This week one of our dog training students said just about the worst thing ever about her dog. It happened when somebody brought a mini see-saw to training to loan it to a classmate.
All the dogs were checking it out and trying it. And one woman, who really should have known better, said “My dog won’t.”
Amazing turn around
She should have known better than to say, “My dog won’t.” When we first met “Marni” and her dog “Zoey,” in our beginner obedience class, Zoey was a frightened, loud people-shy, basket case of a dog. Through training games and positive reinforcement, that changed.
Zoey is now in the competition Rally class, social with every person she meets and fine sharing space with other dogs. She’s still loud, but now it’s not “Get away from me!” Now she barks because she’s impatient for her “turn” in class and loves doing all the stuff with her mom.
Never “can’t” or “won’t”
As we recall, Marni was skeptical at first. She thought Zoey was destined for a sheltered life, never going anywhere or doing anything because of her fear aggression.
Zoey is living proof that the past doesn’t have to define the future. Despite her doubts, Marni embraced the methods and training games. And saw her little dog blossom into a confident, capable companion who enjoys learning new things and showing them off. And we’ve seen other dogs blossom as well.
If you say your dog “can’t” or “won’t” it’s guaranteed not to happen. If you don’t believe they can, they never will.
Manifesting destiny
We called Marni on her “won’t” right on the spot. Was Zoey wary of the little see-saw? Yes. Did we pull her over to it and make her get on it? No, of course not.
What we did was have Marni bring Zoey only as close as Zoey was comfortable. Gave her treats and told her she was a good, brave girl. We moved it up and down, letting her see the motion and hear the sounds.
Zoey decided it wasn’t so scary. She saw some of her classmates go back and forth on it, walking confidently even when it banged against the floor.
She got more comfortable and was willing to get closer.
By the end of class, she was next to the see-saw, even taking treats off its deck.
Add a word
Was Zoey bopping back and forth on the see-saw? No. But next time she sees it she might. And Marni, a primary school teacher, remembered that we can’t limit others with “can’t” or “won’t.” Unless you add “today.”
Maybe Zoey can’t today. Maybe there’s something your dog can’t today. But there’s no telling what they’ll be capable of tomorrow. Give them the opportunity and maybe they can and will.
