Parenthood
I enjoy learning about stuff. So when I have new things in my life, like a dog, I tend to read up and learn as much as I can.
I've borrowed and read a few books on dog training in the past few months, and while they're very informative and interesting, I find that what's considered good dog training is a little too intense for my liking. I think my preferences are also influenced by my own philosophy of life. =P
Anyway, one thing dog trainers keep emphasizing is that treats come after achieving something, not for just looking cute. While that's a good way to motivate a dog to perform, I feel like that's a little too much for me. After all, if my parents only rewarded me after achieving something, I'd feel like I was only loved for my achievements. Also, if I only rewarded Jasmine when she manages to perform a trick, she wouldn't get any treats at all because I'm not big on teaching her tricks. I also don't believe in rewarding her for good manners because that, to me, is expected. So when am I supposed to give her treats? Never? Whatever happened to celebrating life and companionship? =P I know that dog trainers are also being wary of obesity, but I think rationing is key in this area.
Another related matter is that dog trainers advocate that treats be given only occasionally so that they remain a 'treat' instead of becoming normal food like kibble. To me, that sounds like "Keep your dog on lousy food so that they'll REALLY appreciate it when they get good food." I probably think that because Jasmine treats her kibble like it's the worst thing on earth. =P She definitely likes human food (like cooked liver or gizzards) more than typical dog treats (eg. Milkbones). So am I wrong for feeding her food she actually enjoys more than 'treats'? Would I be spoiling her?
It's so hard being a parent. =P
I've borrowed and read a few books on dog training in the past few months, and while they're very informative and interesting, I find that what's considered good dog training is a little too intense for my liking. I think my preferences are also influenced by my own philosophy of life. =P
Anyway, one thing dog trainers keep emphasizing is that treats come after achieving something, not for just looking cute. While that's a good way to motivate a dog to perform, I feel like that's a little too much for me. After all, if my parents only rewarded me after achieving something, I'd feel like I was only loved for my achievements. Also, if I only rewarded Jasmine when she manages to perform a trick, she wouldn't get any treats at all because I'm not big on teaching her tricks. I also don't believe in rewarding her for good manners because that, to me, is expected. So when am I supposed to give her treats? Never? Whatever happened to celebrating life and companionship? =P I know that dog trainers are also being wary of obesity, but I think rationing is key in this area.
Another related matter is that dog trainers advocate that treats be given only occasionally so that they remain a 'treat' instead of becoming normal food like kibble. To me, that sounds like "Keep your dog on lousy food so that they'll REALLY appreciate it when they get good food." I probably think that because Jasmine treats her kibble like it's the worst thing on earth. =P She definitely likes human food (like cooked liver or gizzards) more than typical dog treats (eg. Milkbones). So am I wrong for feeding her food she actually enjoys more than 'treats'? Would I be spoiling her?
It's so hard being a parent. =P
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