The early morning sun peeks through the curtains, casting a warm glow as I find myself still cocooned in the comfort of my bed. Eyes closed, I sense the presence of eager eyes fixated on me—a familiar morning routine with Rio, my spirited four-legged companion.
A gentle whimper breaks the silence, and in a playful act, I pretend to be asleep. But, like clockwork, another whimper follows, and I can’t help but surrender. “Hop up, Rio,” I say, and in a heartbeat, she’s airborne, landing gracefully beside me. The day’s sweetest moments unfold as we engage in the simple joy of sharing the bed with my furry friends, contemplating the day ahead.
As Rio’s tail wags enthusiastically, the morning bliss takes an unexpected turn when she starts licking my hands. Not a fan of this particular canine affection, I attempt to thwart it by removing my hands. A temporary fix—she resumes the licking. That’s when my “trainer’s cap” comes on.
Redirecting Rio’s exuberance becomes the mission. With a simple command, she leaps off the bed, returning with a “dead” alligator toy. Our impromptu tug-of-war begins—a delightful moment of shared fun.
Delving into the world of successful dog training, redirection emerges as a well-kept secret. It offers dogs a more appealing alternative while sparing owners the frustration of unwanted behaviors. However, there are rules to this game:
- Stick to learned behaviors.
- Ensure the alternative is as enticing as the undesired behavior.
- Be specific in your redirection.
- Reinforce the redirected behavior.
In my morning bed scenario with Rio, I direct her to fetch a toy—a trick she learned during our homecoming routine. The excitement, whines, and kangaroo-style jumps have now transformed into a joyful toy retrieval, providing her with the sought-after social interaction.
A lightbulb moment: Rio can’t indulge in unwanted behaviors if she’s holding a toy. The engagement takes center stage, replacing impatient reactions with purposeful interactions.
In the world of dog companionship, understanding the power of redirection and implementing a Differential Schedule of Incompatible Behavior can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. Try this at home: suggest an alternative to your furry friend when faced with unwanted behavior, and relish the positive connection that follows.