Day 1079

It takes a village of Goldens to urge Miss Lilly to eat some days. She gives her breakfast a preliminary sniff while her brothers devour their own. When they finish, they become “vulture-like” and hover over their sister until she decides she better dig in. It seems to be a case of proximity equals action!

When I was teaching in the primary grades, one of the most successful techniques to keep students engaged with learning was proximity. When I would notice a lack of attention between two students (or more), I would saunter over and stand by their desks…engagement with the task-on-hand was instantaneous! I didn’t even have to say a word! It magically worked like a charm every time!

There are those who do not like being observed while working on a task. Even so, I can almost guarantee that their attention won’t stray quite as much with “witnesses” around! Typically, we are all on our best behavior when someone is watching!

So, if you want to get a dog to eat, or encourage someone to stay on task, hover close. “Vultures” have a way of making those “in their sights” work harder and faster! Just ask Lilly!