Winston, my 8-year-old corgi, is an energetic loaf-shaped package of sunshine. He's the life of the party and the possessor of a bright, photogenic smile that instantly draws you in.

He also has a bit - okay a LOT - of a Napoleon complex (which I suspect is because he's a spoiled, pampered mama's boy but don't tell my wife I told you this). Barks too loud at the most inappropriate times, as if the world is on his clock. Selective in who he chooses to grace his presence with, either rubbing his love all over you, leaving a trail of fur behind, or avoiding you as if you were the carrier of an infectious disease.

You'd be surprised to hear he used to be the biggest wuss on the planet.

Case in point, I remember the first time we went to a dog park. I picked up on his anxious body language, but thought it would disappear once he was through the gate.

There was a Labrador-sized dog eager to greet him. No reason for alarm though, despite his largeness he gave off only friendly vibes. But as soon as Winston entered the park, he darted away like a mouse fleeing a cat. Problem is, the friendly giant interpreted this as a game of tag and gave chase.

Somehow, Winston ended up getting pinned down. There was no malice behind his pursuer's intention, I think this was done out of panic more than anything. Once Winston was on the ground, he screamed as if his light were about to be eternally extinguished. The other fella remained in position over him, frozen in place with an expression on his mug that said, "what the hell's the matter with this guy?"

Enter random Indian guy to the apparent rescue. His mannerisms and way of talking were eerily similar to Aziz Ansari ... a bit too similar. You couldn't help think he was emulating the famous actor/comedian on purpose or if he watched one too many episodes of Parks and Recreation.

Anyways.

He swooped in and domed himself over Winston, forming a protective shell in an overdramatic fashion that kept the other dogs at bay while eliciting laughter from everyone watching.

Meanwhile, I dreaded what I was about to do next (it was going to get awkward).

I limped in as gingerly as possible, plucking Winston away. Now everyone seemed to think, "what the hell's the matter with this guy?"

Welcome to a commandment of Dog Training 101:

Though shalt giveth attention only to behavior thou liketh.

It also works in reverse, not paying attention to any behavior you don't want reinforced.

I can't help but observe close parallels in piano teaching, a near identical decision being to determine how much to let the student struggle while you fight against emotions tempting you to impulsively jump in as soon as possible.

So though Ansari Replica's intentions were good, he was making Winston more fearful. While I looked like I was throwing him to the wolves, I was actually doing what was best for him.

I later took him to a smaller dog park, which did nothing to lesson his fear. But I stuck to principles, ignoring him while his face screamed WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHY AREN'T YOU SAVING ME? ARE YOU ENTERTAINED BY THIS?

It took a few days but lo and behold, he finally darted around the dog park. At this point I exploded with praise, knowing it was the perfect moment to capitalize on his success. And the rest is history.

Remember, you get what you pay attention to in life.

Cheers.