In our ongoing efforts to resume Lilly’s behavior modification, which got sidetracked by her rattlesnake bite to the face Labor Day weekend (and weeks of prez campaign work), we conned Tom once again into playing the “stranger” in our training scenarios. Sometimes Tom’s creativity and independent spirit overtake our work.
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Our friend Hilary, who was Lilly’s first trainer at the shelter, emailed me a link to these videos from someone she knows through a group of “Truly Dog Friendly” trainers. The 2 videos (about 9 minutes each) show a Boston Terrier named Humbug learning to put his toys away. It begins with a regular game of fetch, then Suezanne M. Law from Sympawtico shapes the behavior into something new. Rather than a clicker and treats, she uses a marker word and the toy, but you get the idea. …
While it’s tempting to dress Lilly up and post photos for Halloween, I won’t put her through the drama. Instead, I’ll share just one interesting experiment I did this weekend with Lilly’s training.
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So, remember our big media debut from early May, where Lilly and I got invited to be interviewed on videotape for a website promoting the benefits of pet ownership? Well … we went to all the trouble, all that worry, all that whatever for nothing. It’s been ages, and our video still isn’t being used on the site. I guess we didn’t make the cut.
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I never really believed those experts who say it takes X amount of time for a new good habit to become routine, but considering my nearly absent momentum since Lilly’s snakebite nearly 2 months ago, I can affirm that taking a break of even a few weeks from a hard task I once took on with determination and discipline bled away my focus.
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I’m sorry to report we had a couple of setbacks this week. Here are the challenges we faced. …
We continue to struggle with our work exposing Lilly to people in a controlled way. Because we live in a somewhat remote area, because it everyone is busy, it’s hard, bordering on impossible to find participants to take part in daily training sessions (even though they only last about 10 minutes). So, I’ve resorted to creating a cast of thousands at home.
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I keep this photo of Ginko from summer 2000 in a frame in my office. I still marvel at how this tiny boy turned into my big handsome dog-man. I guess the size of his feet should have clued us in. …
Since I’ve already written several thousand words today for my “real” work, please enjoy photos instead. Goodness help me, if Tom figures out how to mount this on one of his motorcycles because you KNOW Lilly would want to go for a ride. …
Super stressful week. Not much time to work with Lilly. Still need to find people to do the 13 tasks in the training protocol, BUT, here’s some insight into her experience and reactions to a family gathering last Saturday. …
