January 22, 2024
It was just over a year ago that we took Zena to a local dog trainer. This was an extended six week session to provide the basics and begin to work through more advanced activities like walking on a leash. This January we decided to take Loki for his own series of training sessions with the same trainer. We decided to forgo the extended series as I had learned the basic commands for Zena and Loki had learned them as well. What Loki (read “I”) needed was advice on jumping and leash work. When Zena was training, we had dubbed the trainer the “treat man” because she got copious amounts of treats as rewards for doing what she is supposed to do. Loki is food motivated as Zena is and I am sure the treat man will not disappoint our little man.
Loki spent most of the first session getting adjusted to the surroundings and the new person vying for his attention. The treat man had sold his house and construction was not completed on his new one, so we met at his office in a nearby town. I do not know if it was the small area or the smells, but Loki was reluctant to enter the office. I finally got him to go through the door and we sat down across the room from the trainer. Loki was still unsure and sat on my foot crushed against my leg. The treat man was standing and coaxing Loki with the small treats, but Loki would have none of it. The man finally sat down (less intimidating) and tossed the treat in the middle of the room. He finally got Loki to come away and get the treat, but he would rush back to sit on my foot. It probably took half an hour of coaxing and cajoling before Loki was comfortable enough to begin working on his commands. This time was not lost. As Loki was becoming comfortable the trainer was going over my responses and what I should do regarding jumping and curtailing the excitement our 75 pound (34 kg) puppy displays when we first come home. Loki was still wary of the treat man by the end of the hour, but the lure of food and his eagerness to please won out.
The second session with the treat man went much better. Loki went right through the door and was expecting to receive the treats that were going to be showered on him. Over the week we had worked on my going down to Loki’s level when I arrive home and ignoring him if he tries to jump. My niece even dropped by, so we were able to work on proper behavior with guests. Loki was doing well, and the trainer decided to take us outside to work on leash behavior. Here again, the leash problem is caused by excitement and lunging to reach the best smells faster. All was going well until a man drove into the parking lot to see the lawyer located in another office. The lawyer was closed but we were in the parking lot, so we became the focus of his attention. The treat man listened patiently as the man describe his dismay over getting a notice from the post office requesting him to pick up a package that would be available on Monday. As the man became comfortable with talking to us, he began to explain his problem and why he was seeing the lawyer for his son. The trainer listened politely and finally said he needed to go as he was working with Loki. By that time Loki was more interested in the parking lot smells than the treats that had initially kept his interest.
THOUGHTS: As the treat man worked with Loki, he commented on how smart Golden Retriever’s are and how willing they are to perform tasks. Loki was uncomfortable when we first arrived as this was a strange place with new expectations. Now that Loki has grown accustomed to the trainer, he is willing to perform. The man who met us in the parking lot was in a new place and finding it filled with new expectations. He haltingly approached until he found we were willing to listen. Finding someone to listen to him, he gladly began to share. When Melissa and I were in Europe we had a similar problem. Luckily, we were able to find someone willing to listen and try to help. Strive to be the helper when others are uncertain. Act for all. Change is coming and it starts with you.
A travelers odyssey 