We went to Toby’s first training session today. The good news is he’s got the best chance to win most improved pupil at the end of his six weeks of training.
At first there were two loud barkers and I thought we’d be a lock for star pupil since Toby hardly ever barks. The trainer sent the barkers out of the room to chill. We smirked.
Minutes later they returned and settled down, even stretching out on the floor paying attention.
Meanwhile, Toby was Mr. Squirmy. He pulled, he whined, he jumped, but mostly he fidgeted.
The worst moment came when the trainer told us we were going to have to “man up” or else Toby would rule over us and be a nightmare. She said he had gotten more out of control since she met him a month ago.
We came home exhausted with our tail tucked between our legs.
But we are determined to do better.
We learned to make him work for everything, reward good behavior, redirect from bad behavior.
So, we put his dinner in an empty cereal box, taped it up, and cut three small holes in it.
We both found it perversely satisfying to watch him struggle to get to his food.
He was eventually successful and we were all satisfied. The point was to give him a mental challenge and for him to have an outlet for his destructive energy.
Our reward.
We are all three sitting on the sofa and no one is bothering anyone else.
Today’s bike route to Stevenson Creek.
John got his bike fixed, so we went for a celebratory ride.
Miles walked: 5.5
Miles biked: 11.01
What a day! How many sessions a week? Was the bike repair related to the battery?
ReplyDeleteOne session per week. The other days are for us to practice. We did well today. He had to work for everything. He’s exhausted. We’re exhausted.
ReplyDeleteYes, battery switch is repaired.
I had a few Toby’s in my art class last week.
ReplyDelete