Feeling Mushy
As most of you know, Stranger is my first dog, and I’ve thrown myself into “how to do it right” with all my energy, all that google has to offer, and the occasional ambushing of strangers with well behaved dogs. Still, he was essentially a beautiful mystery to me for the first couple of months.
I could get him to respond to basic commands. I knew his basic likes and dislikes. I knew I could try to explain the social contract to him and get my nose licked. But, who was he?
I realize now that what was missing at the beginning was real communication founded on common ground. I made many mistakes confusing this bond for obedience and sometimes trying to treat and talk to him like a person. I was just on a website about playing with your dog when I realized how much games have helped us understand each other. Playing fetch and find the treat.
I spent the last ten minutes playing hide and seek with him, and I couldn’t believe how much fun it was. I would tell him to sit and wait, while I ran and hid. Then, I’d say “come find me!” And he would prance around and investigate until he found me, and then we’d both laugh. He licked me and looked genuinely proud and happy.
The game left us both, feeling closer and happier.
i love this dog : )
June 11th, 2008 at 12:35 am
It is such a great experience when we get into our dogs’ world instead of always insisting they come into our world. Their world is so much more enjoyable than our own usually is. Dogs really want to obey when they understand the order of the pack and the logic behind the obedience.
June 11th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Geez I love that game.
I also love the “I’m gonna GET you” game, where mom wiggles her fingers at me and then chases me. I always let her catch me. Although she totally can’t.
Your friend,
Splash
June 11th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Dogs give way more than they receive. The simple pure pleasure of the moment is really what I admire most. I wish I had more of this.
June 11th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
My favorite game is tag with the boys. I chase them, they chase me — i dont think they really know what they are doing. But they have smiles on their faces and run around like loons. We end up in a heap on the floor cuddling afterwards. I love playing with the dogs!
June 12th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
The find me game is really fun, I am doing it with Tatum’s dinner so she will get more used to looking for me and wanting to be around me and knowing where I am.
Learning dog is an amazing process, and i admire you for doing so! Too many people bring a dog into their house and expect the dog to act like a furry human. Dogs are not able to adjust themselves to the human way. Us humans have to adjust ourselves to the dog way. It’s an adventure and a fun learning curve!