Day 290

3/2/23

Gus had an amazing class tonight! He did everything I asked of him and more. It boggles my mind with the speed of his learning and the attention he offers me.

Of course, my brain tends to take things a step further and I began to compare the lessons Gus is experiencing to my own.

"Sit": Gus can sit on a dime and won't move until he is released.
I can't sit still for more than a few minutes before I am off and working on the next project.

"Stay": Gus will stay until the cows come home.
I can stay for a moment, but then I feel the need to accomplish something...anything, so I break that stay.

"Down": Gus will go into the "down" position and remain for the duration.
I relate this to naps. I simply cannot nap for fear of wasting precious time. If I didn't have to sleep at all, I wouldn't miss it!

"Leave it!": Gus is learning to leave things he shouldn't be involved with like toys, socks, blankets, pillows.
I tend to have the need to pick up everything and put it in its place. However, if we didn't have our ALEXA, I would lose my phone many times each day. I am waiting for the response to, "Alexa, call my phone" to be "Laurie, I can't believe you misplaced it AGAIN!"

"Heel": Gus is a pro at this command! He almost makes me feel bad with the look of trust and expectation on that furry face.
I am quite good at walking side-by-side with any companion...dog or human. At least we have that in common!

The list goes on, but I refrained from mentioning the reward system. Gus gets tiny training treats that must be the best things ever!!! He consumes about 50 at every training session!

My rewards are more intrinsic. I find pleasure in accomplishments and semi-neatness. Order pleases me. As for "heel," I love to walk with my pups, family, friends and even strangers. It is such a pleasant, rewarding experience.

Now, if Mac offered me caramels for every "sit," "stay," "down," "leave it" and "heel," I would be much more successful!