Peter tried to entice him to cooperate with high-end treats, but Boyd flatly refused to go anywhere with him except to the car. He just wanted to go home.
see I think that is interesting: he might have gotten something out of that by using the desire to leave as a reward.. look at the car! Look back at me… run to the car
There has to be a good balance that allows dogs to fulfil their needs but does not require humans to tolerate bleeding scratches and ripped clothes routinely.
I agree that good management is a great tool to prevent unwanted behaviors in the beginning of the learning process. Yes, clearly for Spike and Pearl someone entering the house was way too exciting. But what most people consider training is just management and does not allow the dogs to adjust their behavior towards a highly reinforced alternative that is still fun for them but leaves human skin and decent attire intact.
In the story: taking Spike to class “ failed” because Spike never learned to focus in the first place. Nobody can learn when they are distracted, nervous and confused.
One of the most important things I learned over the years is that taking 2 or 3 steps back to think about: can the dog even pay attention when I say their name? Can I start teaching them one small movement to establish a reinforcement/reward system they want to play because they realize it works, is consistent and it pays off. Is there a way I can arrange the environment in such a way that makes it a lot easier for them to understand what we want to communicate?
Can I provide them with enrichment that allows them to shred to their hearts content? ( referring to the ripping that Spike seems to have enjoyed as an example)
All of these factors can make “ training” so much more fun and interesting.
Teaching a dog to sit with a cookie does not teach a dog how to behave in general.
Most people still think of training as a management and the control of unwanted behaviors.
Kathy Sdao says: Think of organic gardening. Do not kill the weeds but encourage the grass to grow instead.
I loved that last line! So funny. In your next episode, tell your readers your REAL friends always loved Spike and Pearl, and never thought they were naughty. Just dogs being dogs. After what hey lived thru,, that’s what dogs do. Shame on us, not them. We should just give them the same lattitude as our kids, who, after all, are much more misbehaved and we love them unconditionally.
Peter tried to entice him to cooperate with high-end treats, but Boyd flatly refused to go anywhere with him except to the car. He just wanted to go home.
see I think that is interesting: he might have gotten something out of that by using the desire to leave as a reward.. look at the car! Look back at me… run to the car
not exactly in the class program though 🤪
There has to be a good balance that allows dogs to fulfil their needs but does not require humans to tolerate bleeding scratches and ripped clothes routinely.
I agree that good management is a great tool to prevent unwanted behaviors in the beginning of the learning process. Yes, clearly for Spike and Pearl someone entering the house was way too exciting. But what most people consider training is just management and does not allow the dogs to adjust their behavior towards a highly reinforced alternative that is still fun for them but leaves human skin and decent attire intact.
In the story: taking Spike to class “ failed” because Spike never learned to focus in the first place. Nobody can learn when they are distracted, nervous and confused.
One of the most important things I learned over the years is that taking 2 or 3 steps back to think about: can the dog even pay attention when I say their name? Can I start teaching them one small movement to establish a reinforcement/reward system they want to play because they realize it works, is consistent and it pays off. Is there a way I can arrange the environment in such a way that makes it a lot easier for them to understand what we want to communicate?
Can I provide them with enrichment that allows them to shred to their hearts content? ( referring to the ripping that Spike seems to have enjoyed as an example)
All of these factors can make “ training” so much more fun and interesting.
Teaching a dog to sit with a cookie does not teach a dog how to behave in general.
Most people still think of training as a management and the control of unwanted behaviors.
Kathy Sdao says: Think of organic gardening. Do not kill the weeds but encourage the grass to grow instead.
Thank you for your insights Elisabeth. As always....
I loved that last line! So funny. In your next episode, tell your readers your REAL friends always loved Spike and Pearl, and never thought they were naughty. Just dogs being dogs. After what hey lived thru,, that’s what dogs do. Shame on us, not them. We should just give them the same lattitude as our kids, who, after all, are much more misbehaved and we love them unconditionally.
I love this story.
Loving the reads, Bets!! xoxo