Comments on: The Puppiness Project – Don’t Be Afraid to Look Stupid

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:52:11 +0000

What a great description of a dog trying to “figure it out” when you’re using a clicker. My Doberman, Elka, does much the same thing, only with more accusatory/prompting glances. The looks she shoots me when she still hasn’t gotten it right are very peremptory; “Okay, now one of us has it wrong, here, and I don’t feel like it’s me.”

Dogs are almost entirely unselfconscious (Mine notices when we laugh AT her; from your post, I’d say it sounds like Honey does too!), and their unabashed joy and inquisitiveness is definitely something to take a lesson from. I thought “The Happiness Project” was an interesting book, and dig what you’re trying to do.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:23:16 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth.

The question is, did Dewi feel stupid? 🙂

I remember a training class with my last dog Shadow. Everyone in the room could make her sit except me. I was doing something weird with my posture that miscommunicated it. If that isn’t intimidating, I don’t know what is. 🙂

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:17:47 +0000

In reply to Pup Fan. Bella's got the right idea. She just wants to have fun.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:17:11 +0000

In reply to Greyhounds CAN Sit. Maybe that's the downside of being so beautiful.

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:10:58 +0000

I detested taking Dewi to training class because I felt stupid. Now there’s some irony. 🙂

By: Pup Fan

Pup Fan — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:29:36 +0000

I love this idea… it’s so easy to get caught up in our own heads sometimes and worry that we’re going to look dumb. Bella is a champ at looking stupid… I should copy her. 🙂

By: Greyhounds CAN Sit

Greyhounds CAN Sit — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:55:09 +0000

Beryl isn’t good at persistence, lol. If something doesn’t happen quickly her eyes go blank and she looks away, then she goes away to think. Often, after sleeping on things, she’ll come back with the right answer though:) I think she needs to learn to not be afraid of looking stupid too!

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:17:06 +0000

In reply to Kristine. On the other hand, how do we know Shiva wasn't wondering if her butt looked too big as she went flying through the Tim Horton's drive-in window?

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:16:29 +0000

In reply to houndstooth. Studies show that persistence is far more important than talent. Your kids are lucky to have such a good teacher. :)

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 02:15:28 +0000

In reply to Jan. I guess that's because you do everything right the first time? :)