good way to make money fast. Whether you are renting a barn stall out, a room, or even renting out your lawn mower, there are tons of ways to make money from the assets you already own.

• Old video games
• Empty room
• Tutoring
• Shed
• Lawn equipment
• Tools
• Or clean out your attic, you would be surprised what was up there. 

*Of course it would be hard to do this if you had non of the stuff mentioned, but trust me, there is a lot of room for creative thought on what you can sell. Entrepreneurship is taking one item and finding several successful uses for it.* 

Shopify (DS)-

Ever heard about Drop Shipping? Well, we have and we have done it successfully. It is all about which method you choose. Instead of sitting here briefly explaining what drop shipping is, it’s best we leave an entire article for that one. This is a business method, and it is something to be serious about.

Many other successful businesses like,

Fashion Nova

Sand Cloud

Shop Stevie

all use Shopify and drop shipping method and platform. These truly successful business are just proof that anything can be sold. Just know your market. material, and what’s profitable.

Researching your perfect niche is the start, but watching others or getting a mentor is the best way for success. Having a partner or someone who is passionate about it like you will help ideas bounce better! Shopify also allows you to completely create a shop, website, and create inventory without spending a dime upfront. In fact, you don’t ever need inventory doing it through Oberlo which supplies, fulfills, and helps you with every order and all your “inventory”. 

Another article on Drop Shipping would be needed to fully explain how awesome this method is, but even here at My Culture Coffi, it is something you as an individual need to do and can do alone, in your own time, and easily as long as you are prepared to work hard in designing stunning content and marketing appeal.

Bonus Fun-

This app is fun if you have service and a way to get around town. Easy shift is an app that has task for sales and discounts that you record through photos and make money by providing images of where these sales are. The can be at stores, gas stations, or shopping malls. Easy shift is an easy way to make money when you are out with friends or just stopping by the store on your way home. Might as well make anywhere from $3-$10 dollars snapping pictures of detergent sales. Keep in mind, it is important to quickly reserve that location, otherwise you will get there and someone got the reward before you did.

Get out there, get active!

An Inspirational: Misunderstanding the Word Perfect

Being hard on yourself is normal, but it is not natural. Knowing why perfection is overrated could completely alter your life and the way you think about yourself.

Our triumphs and success are measured heavily by the people we interact with. Why is that when others around us are feeling the exact same doubt? Though this is a prevalent thing, triumphs leading to succession are not often achieved without failure, hard work, and imagination. Sometimes under the crippling weight of self-doubt and anxiety, people like myself get caught up in perfection. That is where I have always been wrong.

Perfection is not seen in the natural world, but rather the flaws within nature which make it truly unique. I am talking about the importance of knowing and being able to appreciate the perfection in your own uniqueness. We are not made to be the same, just as every leaf, animal, grain of sand and drop of water is unique. Though we share similarities, the differences are what help to establish our purposes, strengths, and passion. I have struggled with self-doubt, fear, anxiety, and depression. It has caused me to obsess with perfection and being one hundred percent.

Being a hard worker who puts in all their effort is great. Obsessing over perfection however it is also incredibly self-destructive. This is because perfection means that there is always something you could have done better. We are unique in so many ways (e.g., features, appearances, accents, voice, emotions, and mentality). Perfection can be found within many factory objects, but perfection can be found within the unique characteristics found within individuals.

 Firstly,

We are who we are because of the unique decisions we make. Our very thoughts and emotions are different because we see diversely. Our eyes see the uniqueness within each other. Why is it important for us to have flaws? Flaws are what shape us, make us grow, and give us motivation to love the ourselves.

This is because from our hard work to love the person we are becoming, we can also use hard work to fix the obvious bad choices for who we are as a person. Seeing the differences and changes we have made are huge successes, because change is difficult. But because we reward ourselves for our valiant efforts, we remember that we are humans and we make mistakes.

