Friday, June 7, 2024

Raising Baby 6: Obedience

Self-esteem is what we think of ourselves.

When it’s positive, we have confidence and self-respect. We’re content with ourselves and our abilities, in who we are and our competence.

4. Esteem is the fourth level in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and includes self-worth, accomplishment, and respect.

Maslow classified the need for esteem  into two categories: (1) esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and (2) the desire for reputation or respect from others (e.g, status, prestige).


Esteem presents the typical human desire to be accepted and valued by others. How can “esteem” be important for a dog?



Self-esteem is relatively stable and enduring, though it can fluctuate. Healthy self-esteem makes us resilient and hopeful about life.— Online Dictionary

Before birth, baby knows a warm safe place. Mother’s body provides sustenance for baby automatically as needed. All of a sudden, baby wakes up in another place called home. Baby needs time to adjust to this new strange environment.

People often engage in a profession or hobby to gain recognition. These activities give the person a sense of contribution or value. Low self-esteem or an inferiority complex may result from imbalances during this level in the hierarchy.

Maslow indicated that the need for respect or reputation is most important for children and adolescents. With a new baby in the home, it’s up to parents to satisfy these needs for baby.

Puppies easily feel rejection and disapproval. Not realizing their error, some puppy parents yell “no” often with a stern voice and face at their puppy. It’s important to always provide a happy tone and face as positive reinforcement for everything pup does.  Remember. Puppy wants to please. Do do not discourage him or her with a reaction that feels like scolding.

For example, if pup chews on something of yours, do not scold pup. Show understanding.

Self-esteem affects not only what we think, but also how we feel and behave. Dogs, too. It has significant ramifications on happiness, desire to please others and enjoyment of life.

It affects events in life, including relationships, and how puppy obeys “learned commands.
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