Well, we hit a little snag in our touch training this week. I don't like it. I'm a little nervous touching with my nose since I'm bringing my mouth close to something I can't bite. But I'm very happy to touch with my paw.
My mom says that training is about being flexible to the way each individual dog learns best. She also says that a part of her development as a trainer -- and a person -- is learning to accept me for who I am and accept my limitations. I'm very grateful to her for this. We are best friends, and sometimes friendship means embracing imperfections.
Thus, my mom has changed her training around. She said if nose touch is too scary with her, it will be to scary to transfer to the person she wants me to like. So she is letting me touch with my foot. That is my instinct and I like it. Every time my mom says touch and puts out her flat hand, I now touch her with my foot. I'm so good at it that I don't even get a treat every time anymore. (This is a bad tactic, fellow dogs. Stay bad at things so you get more treats!)
Remember, everyone, sometimes dog training involves flexibility -- and accepting your friend for who is, not who you hoped he would be. Have fun training!
Love, Muggsy
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Dear Cousin Muggsy,
ReplyDeleteMy mom doesn't like it when I touch her with my foot but I only do it when she is busy and not paying attention to me. Hmmm...people are sure funny. We are doing pretty well with the nose touching thing though because I will put my nose on anyone. For some reason that scares some people. Like I said, people are funny.
Love, Brinks
Trick your mom into teaching you a touch command. Now that my mom has taught it to me, I use it when she's eating and when I want attention, and she doesn't want to discourage me, so I usually get rewarded. I hope this helps in your training of Grandma. Love, Muggsy
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