Mistakes are not what makes us, but what help us define who we are. By figuring out what unique traits we have (e.g., the way we perceive objects and relativity) we can be sure that success will follow. Success is not measured by perfection, but the effort that was put in. That is why our uniqueness is extremely important! With these differences our ever-changing world can be caught up to with the many people living in this world. We can fill in the gaps that need a person just like you or me by embellishing the people we are. The fear to fit in deprives us of our actual success because we worry ourselves so much so that we end up freezing when given opportunity. It is not fear that should dictate our success, nor our perfection obsessing minds. For fear to affect us, we must be in self-doubt ourselves.

In conclusion,

It is our ability of diversity that allows the world to grow, flourish, and be a better place as we begin to understand the beauty of perfection within the acceptance of our differences. Through hard work and knowledge our efforts, knowing the beauty in seeing the bigger picture will create real success. I obsess over the smallest thing, and it is usually because it is not perfect. Whether it is because it is not straight or how I perceived it in my head, I try to remember that doing my best is better than constant disappointment over the fact I did not achieve one hundred percent. We should not dehumanize effort, as mistakes are made and all fear does is hold you back from real growth.

Success is within you. Finding it may take time, but the moments you grow from understanding your abilities, strengths, weakness, and traits, fear becomes a feeling you let inspire you.

 

A Calm Remix To Listen To While Reading

 

Issues in Society Through Poetry’s Pages: Interpretation of Two Poems By- Robert Frost & Taylor Mali-

            Throughout history poetry has addressed issues within a society, whether they are about tolerance, like Walt Whitman’s, Leaves of Grass or critiques on the “establishment”, like Sir Walter Raleigh’s, The Lie. In both Taylor Mali’s poem, Like Totally Whatever, You Know? and Robert Frost’s, Mending Wall the poets speak to issues that are pertinent to society. Even though the subject matter and style of the two poems differ, both poems use language and rhythm to highlight their perspectives.

In Like Totally Whatever, You Know? the central issue addressed concerns the lack of authority and conviction that the poet sees in the younger generation. The structure of the poem uses humor and slang to mock the uncertainty and apathy of today’s youth. Mali asks, “Has society become so, like, totally… I mean absolutely… you know? That we’ve just gotten to the point where it’s just like… whatever!” (Mali, p. 412). The poem argues that many people rather do what is cool than formulate an individual opinion. Mali’s claim is that people are apathetic and in turn uncertain; wanting to fit in with what is hip. In the first stanza the question is asked, “… it has somehow become uncool to sound like you know what you’re talking about?” (Mali, p. 412). The first three stanzas continue with every sentence ending as a question, which emphasizes his satirical strategy of showing the absurdity of going through life in such an ambiguous fashion. Finally, Mali turns his satirical questions into challenging declarations he concludes with the plea, “I entreat you, I implore you, I exhort you, I challenge you: To say what you believe in a manner that bespeaks the determination with which you believe it” (Mali, p. 412). This shift in tone becomes a powerful tool as it encourages people to find their voice. No longer is there any question instead Mali declares, “It is not enough these days to simply QUESTION AUTHORITY. You have to speak with it, too!!” (Mali, p. 412). The rhythm of the poem shifting from uncertain questioning to emphatic declarations deftly articulate Mali’s premise that young people need to find their voice. The importance of opinion and authority in both our speech and declarations lie within the simple fact of knowledge, which is power. Authority is an action that defines the strength in which one believes in and that has been something that has driven society from early on. The idea of being uncertain and opinionated shows a lack of knowledge being used because it shows the limitations people put on themselves; never utilizing the strength and determination it takes to speak with conviction. This is just one reason why opinions matter and the importance of certainty in what we believe. In agreement with Taylor Mali, it is also important to appreciate certainty because the audience Mali is addressing often wander through life apathetic to concrete beliefs with an idea that having an opinion is uncool.

