End of our walk, back in the car and onto some proof training.
I just finished looking up a word that I feel comfortable using in lieu of “enforce.” Why? Because we are just back from our walk; actually my first walk in a while. Since this severe heat we’ve been having and my bum knee my husband has been running Elsa and Riggs early in the morning. Their Dad could not take them out this morning so I decided for a short sniff walk for the 3 of us. I put my brace on, gave the pooches a little talk about tripping me and being extra good and we were off.
I have a ritual surrounding getting out of the car that is cast in stone with the our dogs. They must sit and be released before getting out of the car. It is the law and this rule must be followed. Things have changed a bit with Elsa since her stroke because we lift her out of the car. She goes first always, then Riggs.
I talk about enforcing behaviors a lot; but, I realized today that I do not like the term “enforce,” I think that it gives people the wrong idea of what I mean.
So here is the example for the day:
We got to the park, I lifted the back hatch and let Elsa out of the car first as usual. But, just as I did that a leaf blowing gardener made his way past the car and I said something to Elsa. Riggs had been sitting patiently waiting as he always is; but jumped out of the car before being released. He got out like I had released him and I was shocked, this was a first; so without a lapse in time I hoisted him very quickly back into the car. This is essential if you want a solid behavior and jumping out of the car before being released could possibly be extremely dangerous.
It is imperative to adhere to certain behaviors for everyone’s safety and this is one that is a must (because I said so). This morning could have lead to my leniency, but then I would have opened a loop hole. My knee is sore and I’m wearing a brace, I could have let it slide, but then what? I knew that there were extenuating circumstances this morning; a misunderstanding so to speak. But the fact was that Riggs had not heard a clear “okay” from me. “Okay” tells him that I am prepared and ready for him to get out of the car; and he did not hear the “okay” from me. He assumed he did, so he needs without a shadow of a doubt proof training.
He has had quite a bit of proof training already but it has been a while. Perhaps he knew that I am incapacitated somewhat? Whatever the reason we will fine tune his training, give him a refresher so that there is no doubt. This is done by throwing other words at him and making sure that he knows the only one that lets him get out is “okay.” My adherence to the rules was the right thing to do and as he sat and pondered how and why he was back in the car, he knew. I told him he was a very good boy when he sat, and we had a little chat. There is no anger involved with enforcing or adhering to rules. Although I think that the term “enforce” implies that to many.
I backed up, prepared for his dismount and said clearly “okay.” He hesitated and I had to tell him again; a consequence of what had just unfolded. I would much rather that my dogs hesitate than anticipate for safety reasons.
Questions?