I am in dog training world again. Yup, even here in Malaysia.
I had no idea that there would be so many dogs in my neighborhood. Since it is a mostly Muslim country (not big on dogs) I just figured not everyone (like us) would bring their mutt with them. I was wrong. There are about sixty dogs.
Our new neighborhood is filled with expats from all around the globe. And it appears they’ve all brought their dogs. Some have two and three.
As luck would have it there is also a woman who trains dogs. My husband told me about this German woman so I sent her a message. Let’s just say that our Thumper needs some fine tuning.
He obeys a few commands. Needs work on the jumping, getting overexcited and barking when the doorbell rings and when we leave.
She’s great. Told me that he is the pack leader. But I need to be. Dogs look for a strong leader and if there isn’t one then they will take control. I need to reassert my authority so he can let it go. Makes sense. Because he feels he has to protect us. Pack leadership 101. Must be exhausting for him.
She said I am to give a command once. And only once. Of course, I ended up saying, “Stay” more than once. The trainer said to me, “Don’t say it more than once. He heard you the first time. There is nothing wrong with his hearing.” She continued, “If you keep saying he will think he can do it on the third time. He must do it the first time.”
I laughed. How many times do I repeat myself, over and over, to my children? It’s the same thing. If you expect something to be done you should say it only ONCE. There was never anything wrong with my children’s hearing either.
When she was done helping me with a few things I wanted to pay her. She said no. That she wouldn’t take any money. Wow. Another case of someone using their gifts to help someone else. Expecting nothing in return.
So I am going to say this only once.
A big heartfelt thank you to all those that share their gifts.
I know. History has proven that I will say it more than once.
Thumper needs some fine-tuning…LOL! I can also apply the ‘say it once’ method with my kids. Must start today….hopefully it’s not too late.
You know me and my euphemisms….he’s just plumb tuckered out!