Mom was tough today!

Oh brother was class a bit "ruff" today - no pun intended folks, sorry... Anyway, it was week four of my Manner's Class which means my mom the dog trainer finally talks about "punishment"! I know! It's scary... not because mom would do anything to hurt me, or any dog for that matter, but being "timed out!" is really stinky! and not in a good way...

As you all know, mom is all about "positive reinforcement" - but she's also about using gentle, humane, non-force techniques to teach us dogs (humans too...), she learns the same way! For the first month mom wants everyone to focus in on the behaviors they want us dogs to do...not what they don't want. Then, she brings in the icky stuff - reward removal! That's where all the nasty punishment comes in... 

Not getting to say "hi", not getting to walk forward, not getting to "hang out", not getting the treat... She says they use this type of "punishment" in sports - hockey players get sent to the penalty box, or basketball players have to sit on the bench, baseball players get thrown out of the game etc... it's all about not getting to play along...and it works! 

Last week I was "speaking up" in class a bit too much so dad took me out of the room - this week, not so much - I learned my lesson! Dad kept rewarding me for being quiet - I did slip up once and mom caught me - can't get anything past her...most of the time anyway ;-) 

So mom has given us choices - if I "do this" I get something I want,  if I "do that" I don't get what I want... hmm, I know what the better choice is, thanks for teaching me mom (and dad)... 

I wonder if mom was every "timed out"? Hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder... 

Dad CAN multi-task!

I've been having so much fun with dad - we've been practicing all the new skills we've learned in moms rockin' Canine Good Manners classes at her Inquisitive Canine studio...the best thing is that dad has learned he can take "our show on the road". Now we practice wherever we go, not just in class - I guess that's one of moms goals for her students - to take it out of the class into the "real world". 

So today dad took me to one of our usual spots - the field where I romp, sniff, and play...this time, dad decided to "multi-task" and get in some training - along with the fun time. Mom calls this "obedience breaks" - she also says it's the perfect place to practice things like coming when my name is called, or leaving things alone when asked...you know, like yummy food I might find on the ground (I love that you humans are such litterbugs!) For safety, dad kept me on leash during our exercises...I was dragging it along with me - but in case I decided something out in the field was more interesting, and I didn't feel like paying attention, then he had a "safety line". Fortunately, dad knows how to keep me motivated so I was playing the game the entire time... 

Check out the picture he took of me working hard - running towards him when he called me...mom will be SO proud! Of both of us! I wonder if I called their name they'd come running to me...hmm, something for this inquisitive canine to ponder...