My apologies in advance to those who might think this sacrilege, but my new fav t-shirt says “Praise Dog.” It goes into the pantheon that includes my “Dog is my co-pilot” t-shirt. I think dogs embody the divine, so maybe it’s OK.
So, not only are dogs themselves angels in disguise, but … as you know … we’re BIG, BIG, BIG fans of positive reinforcement dog training.
Proud, am I, to wear such a message about PRAISING dogs as a reward for being such amazing creatures who put up with so much in our lives.
I REALLY wanted to post a picture of Lilly doing a play bow to match the t-shirt, but I’ve NEVER figured out a way to put that behavior on cue. We just don’t connect when it comes to elbow action … even with the clicker.
So, this photos will have to do.
The t-shirt comes as a surprise gift from Tom. I’d sent him a link, saying I wanted to add it to my wish list. I meant for the next gift-giving opportunity, but he got it right away as perk.
The Praise Dog t-shirt comes from Grisha Stewart at Ahimsa Dog Training in Seattle. You might know her as @doggiezen on Twitter or as the creator / author / international dog training sensation for BAT (behavior adjustment training, which uses functional rewards to help fearful / reactive dogs learn better skills).
I’ve not yet read the BAT book, but I’m confident it is awesome.
Cute t-shrit, Rox! I love how you’ve got Tom “trained.” 🙂 Any word on who won your t-shirt concept contest?
Thanks. Yes … I guess he got the hint. ;o)
Oh, and we announced the t-shirt slogan / image contest on Facebook. Tom picked Leland’s Uncle Sam idea.
So cute 🙂 I taught Cali to do it on cue by saying “down dog” every time she did it – she’s pretty good at it now!
p.s. . ..that’s a yoga term . . . she was naturally doing it, so I just gave it a command!!
That is a fantastic shirt!
How funny, I clicked to go follow her on Twitter, and it turns out I was already!
I’m trying to think of how I taught Elka “bow” (I know you weren’t asking for advice, but sometimes I go ‘wait, why does she know that on cue?’). I think I captured it, because part of her “I have to go out” routine, when she works up to saying “out”, is stretching in a bow like that.
Love the shirt! 🙂