Day 1233

Mr. Ranger is becoming slightly demanding in his old age. His mama tends to baby him, but he continues to take full advantage. For example, we take puppy treats out on the front porch to entice them when another dog walks by. These morsels are meant to keep them from barking up a storm at other dogs, but Ranger has learned that, if he barks at ME long enough, he also receives a treat with no dog in sight! What a “Catch-22!” The answer, of course, is to leave the treats inside, but their decoy effect is needed when people have the audacity to walk their own pups in front of the house!

There have been many “Catch-22” experiences in my life. Whether parenting, teaching or simply daily living, there have been many hurdles where I find myself sitting on the line and feeling torn. Sometimes, both alternatives seem defeating. These lose-lose situations are frustrating and exhausting.

Today, with the treats, I examined my alternatives with a nod towards bigger choices. It was an interesting “dive”…

*I could leave the treats inside, thus creating a “barkathon” when a dog strolled past.

*I could do training to avoid a scene… somewhat successful.

*I could leave the dogs inside…a cruel option at best.

Weighing the pros and cons and predicting various outcomes, helped me develop a plan. We started to offer small treats sporadically for no real reason other than obeying the “Come” command. When a dog appears, they now know the drill and Ranger gets a treat now-and-then without begging. This seems to be the best avenue for now.

My tendency, after years of parenting and teaching primary students, is to adapt to a situation on the run. Planning, and sticking to that plan is so much easier! After all these years, I should already know that…oh well, perhaps you can teach an old dog (me) new tricks!