![\"Wilma](\"http:\/\/alfiedog.me.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_0611-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nBribery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We do like to be bribed, but it\u2019s not that simple. Ari is the master for this one. If you ask him to do something he will ask you to show what treat you are offering. If the treat is too low value he will walk away. Mum needs to get something better, then he will reconsider. He is the ultimate negotiator. For the record, we\u2019re pretty hard to fool. With some dogs you can pretend to have a treat and they will go along with you in the hope of getting one. We are not that stupid!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Playing Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Being bright comes at a price. We are no different to bright children in a mixed ability class. If you don\u2019t give us enough work to do then we\u2019ll be the one talking in class. Let me give you an example. In a mixed ability training class we generally get what is required on the first or second time of showing. If there is a dog in the class who doesn\u2019t pick things up so easily, then we get bored while they keep trying. Most of us have been told off in training for this one. Poor Mum was made to stand in the middle of the group with me one time when I wouldn\u2019t shut up. I have no idea what the trainer hoped to prove by doing that, other than she didn\u2019t understand working dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The important thing once we\u2019re a teenager, so from about fifteen months, is to use little games with us to keep us amused while we are waiting. That is until you can have taught us to be patient and lie nicely at your side. Once we realise that in itself is a job, we\u2019re fine again as we are occupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Learning for ourselves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We will spend a lot of time learning things for ourselves. In general we pick up everything from how to undo the door catch of a crate to opening kitchen cupboard doors. We know where the biscuits are kept and don\u2019t even think of leaving a piece of steak on the work surface. If we can\u2019t reach then we\u2019ll find a ladder to get to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Love<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wilma<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"