When do you stop training your dog?
Answer: Never.
When is a good time to train your dog?
Answer: All the time.
Ok, so yes, we have designated times when we work on skills however working on manners and good behaviour is an ongoing goal in our house. Life is your classroom – no need to pay a fee!
Today I had a crap-ton of errands to do and I decided to bring Shazam & Tony along. They each came separately and yes, it did make my errands a little longer but it was also fun to have a sidekick.
I get asked how you get a dog to be non-reactive to dogs and people and the answer is, make it boring and normal… and make sure you’re always the most exciting thing in the room. So practicing “work” in different environments where engaging with others is not on the agenda for starters.
Today Shazam came to my iPad repair appointment, the cellphone store, shopping at Canadian Tire and then a farm visit at the end of the day. His “work” was to be a quiet presence and not the center of attention. Of course he got rewarded with words, pets and occasional cookies. While at the first appointment he laid down to rest without cues so I turned it into an impromptu “go to your bed” game without the bed. This is a “lay down” game at home where a quiet, relaxed down and stay are rewarded with tossed cookie bits.
He also rode shotgun in the truck because I realized it was a skill we hadn’t practiced. Riding shotgun is a skill? Yup! And it was one I realized I forgot in training Peter. In his new life riding shotgun in the farm truck and the side-by-side quad are part of everyday life. This is pretty unnerving for a dog who’s largely traveled in the safety of a crate. So we started in Peter’s last few days and his new partner Jeremy is working on getting him more comfortable every day. At first Shazam was a little unsure but then he realized that checking out the cars out the window was a novelty he could get along with. I still prefer my dogs travel in crates for safety however you never know when you need to do an emergency transport and a crate is not in the mix. It’s worth practicing to ease the stress of the moment.
This was also the first time Shazam walked in the store NEXT to the rolling shopping cart (feature photo) instead of being inside it. He was a little apprehensive at first but got over himself and was fine with the task.
Whether a dog’s life is to be a working farm dog like Peter or a companion, you must realize there’s a lot of sitting around and waiting for the next thing to happen. There’s a gift in having a dog who is just happy to be with you and sit on your foot til you’re ready for “the next thing to do”. It helps them realize that they do not need to be the center of attention. They can engage in their environments through observations.
It is work to be quiet on the end of my leash or to be quietly tied to the fence waiting for the next command to move livestock. Work requires training. Work deserves reward… and so the all-time favorite Puller rings came out today! It was an exciting end to a busy day of hanging out with my buddy Shazam!
See Part 2 below:
