It started last winter, when I regularly enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream at night. In front of the fire, I’d hunker down with Tom and the pups to relax. Lilly began showing interest in the whipped cream in my cup. So, I gave her some. Now, just like the sound of stainless steel bowls means dinner, Lilly learned that the sound of the spray can meant whipped cream. It’s the accidental dairy version of click/treat.
I know some people smoosh up batches of canned food or other oozy things as training food. They buy those camping condiment holders and just squeeze a little into the dog’s mouth.
I wonder if I could use whipped cream in the same way. Maybe I should find a toy-gun holster at a garage sale and see if the can fits.
I already wear a good-sized bait bag most the time anyway. I’ve decided it resembles those purse-like things guys in kilts wear. I guess a holster for whipped cream wouldn’t be that ridiculous … would it?
I have to admit that it’s kind of funny to me that the can doesn’t freak Lilly out. It makes this incredible noise when it sprays. Honestly, down at her level, with her super-sensitivity to auditory stimuli, it must sound like an F14 flying by.
Then again, she often surprises me. This morning on our walk a road grader came rumbling by, its blade banging along the bumpy dirt road just 20 feet from us, and Lilly simply smiled and held her position at my left side.
If I could bottle that moment of bravery, maybe I could create the antitode to her fears in other situations.
Until then, I’m thinking seriously about trying the whipped cream.
For years now I’ve been using the cheese that comes in a squirt can for when I do toenails or when my dogs have a vet visit. I love it because because you can deliver a steady stream of reinforcement which not only keeps them occupied but also keeps their mouths busy. They love it because it’s cheese–one of their vey favorite things in this world.
Last time I took my PRT to the vet I brought out the squeeze cheese and she was so impressed by how well it worked at keeping him busy and distracted that she told the vet tech to buy some for the clinic.