I have been giving Charlie choices throughout his day. First thing out the door he gets to choose which way he wants to go on our walks. Somehow we have learned, "left, straight, or right" and he will pick which way he’d like to go at different crossroads. We have a lot of alleys around our little town and he usually varies the walk each day. However, after reading your post I may be giving Charlie too much agency so I’ll look at ways to adjust that, possibly making it more a give and take relationship? He does consistently surprise me with how intelligent and intuitive he is. He can select which bowl he would like his meals in, if he would like warm water on his food or if he’d prefer it dry. I’ve noticed a change in his behavior since we have been doing this. He is more invested in life, our relationship has become closer, and I get the feeling he feels he is being listened to and he gets to make choices throughout our days. I appreciate your articles, John. They always provide guidance and clear cut ways of how to get from A to Z and I need that. Thank you!
I've started to let Sutter choose which direction she wants to walk. She now looks in the direction she wants to go before I ask her. I make her heel&sit at street corners, which she hates, that said it keeps her attention on me and what I'm doing. She "acts out," shakes her and sidles up to heel instead of executing the command. Passive-aggressive little mutt!
Oh my goodness, James! You are getting cuter everyday 🤩
Thanks Susanne! 🐾
I have been giving Charlie choices throughout his day. First thing out the door he gets to choose which way he wants to go on our walks. Somehow we have learned, "left, straight, or right" and he will pick which way he’d like to go at different crossroads. We have a lot of alleys around our little town and he usually varies the walk each day. However, after reading your post I may be giving Charlie too much agency so I’ll look at ways to adjust that, possibly making it more a give and take relationship? He does consistently surprise me with how intelligent and intuitive he is. He can select which bowl he would like his meals in, if he would like warm water on his food or if he’d prefer it dry. I’ve noticed a change in his behavior since we have been doing this. He is more invested in life, our relationship has become closer, and I get the feeling he feels he is being listened to and he gets to make choices throughout our days. I appreciate your articles, John. They always provide guidance and clear cut ways of how to get from A to Z and I need that. Thank you!
I've started to let Sutter choose which direction she wants to walk. She now looks in the direction she wants to go before I ask her. I make her heel&sit at street corners, which she hates, that said it keeps her attention on me and what I'm doing. She "acts out," shakes her and sidles up to heel instead of executing the command. Passive-aggressive little mutt!