            Along with Taylor Mali, Robert Frost addresses an important issue in human relationships and society, trust. Through the poem, Mending Wall, Frost focusses on barriers between people. The subject of trust in his poem concerns two different perspectives between the speaker and his neighbor. Though the speaker sees no need for the wall, the neighbor believes that, “ ‘ Good fences make good neighbors ’ “ (Frost, p. 414). These conflicting perspectives represent the emotional and physical division in the poem between the speaker and his neighbor. Not only does the wall act as a divider of property, but also as a barrier to friendship and communication. Robert Frost addresses the sense of safety people acquire from building these barriers by saying, “He will not go behind his father’s saying, And he likes having thought of it so well… “ ‘ Good fences make good neighbors ’ ” (Frost, p. 414). Not only is the neighbor stubborn in keeping the wall, the speaker also shows his inability to trust by saying, “If I could put a notion in his head, ‘ Why do they make good neighbors? ’ ” (Frost, p. 414). This shows the speakers frustration with the wall while also projecting a negative image of his neighbor. As the speaker constantly addresses the issue as the wall, the neighbor refers to it as the fence showing the difference in perspectives. It is showing that their relationship is not being repaired, rather it is being damaged. Robert Frost intentionally plays on the words wall and fence when he says, “Before I built a wall I’d ask to know what I was walling in or walling out, And to whom I was like to give offence” (Frost, p. 414). “Mending fences” is an expression that means to repair something while a wall acts as a barrier. The speaker changes his attitude and finds offense to the “fence”. The poem ends with no resolve, only the overwhelming feeling of disdain for the wall and now the neighbor. This unresolved issue emphasizes the disrepair of the relationship, concluding with the reality of both emotional and physical barriers. These barriers only result in a lack of trust; thus, leading to no verdict. While progression is positive in some circumstances the speaker could be viewed as wrong, because the speaker is pushing his new ideas as if they are the only right view. The neighbor is content with the idea of a fence. The poem alludes to the difficulty society has with trust and change. Frost’s poem helps show that even though new ways are not always bad a little trust can only be had when emotional and physical barriers are gone. That is what makes a good neighbor, not the wall that divides them.

            Poems often bring up issues that need to be addressed through satire like in Taylor Mali’s poem, or they can present these issues creatively like Robert Frost in Mending Wall. Both Taylor Mali and Robert Frost show similarities in their poems, while also sharing major differences. Mali and Frost both address issues based on value: the value of how we speak and how we trust. They also leave questions at the end of their poems on whether we can properly declare our own opinions or if the wall is obsolete. These similarities show the importance of poetry when addressing issues in culture and society because they leave the audience questioning how in depth the issue goes. They also contrast in their writing style, how they address the issue as a whole, and the topic itself.  Taylor Mali addresses his topic with a mocking satirical tone while Robert Frost uses descriptive and create forms of writing to capture his audience. Mali concludes the issue by challenging the reader to formulate an opinion, whereas Frost leaves the issue unresolved. Lastly, Mali’s writes about a lack of authority and articulation while Robert Frost writes about the issue of trust and barriers. Both poems share common ground but also use different rhetoric styles with differing topics and choice of perspective. Even though Mali and Frost were born in different times and radically different situations, through the use of poetry they were able to articulate their opinions, worries, and transpiring issues.

Have your own interpretation? 

Do you have a favorite?

Taylor Mali: Totally like whatever, you know?

Robert Frost: Mending Wall

 

 

 

Works Cited

Frost, R. (2015). Mending Wall. In N. V. Wood & J. S. Miller (Authors), Perspectives on Argument (8th ed., pp. 413-414). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

Mali, T. (2015). Totally Like Whatever, You know? In N. V. Wood & J. S. Miller (Authors),       Perspectives on Argument (8th ed., p. 412). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.

 

Having a difficult time training your dog? Don’t know what else to do or where to start?

Training your dog can seem hard, or impossible given busy schedules and communication barriers.

