One size fits all?
A man held up a container of treats and asked me, “Do dogs like this?” sigh. Well. some dogs do, most dogs do, but the minute I say “yup” he’ll be bringing it back – probably without his receipt, pointing his finger at me, and saying “but SHE promised my dog would like it! And he – didn’t! I want my money back and I’m Never coming back here again!” Males can be so dramatic.
Good thing females are so rational!
So I just shrugged and said, “You know, dogs are like people. Some don’t like things others love – do you know, I’ve heard that there are people who don’t like Chocolate?! Really!” And bless his heart, he laughed, looked around and whispered, ‘but we don’t let them in the store, right?” Not on purpose, I assured him.
One size does not fit all.
That yorkie looks adorable in pink. Us? Not so much, thank you!
I am asked almost daily – mostly many times daily, either “what dog food should I feed?” or “Which is the best dog food?” I sometimes repeat till my brain wants to implode, “We carry several high quality brands. Sometimes it comes down to a personal preference.” Sometimes price point makes a difference. Sometimes there are allergies involved. Sometimes the brand my dogs thrive on, will give your dogs the runs (SORRY!)
Nothing with corn in it for me! Makes me itch and whine!!!
I had a great little class learning ‘lay down on the floor baby dog’ aka DOWN – the other night. With the lure and reward method I teach in class, four of them ‘got’ it within minutes. One played bouncy ball- downsofast then UP And Leap into the Air! One did repeated play bows instead. One looked at us like we were insane. “No.” he explained clearly and firmly. We had to do other methods. While that method worked for Most, it did not work for all.
'Down' is so easy!
'Down' is just not going to happen today.
The methods I use work for most of the dogs most of the time. However. There is always someone they won’t work on. Even if you got a Golden or Lab who are usually very easy to train – I love having a golden or lab in class because they make me look SO good – there is the dog or the method that needs tweaked some.
The only real consistency I see is that they all – every one of them – say it with me now – Need More Exercise.
Just try and wear me out! I double dog dare ya!
But. You knew that, right?