Just in case anypup thought I was gettin' "domesticated" ... that is to say "civilized" ... I mean, like, "obedient" ... just in case you mighta' thought, from seeing one of those other videos, where I was sitting a lot, that my 2lggd mom is wrappin' me 'round her little finger ... well, I hope this video will dispel any such notion. I'm nobody's obedient fool.
We've been working on "sit" with some success, but Bubba's understanding of sit is still purely contextual. In the context of waiting nicely for the door to open before going outside, Bubba figures it does not apply! Emma knows the drill, sits, and waits patiently for the door to open. Indeed, she wonders why I'm taking so long. I wish she would explain it to Bubba. He behaves as though he believes that I am trying to pull one over on him; as though he believes that if he does sit, I will slip through the door and leave him behind. We've been leaving the house this way for over a week, and so far, every departure looks just like this one. I'm certain that any day now, it will "click" ... the light bulb will go on in that big skull.
Kathy, Bubba's 2lggd mom
2 comments:
Hi Cub! Thanks for the shout out! Princess and Tank have been to the Pacific, Isaac has been to the gulf or near by with his former owners, but we've never been to the Atlantic. We'd love to go!
Cub's mom, we think you're severely underestimating Cub's intelligence. He's thinking, "Mama, we're all here to go out that door. if I sit, you'll open the door and I'll just have to get up again. Why don't you just open the door?" Look at his face! If looks could kill he'd have a death grip on that door. He's trying to will it to open. He's aware of you but focused on the outside, not you. As soon as he gets through he looks at you (for the first time) as if to say, "see, I told you. Wasn't that easy? Aren't you coming?"
We know you're trying to establish a ritual so he doesn't kill you on the way out. We have different rituals for different doors so we know the drill. Since he isn't focused on you (although he's aware of you and what you want, he just knows it doesn't make sense) you need to focus on getting him to look at you in a teachable way. He needs to understand that the goal isn't to get out the door, but to establish a ritual. To get his mind in the "we are training now, not traveling" mode, we recommend a treat. Nothing says time to train to a newf better than a treat. Specifically we recommend chicken, little smokies, salmon strips or filet mignon. King crab is nice, too. Alternate so he stays sharp. After a few times with the treats he'll get the ritual and wont need the treats any more. He is a newf after all and he does enjoy pleasing you. You can tell by the way he looks back at you that he loves you.
We love the snow but we love the water, too. We'd love to come play with you, cub!
Hey Newfs of Hazard!!!
I like the way you think ... salmon strips ... filet mignon. Actually, my new 2lggd mom has been playing lots of games that feature food as the prize. All kinds of food: tiny biscuits, pupperonis, honey nut cheerios, freeze dried liver (I love that), pounce kitty treats, popcorn, cinnamon toast crusts, french fries, and yes, even chicken.
This is kinda new to me, but my new packmate Emma says that she's been playing these games since she was less than 8 weeks old. She says that the prize is usally food, but sometimes it's another thing that she really wants, like a toy, or to play with another dog, or to go out the door, haha!
Actually, when we are waiting to go out the door, I want the door to open, more that I want food, so, I have to admit, I am getting domesticated, in spite of myself. She does have me wrapped around her finger (partway). You and I know that it doesn't make sense. But whether it makes sense or not, I am beginning to see that sitting gets me what I want, which is for the door to open.
But it's nice to have this video as a testament to my stubborn side WOL!
King Crab. I don't believe I have ever had that one, and Mom says we don't have it in this big salty pond here. Can you send me some?
Cub
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