After that behavior trainer guy left you can guess what happened. Yup, I reverted back to my old ways. Nothing changed, right? (Oh, I almost forgot. Happy New Year everyone. I think 2011 is going to be a great year, especially now that I have a forever home. But on with the story.)
Foster Mom: I’d sent Paul Owens a video so he knew Charlie’s behavior was for real, but Charlie had our number. When Paul was here he behaved like the best dog in the whole world, especially when Paul taught him the game he came to love—“find it.”
“Find it” is a really cool game where a person takes a yummy steak or chicken treat and throws bits of it around the room, while calling out “find it’ in a high-pitched child-like voice. This was supposed to entice me to search for the tidbits, and to engage what they termed my “gray matter.” That’s my brain. Now, you can wonder all you want about whether I’m smart or not, but who’s fooling who with “find it?” I caught on to that one incredibly fast.
Foster Mom: He was especially prone to throwing fits whenever we touched him, or another dog touched him, or he accidentally touched himself. The fit would be particularly strong if the touch occurred near his back end, for instance if we were out on a walk and his leash touched his rear. So we did lots of simple exercises, like lightly touching his forehead, then throwing him a treat. Then lightly touching the back of his neck, throw him another treat. Then his mid-back, treat, his tail, treat.
I got lots of treats! Okay, admit it. I’m one smart dog, right? Then why did I still have trouble walking into my crate, and why did I still throw fits all the time?
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Want more to chew on? Click on the Category to the right called Charlie Chat. All my posts are there starting with #1. And they’ll be there forever, just like I hope to be in this new home forever.
And P.S. Don’t tell my female peep, but if you want a secret sneak peek at the end of LBA and the beginning of LAA, check out the Charlie Here box above.
You are one smart dog, Charlie Bear. Outfoxing the trainer!
Julie – yup, I got his number right away. I still have it too! BTW, I’m sad to hear about Cooper going over The Rainbow Bridge. I know you’ll miss him, but he’ll be waiting up there for you and your hubby and son. My condolences,
Love, Charlie Bear
Have a great New Year, Charlie Bear.
Toni, thank you! You have a great year too!
Oh, Charlie Bear, what a little stinker you are! Clever and cute but you’re going to straighten up, I predict–you’re going to want to be the perfect dog for your new people. They love you and you love them. It’s fun to learn your history and to travel with you down your future road.
Thanks, BJ. Great post! luv and hugs, Jean
Dear Jean, thanks for the compliment. I am a stinker but really cute too. I work it. : )
Hugs to you from me and my peep, B.J.