"Is the cookie good enough to make it worth getting wet?"
I try to keep things pretty force free at my house and when training. My dogs get a choice and it's a "cue" not a "command". I'm requesting that Zoe join me in the water and it's her choice. She does not have to but if she does come she will get a fabulous treat. As you can tell from the photo she's not really thrilled about the whole water thing yet but in time she will figure it out! Maybe not this year but we will keep trying! Choice is so very important in dog training and even more so if you have a "soft" dog like Zoe. If they feel like they have a choice they are more likely to choose you. (Which she did.)
Happy B&W Sunday everyone!
Happy B&W Sunday everyone!
Choice is the best way. Go Zoe!
ReplyDeleteThe look on Zoe's face is the same one I get when I go into the water. I don't like it much at all but during our last camping trip, I actually went in the water on my own! Ma was very impressed.
ReplyDeleteHappy B&W Sunday
Oz
Hi Y'all!
ReplyDeleteVery expressive Zoe. Your expression says it all! Was the treat really worth it?
Y'all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Good tips and a super cute photo!!
ReplyDeleteI love this philosophy. The research on choices in humans (even if it is a so called forced choice) shows that even small choices result in greater happiness and compliance. It is not a surprise it is the same with our dogs.
ReplyDeleteVery good point! We love to give our dogs choices as well!
ReplyDeleteWoofs & Wags from Bear and Scooter of SheSpeaksBark
Bentley thinks all of the things that I ask him to do are simply suggestions! LOL!
ReplyDeleteCookies are always worth it.
ReplyDeletesumskersandearlskers13.blogspot.com
Nice photo! Don't hold out on her liking the water, I will not get in it for treats at all!
ReplyDeleteForcing is never a good thing!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Hopefully she'll choose more and more to get in the water.
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how many people told me to drop Honey in the water to force her to swim.
Now that she's starting to do it on her own, I'm so glad I was smart enough (unusual for me) to realize they were just a bunch of bullying jerks.
Choice is indeed very important. They do want to please, but some things they don't want to do. Patience.
ReplyDeleteHave a woof woof day you two. My best to your mom. ☺
I like your style. We are trying to do this "choice" philosophy more and more. Not perfect, but trying.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I don't thinks even a cookie would gets me in there!!! BOL!!! Okays, MAYBE a margarita! ☺
ReplyDeleteThat must've been some cookie Zoe! BOL
Kisses,
Ruby ♥
So true! The only thing I view as "non-negotiable" in training is recall. They are always heavily rewarded, and always come! Sometimes they don't feel like doing tricks, but recalls always happen.
ReplyDeleteLove that pic!!! And yea, I think it's great to make it more of a choice for them. I know I am much more willing to do something if it's my own choice rather than being told.
ReplyDeleteღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
It can be hard (and rewarding!) working with soft dogs. Mr. N is also a very soft dog.
ReplyDeleteBorder Collies can be very sensitive too. Lots of patience required! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the look on her face. You can really see the "dogged" reluctance! My dogs don't like water. I thought Boca would, coming from an island, but neither one wanted to get in the kiddie pool I got them last year. They have never been to a lake or river.
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