Occasion Setters and the 9 Sticks
Posted on January 11, 2011
Normally I stay away from messages of this sort but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, so here goes.
Known by different names, occasion setters are easily recognizable. Pick up a leash and our dogs get excited because the occasion is a walk. Pick up the car keys and the dog gets excited because the occasion is the ride. There are so many things that trigger our dogs’ anticipatory response. In everyday life, the most common example is the rustle of the treat bag. And as trainers, we use these occasion setters to turn attention switches on and off. When I pick up my treat bag, my guys perk up. “All done” and putting the bag away signals the training session and/or play time is over and my guys chill.
We humans have our own triggers. A smell becomes associated with a pleasant experience like chocolate or garlic or homemade bread. Or a car passing by triggers an emotional response associated with past joys. For me it’s a 1968 GTO.
Most of this has to do with a pleasure-sensing chemical called Dopamine that conditions the brain to want that experience again. It’s the same reason that dogs trained with a combination of high-valued food rewards and play become so much more willing to respond…and respond quickly with eager anticipation…vs. those dogs trained mechanically. And often the treats aren’t necessary as some dogs would rather chase balls or frisbees, pull sleds, jump in the water or play tug than eat a piece of chicken.
So what occasion triggered this blog?
I woke up this morning and saw the date. It is January 11, 2011. And on two occasions today, digital clocks will post times of 11:11. That means for the only time in our lifetimes, heck, in history!, the day will be represented as 111111111. “Nine sticks,” as my dear friend Jane calls them.
These numeral ones have always triggered a fond memory for me as they are associated with great times spent with Jane because she said it reminded her of “one-ness.” That was 40 years ago and I still like that metaphor. So over the years, whenever I saw a clock with those “sticks,” I’d smile and mentally send Jane a warm hello.
So, when the clock strikes 11:11 tonight, in honor of this special occasion and friendships everywhere …especially with our best friends… I’ll be sending y’all a smile. Peace.
Apollo Won
Posted on January 1, 2011
Like all professional dog trainers, I always get a detailed history of any dog I’m going to see before I show up at the client’s home. This includes a number of questions that pertain to safety, including “Has your dog ever bitten anyone?”, “Has your dog ever drawn blood?”, “What do you think will happen when I show up?” and so on. This last question helps people crystallize what I’ve been asking regarding their dog’s likely behavior just in case they weren’t paying attention.
I had a client who assured me during our phone conversation that his dog’s only problems had to do with issues of jumping, barking and “he doesn’t listen.” When I arrived at the client’s house for the training session, I was greeted at the sliding glass door by a 140 pound German Shepherd named Apollo who proceeded to bark, growl, jump and claw in his efforts to “say hello.” He wanted no part of any stranger on his property. Then the client, who seemingly forgot to mention it during our phone conversation, says, “careful, he might bite.”
To make a long story short, this 1 ½ year old dog lived outside 24 hours a day. The only time the dog had any interaction with any of the family members was when the client came outside to tell him to “shut up.”
Apollo was actually a very nice dog but being left alone without guidance, companionship and affection, it was easy to see why he was behaving the way he was. Basically he had fear issues, especially to unexpected motion and sounds, which was easily understandable due to his situation. His behavior was a direct result of client insensitivity and ignorance insofar as human-dog behavior and communication were concerned.
I demonstrated how easy it was to get Apollo to relax and be calm, to sit instead of jump and to lie down instead of bark. He really was a great dog! He just needed some one-on-one attention and direction. When it came time for the client to repeat what I just demonstrated, he said “I’m not interested in all of this positive stuff. It looks like too much work and Apollo will never be allowed in the house anyway.” I asked him why not? He said, “I don’t want dog hair in my house.” Then he said, “I think I’m going to give him back to the breeder.” I said I might know someone who would adopt him, and fortunately, that’s exactly what happened. For 10 years now he’s been living with a loving family, sleeping in their bedroom, playing with his favorite toys and only barks with excitement when they come home.
Sometimes giving a dog away is the nicest thing that can happen to a dog.
Happy New Year Apollo!
