I seem much better at unintentional training than intentional training. Dixie and I are definitely lagging behind the others in our basic obedience class, and I’m certain that’s my doing – not Dixie’s.
We are still working on “off”, “here” (come), and “sit… and are not remotely close to achieving “down” or “lay”.
However, she’s become quite adept at standing at my feet when I’m preparing food. I give her a taste or drop bits of food too often for her to pass up the opportunity.
This morning I had a mango-banana smoothie, and gave Dixie a spoonful after she finished her Weruva “Wok the Dog” for dessert. For lunch, I decided to have nachos: baked tortilla chips, frozen bell peppers and onions, a vegetable fajita mix, shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa – the works!
Dixie was most definitely aware that I was having nachos for lunch. I didn’t drop anything during their preparation, however, and I refuse to feed her from my plate as I don’t also want to teach her to beg. She was probably thinking about nachos, but she knew better than to ask me for any. She sat next to me, politely.
Then I dropped a bit. The race was on. Dixie and I, both searching for the bit of tortilla chip that had hit the floor. Dixie has the advantage of a keener sense of smell. She located it first – under the chaise. I have the advantage of not having a cone on my head. While Dixie was unable to fit her cone under the chaise to retrieve the bit of chip, I was able to reach her hand underneath easily and use one of my opposable thumbs to nab the chip and toss it into the garbage.
I finished the nachos without further incident. I started carrying the dish to the sink. Unfortunately, I do not have grace on my side. I’m clumsy. I managed to drop the plate on the way. Bits of cheese, sour cream, etc, went everywhere – on me, the floor, etc. The race was on again. Now, I could have tried to use our “leave it” or “drop it” commands – but honestly, I have found them only slightly effective. For example, Dixie will leave a disgusting dead squirrel outside, she will not leave a cheese puff she’s found on the sidewalk.
Besides, there’s nothing that could hurt her – I didn’t use avocado or guacamole.
I used paper towels. Dixie used her tongue. We cleaned up the mess quickly.
I see you have nachos. I also enjoy nachos.
