10/25/2025
Whose dog likes to stop and sniff the same spot for 5 solid minutes on a walk? ๐๏ธ๐ Or eat ALL the grass? Or stand with 2 feet out the back door and 2 feet in? ๐ซ
I developed my countdown skill a couple years ago. My big boy Godot, let's just say, he needs some extra time to process transitions! ๐
He runs on mastiff time... Which is a lot like human time but ten times slower ๐ซฉ๐ฎโ๐จ So I developed a way to teach him this current opportunity, whatever it is, is coming to an end in 3, 2, 1, all done! And it's time to move on. It works so well! And I don't feel as rude when I start to shut the door or keep walking etc because I've given him a heads up he understands!
My life with my dogs is one of cooperation, companionship, and joy in being who we are together. Not robotic, automatic, immediate obedience ๐ The same way I wouldn't drag a human friend away from a book display they are interested in with no warning or reasoning, I try my best to refrain from doing similar to my dogs. Being able to give them access to the world in appropriate ways, and warn them when we do need to move on to something new, feels like mutual respect and understanding, and I value that highly!
Need to learn how to teach your dog skills like this and more? Get in my calendar! The rest of the year is almost booked!!
Brittni Hyzer CPDT-KA, FFCP, FDM