I love dogs, and my life just wouldn’t be the same without one. So, why settle with not having a fury friend when there’s a few simple solutions? You may be wondering what these simple solutions are. It’s all about knowing your dog and its breed, rewarding the correct decision, and being consistent! In the aftermath of this speech, you will know how to effectively train your dog while getting the results you want. A disciplined dog is a happier dog, and through reward, patience, consistency, exercise, and knowledge of your dog’s behavior, you will be happier too! By following these few steps, you can be assured that your dog will listen and understand you better.

Firstly,

You will need to gather supplies for training your dog. A major motivator for dogs are treats, because “[o]ne of the reasons treats work so well… is because a dog’s sense of smell is so unbelievable” (Cesar Millan, 2015) said. By “[r]ewarding your dog with food… for good behavior is a fun and effective way to train” (Jessica Rollins, 2016). She also states that, “[f]eeding a variety of treats during training, will help to keep your dog from getting bored…” (Jessica Rollins, 2016). Now that you have your handy-dandy treats, knowing how and when to use them is just as important as having them! This is where patience and consistency come in. By reinforcing a calm behavior, a dog will learn overtime to be obedient and calm when being directed. Cesar Millan said in his article that “[o]nce the dog has the scent, she may jump around at first, and will probably jump on you” (Cesar Millan, 2015). Don’t worry! Redirecting the command and being patient will show the dog how calm behavior is rewarded.  After consistently going over commands (sit, stay, come, lie down) while remaining patient, “[s]he will lower her butt to the floor and wait while looking at you in quiet anticipation” (Cesar Millan, 2015). By rewarding this behavior your dog will understand that your words are not meaningless gibberish, however they will understand that by adhering to your commands they in turn receive a treat (food, love, exercise.)

Secondly,

Exercising is essential to getting your dog’s energy out while spending quality time doing the kind of things your dog enjoys doing. Running is a great way to exercise your dog and yourself! VetStreet said in 2013 that, “[e]xercise isn’t just a nicety, it’s a necessity for maintaining optimal physical and mental well-being” (VetStreet, 2013). Dogs are naturally active, and “[m]any domestic dogs were selectively bred to be even more active…” (VetStreet, 2013). By “[p]reventing them from their genetically programmed activity level can build frustration… hyperactivity, barking, digging… and home destruction” says VetStreet (2013). Another way to exercise your dog is by playing with them! If you don’t feel like running, throwing a ball is always an option. Additionally, obstacle courses are a fantastic way to both exercise and train your furry friend!

Finally,

Knowing your dog and its breed can help you understand its behavior, temperament, and personality! Start by developing a relationship. This can be done through affection, playtime, and talking with your dog! Talk to your dog daily. This will help it to understand how your voice sounds and problem solve when it cannot understand. Figure out your dog’s favorite treats, toys, food, and handling style. Additionally, doing research on your dog’s breed or mixed breed will help you understand its temperament and activities it may enjoy. Some dogs like adventure while others like the comfort of their home and keeping it safe. Take your dog places and introduce it to knew things. Your dog is your friend, and understanding its personality means experiencing things together. Go for walks, hikes, or swimming.

In conclusion,

it is easy to complicate the process of training, but it’s even easier to successfully train when you use reward, patience, consistency, exercise, and knowledge of your dog’s behavior. Not only is it easy to basically be your dog’s best friend, but the most it will cost you is your love and dedication to making a new friend. So, if you plan on adopting your very own fury friend, take my advice: training your dog is easy when you treat your dog like your best friend!

 

 

Works Cited

Millan, C. (2015, December 14). How and when to give healthy dog treats. Retrieved January  22, 2018, from https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/nutrition/how-and-when-to-give-healthy-dog-treats

Rollins, J. (2016, August 06). 4 Kinds of Dog Training Treats – Treat Your Dog Right for Best    Behavior! Retrieved January  22, from http://www.petexpertise.com/best-dog-treats-for-training.html

Your Dog: Why Exercise Is Important. (2913, June 18). Retrieved January  22, from http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/your-dog-why-exercise-is-important