Sylvia would be proud...

Years ago, my human went to several dog obedience seminars by a well-known trainer from the UK – Sylvia Bishop.  My human had seen Sylvia compete at Crufts and was always amazed with her very obedient Border Collies.

My human remembers many of Sylvia’s techniques – and also remembers something that really “stuck” with her.  Sylvia once said that when your dogs come into the “heelwork position”, when you are not even asking them to do so – it is a really good thing.

Well WE never went to the seminar – but we heard about that statement.  And being  PONs with fabulous memories, we never forget.  So lately we have employed that behavior.  Relentlessly.

When our human is walking with us during our early morning jaunt at 5 AM,  Frodo and I have begun to vie for the position closest to our human.  And then, the two of us not only walk in heel position side by side– but we try to both get in SO close – we nearly push our human off into the ditch at the side of the road.  At first my human thinks it is cool – because she thinks of Sylvia.  And then – she makes the supreme mistake.  And really, this is why the whole routine IS her fault.  She gives us a treat.  Which then causes us to do it again.  And again.  At which point, our human says “ENOUGH!  JUST walk!”  Which we will then do.  For a minute.  Then one of us thinks “hey – I’ll try it again.”  And he gets in heel position.  The other one spots him and well….you can see what happens again. 

Frodo and I secretly have a pact.  Once we get our human in the ditch – the one closest to her gets to steal the treats out of her pocket while she is climbing out.  OK.  Not really. I’m joking. 

Or am I?

NEVER a dull moment in our house – and it begins at 5 AM!

© Linda Wozniak