What did you just say?

Today is my first ever blog. What what the driving force behind it? My two year old (human) son. As we played in the front yard our loved family dog, Bali, began walking slowly and then blocking us, so I politely asked her to, "Back!". A command that Bali knows to move out of the way. What I heard next was a tiny little voice that said, "Back!" What did you just say I asked my son? He repeats, "back" now wondering why I am so amazed. I smiled to myself thinking that this is one of many important reasons why I train dogs and educate families in the manner I do. With compassion. For my son to repeat an action and words like Momma did still kept him in the "safe zone" when it comes to Bali remaining happy around him. Happy dogs equals safe kids. Flashes come into my head of how this real life scenario could have all played out if I relied on intimidation, verbal abuse, or leash correction while our dog wore a choke or pinch collar. This was a very proud Momma moment. My son is safe and happy and so is our dog. Momma is happily wagging here.