Even Toothless Dogs Bite - Grasshopper

Biting is something that we’re capable of doing, but when it’s a lifestyle, it will come bite you in the ass.

While walking my son’s dog, a very playful Lab, we ran into a normally docile dog that had gotten loose. His teeth were gnashing and he was charging. Luckily, I was able to get between them and prevent physical damage.

 

There’s not always going to be someone who’s a go-between when we’re on a biting mission. We’re going to hurt someone, albeit it psychologically, but cause hurt nonetheless.

 

You’ve heard of “biting sarcasm.” “Sarcasm” comes from the Greek language. It means, “to tear the flesh.” I grew up with Sarcasm. I believe it’s mainly a big city phenomenon that acts as a protection mechanism in tightly packed environments. It’s preemptively used as a warning that if you come after me, you will receive more of this.

 

Sarcasm gets old rather quickly. If it’s a staple in your diet, you’ll not only get perceived threatening people to avoid you, but just about all others will as well.

 

Can you teach an old dog new tricks? I believe you can when you can demonstrate to them that what they’re doing isn’t working. Avoid the labeling and name-calling like “You’re so insensitive” or “Why do you have to be so mean?” Just present the cause and effect to them like, “Did you ever notice when you do this (X), you get this (Y)? Request they focus on their actions and their history of predictable results, not their justifications. Perhaps it’s your own use of biting remarks that needs your attention.

 

If this is something you do that you think is harmless, it’s time to wake up the sleeping dog and stop lying to yourself. To stop biting, you need to do less barking.

 

All the best,

John