Maybe...maybe, we don't need to know what respect is, but instead to consider how to hold another being's attention, how to communicate through to understanding and to have a relationship that is based on a two-way, mutual respect, the joy of being together and friendship.
The only real reason we would say we need an animals 'respect' is so we can impart our ideas on them and have them do as we please.
Pat Parelli has a lovely way of saying this better - "Allow your ideas to become their ideas, but make sure you know what their idea is first."
Most animals will follow any animal, or inanimate object that looks like it's going somewhere or has a plan. If there is safety in numbers and movement, moving things will be agreed with more so than static ones.
So if we have a plan and are able to communicate that plan and keep everyone safe in human society, maybe we don't need to use the word respect at all. Just mutual understanding and agreement.....?
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