Dogs & Routine: Part 1

When I was 13 my parents got me a beagle puppy, Sounder, and I managed to teach him 25 or so commands. I still remember his trick routine that we’d do every chance I got – start with the basic sit and shake a paw and then really “wowing the crowd” (aka my aunts or parents’ friends) by getting him to play dead then bowing at the end of our shtick.

As time went on – and not a long time either – he had this routine down pat. As soon as I’d start with the first shake a paw it was like we were now doing a secret in-sync-handshake rather than him waiting for me to cue him for the next trick.

When it comes to tricks, them knowing the next thing to come doesn’t really faze us. But when it comes to trying to get your dog to get into the house so you can go to bed? Now THAT is irritating. They’re jacking around outside, you call them in and, like the wonderful little prick they are, they don’t come running to you. You get your shoes on and now you’re playing “catch me!” wearing a bathrobe.

Your dog has learned that when you do “A”, “B” happens.  Here’s the thing though, “B” isn’t always a bad thing (from our perspective) but if your dog is dodging you, there’s a good chance they had other plans and you’re about to shut that down.

So what do we do?  We become unpredictable.

Throw them a little curve ball and when you do catch them (“A”), you just pet them and love up on them, with no “B” happening. That little gesture, repeated at random, will make them think “B” is now “hey man, we’re just having fun, I’m not removing you from ________.” Then the next time you’re doing “A” you’re either shutting down the fun or just giving love; and because your dog doesn’t know what “B” they’re getting – good chance you’ll have a pooch who’s willing to “risk it for the biscuit.”

Dog’s may not be able to tell time, but they know a routine, and usually we don’t even know we’re making one.