Aggressive Street Dogs: A Surprising Lesson in Influence

Story Learnings

Oct 4

MEET SCAR - Photos and Videos at the bottom

The dogs targeted an oncoming motorcycle that was cruising at a moderate speed. As the pack barked, snarled, and surrounded, the riders had no choice but to stop. We observed this quintet of street dogs acting as a mini-mob as we strolled up the cobblestone street in Panajachel, Guatemala, on a misty morning.

Surprisingly, the dogs launched an attack—not on the motorcycle, but on the men who rode it. Nipping at their pant cuffs and shoes, the dogs seemed to have the upper hand. Even though the humans had speed, weight, and intelligence in their favor, the dogs had two powerful tools—fear and pack organization.

Next, the pack set their sights on a bicyclist, who wisely used his bike as a shield. After observing these two attacks, I identified the alpha dog: a 35-pound mutt with a tan coat and a scar over one eye. I lured him over without direct eye contact by kneeling and making nonthreatening, attention-grabbing sounds. I allowed him to come closer and sniff me out. Once I sensed he was comfortable, I began petting him. This street dog soaked up the touch without inhibition.

From my work with dogs over the years, I knew he was a confident dog thirsting for leadership. So I provided it for him. I petted him firmly, looked him in the eyes, and said, "Let's have some fun, Scar." His new name fit him well, as did my intentions for him.

Scar had been a street veteran for years, and with only about 30 minutes to spend with him, I was determined to offer the leadership for which he longed. At this early hour, motorcycles were few and far between, giving me the perfect window to prepare him. I sat down on the curb and gently stroked his flank, then held him back by the scruff of his neck. I knew this would trigger his opposition reflex: push a dog backward, and they'll push forward; restrain them, and they'll lunge forward with even greater resolve.

I was intentionally winding a biological spring in the dog. Spotting a motorcycle approaching in the distance, I turned to Mitch and Kevin (my travel companions) and said, "Watch this." As the rider drew near, I whispered into Scar's ear, "Go get 'em, boy," and let go of his neck. Like a released arrow, he darted after the bike, and the rest of the pack followed suit. They nipped and lunged at the riders, who sped away to escape the canine onslaught.

I repeated the process several more times, thoroughly relishing each opportunity to call Scar back to me after he deterred each passing motorcyclist. The joy in praising, winding, and launching him off again was palpable. By this point, it was clear—I had earned Scar's trust. He followed me loyally for the rest of the morning and nestled at my feet as we savored a traditional Guatemalan breakfast.

Before you deepen any disappointment with me and my mischievous deed, let me clarify a few points:

These dogs were a local nuisance long before I set foot in this town.
The issue of street dogs is a pervasive problem that goes unaddressed here.
Rest assured that no one was getting hurt; the locals ride past these dogs daily, enduring the inconvenience rather than solving the problem.

All I did was step in as an influencer for this four-legged furball who was practically begging for a life coach.

Given a week, I could've helped Scar break his troublesome habit. But with only a 30-minute walk, I chose to make the most of it. We enjoyed ourselves as we bonded with Scar and the pack, winding them up to do what they were already inclined to do.

LESSER INSTINCTS

The heart of influence lies in the ability to affect or shape the thoughts, behaviors, and decisions of others, either directly or indirectly. And just like I did with Scar, sometimes all it takes is a knowing glance, a firm touch, or a whispered word to steer the course of events. Scar thrived under my influence, a testament to the ripple effects of mischievous intent and action.

Just as I guided Scar towards his lesser instincts, algorithms are designed to guide our thumb scrolling towards ours–sit, consume, and be entertained. These platforms are designed to hold our attention and influence our thinking and behavior. Are they amplifying our positive traits or steering us into a cesspool of negativity, FOMO, or feeling less than others?

How can we counteract the negative influences designed to keep you sitting, consuming, and spiraling into negativity, and instead, choose influences that make you thrive? Start by identifying the digital pitfalls that cause you to mindlessly scroll. Then, set boundaries such as app time limits and specific browsing times. Diversify your digital exposure by seeking positive, inspiring content that serves as your 'knowing glance' towards betterment. Finally, reorient your focus towards offline activities that uplift you, whether physical, intellectual, or relational.

Our roles in life are ever-changing; we influence one moment and are being influenced the very next. My playful interactions with Scar highlighted the ease with which we can lead or be led astray. The dance of giving and receiving influence is a nuanced equilibrium. My morning adventures with Scar were a striking reminder. It's not merely about the influence we exert but also the influences we permit to shape us.

PROVERBS AND INFLUENCE

Proverbs 13:20: "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

Proverbs 12:26: "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray."

Proverbs 29:2: "When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan."

These Proverbs remind us of the power of influence—whether through people or digital means. Navigating today's complex world demands acute awareness of the influences surrounding us. If not, we risk drifting towards our baser inclinations, much like I guided Scar towards his.