Jackpot Reward

Dear Diary,

Mom went shopping today and I got to go along.  We walked around the Mall and walked  again at the Plaza, because I get SO MUDDY when we walk on our road right now. (See my pic below.)   Mom has tried shirts on me but nothing really keeps the feathers on my legs from collecting MUD.  Dog coats cover the top of me, but that’s not where the problem is.  Has anybody got any ideas?

Anyway, going to  different places, like stores,  is part of our homework assignment.  The idea is to get me used to all kinds of noises and distractions that I don’t see at home.  (Remember from early posts – I’m a country dog.)  One of the rewards for being REALLY GOOD is a “jackpot”.  That’s what Nathan, my trainer, calls it.  (Read more about his training philosophy  in “10 Questions”.)  He says that if Mom gives me lots of little treats in one handful, I see that as one reward.  If Mom gives me one little treat, and then another, and then another and another etc.  I see each one of those as a separate reward and think “WOW.  I just hit the jackpot.”

So, I went with Mom hoping for a jackpot.  Not much was happening at the Mall.  I was obeying and several people stopped to talk to me.  But nothing where I could be REALLY GOOD.  Then we heard it – the bus.  I tend to bark at big noisy vehicles.  But Mom said  “leave it” and “watch me”- one reward. “Good watch me” – reward.  Look at Mom – reward.  Who cares about a stupid old bus.  Watch Mom – reward.   JACKPOT!!   Then we went to the Plaza and into a pet store to buy treats and look at the fish (funny noises).  Left the  store  and there was the hated UPS truck.  Mom said “watch me” – reward, “good watch me” – reward. And so on and so on.  What truck?  I was way too busy “watching” Mom – JACKPOT.  What a great day.

Mud Puppy

Signed, Tucker (your blog host)
To read more about me go to The Sensible Dog.