Day 1456

How can two puppies from the same litter be so different? Although there are times when it is truly challenging to tell them apart physically, their little personalities are beginning to shine through! Hank is a bit more timid and affectionate, while Charlie is more independent and free-thinking.

That was certainly the case on our separate walks this morning, Hank went first and demonstrated limited success with heal, sit and come. Charlie was next and simply wanted to explore the neighborhood…running helter-skelter (on leash and halter) through front yards and boulevards. Not even the offer of treats penetrated that little stubborn head! They will need different approaches as we continue towards our ultimate goal of becoming Therapy Dogs!

People are no different. We learn at our own unique speed, gather/retain information through different pathways and carry out that learning with our own gifts. Why would I expect my pups to be any different?

One thing that seems to work for everyone is rewards in a safe environment. Even when there is an extrinsic or intrinsic reward for our attempts, if the atmosphere is full of tension, we tend to simply shut down. Keeping all of the plates spinning is the goal for learning…

*the right amount of tension

*the individual reward for the individual learner

*engagement with the lesson

*positive reinforcement

*the correct steps in the learning process

*knowing when to pivot towards a new technique

*celebrating baby steps

Keeping these in mind for the next training session will be my goal. The pups, on the other paw, will let me know how I can tweak any lesson so they find success. Meanwhile, those cute little faces remind me that patience and love will be my guide.