New Rules, New Boundaries
Last Thursday, Doc busted Walter out of puppy boot camp, but not before Doc got a lesson herself. That’s the way it works, the owner has to be trained right along with the puppy or it doesn’t work. So Doc had to learn how to get Walter to heal, and sit by her side when she stops walking. Although Doc put in a good effort, Walter started testing her as soon as the trainer handed her the leash. I had to chuckle to myself, because I did the same thing to Doc when I was in training. It’s only a puppies nature to test the boundaries.. I could tell Walter was hoping that Doc didn’t know the new rules, so he tested her over and over again.
The lesson started with Amy the trainer showing Doc what she was suppose to do while explaining the exercise. “Walk around the training room with Walter in a heal next to you, when you stop, he should sit down right by your side.” Well, it looked good when the trainer did it and Walter followed her direction perfectly. Then it was Doc’s turn. “heal”, she said to Walter and off they went. Then she stopped walking and Walter acted like he didn’t know what to do. He sat down, but far away from Doc and then when she tried to move him over, he rolled on his back exposing his belly with his legs clear up in the air, giving the signal that he wanted a belly rub. “No, the trainer said, he’s really smart and he’s testing you. Reposition him by your side.” Doc followed the order and Walter resisted again, so they practiced over and over. Now this went on for awhile and I could tell Doc was getting exasperated. She’s not use to anyone testing her boundaries, but here was a 4 1/2 month old puppy, obviously taking control. Just so you know, Doc didn’t give up, she got Walter to finally do what he was suppose to a little over half of the time and the trainer gave them homework to do before they meet again this Thursday. “ You need to be able to get Walter to heal and then stop by our side three times in a row before we can go on to the next step.” Amy said to them. So home they went to work on it.
Since Walter has been home they have been diligent about practicing everyday at work and home and they are really starting to look like a Team. It just shows you the importance of enforcing your boundaries in life and sticking to them. As you know, there are people out there that will test you, and try to manipulate you to give in to their demands, even cute little puppies. That’s why it’s important to stand firm. Although Doc was frustrated at first she didn’t give up and now Walter takes her seriously. On Thursday, when they go to their next lesson, here’s hoping things go smoothly. I will keep you posted.