Waggin’ Tails!/NALC

It is only thanks to Frodo that I realize that I do not know everything.
On the contrary, I know very little.

How delightful!
I have made so many mistakes with Frodo, and I’m very sorry to him for that. But for myself, I am glad. I have done things the wrong way, and now, maybe, I can do things the right way.

I decided the other day to hire a training consult. She actually taught Frodo’s kindergarten class seven years ago. While teaching obedience ‘tricks’ is far different than undoing years of anxiety problems, I am confident in her abilities and expertise.

That said, I am almost certain I know what she will suggest:
First, (I PREDICT- this is in no way a representation of her- particularly if I’m wrong) she will recommend being very generous with the treats during times that usually prompt aggressive behavior from him- teaching him that our approach means good things.
Second, she will prescribe the ‘Nothing in Life is Free’ method, which sounds harsh, but will build his confidence by providing him with rewards for doing what we want him to do (rather than punishment for things we don’t want) and thus giving him a firm idea of what’s expected of him. (Who doesn’t want that!)

So, if I’m so confident I know it all (contrary to what I said above), why am I hiring Mickey?
Two reasons:

1. I have suggested these methods before, and they have not been followed- presumably because I’ve made such dire errors in judgement in the past. Receiving instructions from a professional trainer may be more well-received by my family.

2. I may be wrong. I don’t want to put Frodo through another of my- as I say- errors in judgement.

Here’s to mistakes.

And here’s to finally correcting those mistakes.

(Important edit included behind the cut. Another post on this topic to come shortly.)