One of the problems you run into when training dogs (especially ones that are highly motivated) is that they start offering behaviours they’ve previously learned (and usually not the ones you want) in order to get the treat.
Hannah’s does this all the time. When she first came, the main focus was to get her to enjoy being in the crate. Lots of treats thrown into the crate to get her in, lots of praise when she went in and a few more treats. She also gets fed in the crate.
Now the problem I’m having is that a few treats into the training session, she’ll dive into her crate thinking if she stays there she’ll get even more treats.
I can close the door, but she still runs over to the crate to try to get in.
Then I have to wait until she figures out she’s not going to get anything, and then start all over again until she dives back into the crate again (or tries to).
Kind of breaks the flow of the training. Guess I just have to be more persistent than she is. It is kind of entertaining though.
Camping families?
Any family types out there into camping and looking for a chance to get some new gear? As part of the promo activities for the Aquarium‘s new Camp Carolina exhibit (opening soon), they’re having a great camping gear giveaway contest. Sadly since I’m an Aquarium volunteer I can’t enter, but you can (as long as you don’t work there or are related to someone who works there)!
ExtravaTent Giveaway
Register to win gear for the most discerning camping family!
Now through March 15, 2008Let the South Carolina Aquarium and The Backpacker outfit your family for an unforgettable camping trip. Register to win a customized ExtravaTent filled with deluxe gear for the most discerning camping family! You’ve never camped like this before: Sleep under the stars in 2 roomy tents: one for the adults and one just for the kids; Protect your feet with top quality hiking boots, Merrell© shoes and sandals; Relax after a day of hiking in comfy travel hammocks; Keep the whole family in sync with Timex© watches; Stay cool with clothing from Columbia© Sportswear; Bring the kitchen to the outdoors with a personal stove and cooking supplies; Enjoy a night of rest with plush mattress pads and sleeping bags; Plus explore the Lowcountry with exclusive tours from Coastal Expeditions: Daily excursions include a Kayak tour, adventure on Bulls Island and lunch in Francis Marion National Forest.
Enter to win at any of the following convenient locations:
- The South Carolina Aquarium
- The Backpacker: 1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd, Suite 1100, Mt. Pleasant
- The Backpacker: 1215 Wayne Street, Columbia, South Carolina
- Online at scaquarium.org
One entry per person. Must be 18 years of age or older. For a complete listing of rules and regulations visit scaquarium.org
Special thanks to our supporting sponsors: The Backpacker, News Channel 2, Papa John’s Pizza and Mom’s in the Know.
Random walk through the Blogroll
I’m quite literally clicking random links in the blogroll for this.
- Al Forno‘s checking out some BBQ in South Florida
- Hedgehog cuteness at Heather and Chopper‘s
- Send some good thoughts out to Tilly. She’s not feeling so well right now.
- A little bit of naval history over at New Wars
- The SC Photography Guild is having their monthly shoot at SEWE this weekend.
- Lowcountry Dog has the real presidential race action.
- Ping Island Strike has the garden started already.
- Chocolate and coffee yumminess at Tartlette‘s
Ok, back to the salt mines for me.
Early eclipse
Next week, Feb 20 there will be a total lunar eclipse that you won’t have to stay up until the wee hours of night to catch. Don’t miss it because it will be only one for 2008 and the last total lunar eclipse until December 2010.
The eclipse will start at around 8:43PM and end just after midnight.
I always love a good lunar eclipse.
You can get more details here
Fending off the strays
Not having too many problems with Hannah now. Just having problems with the neighbourhood strays that have become extremely interested in checking Hannah out. I’ve got four dogs practically camped out in my yard during the day waiting for me to bring Hannah out.
Since Hannah hasn’t been spayed yet, I’m not letting her anywhere near the other dogs, so that means I’m spending my time fending them off while waiting for Hannah to do her business outside. Forget about doing any training in the yard either.
Sheesh. This fostering thing is turning out to be harder than I thought.