If you offered me a dollar to put a finger on the tip of my nose, stand on one leg and jump up and down, I would probably do it! ... and if you asked me to do it all while simultaneously singing supercalifragilisticexpialidocious -- I would probably do that too!
Another person may not be so willing. If they refuse to do it are they stubborn?
Would they perhaps do it for $100?
Would they do it in a different environment where they may be more comfortable such as at home in their livingroom?
Would they do it if they were in a different emotional state such as after a few drinks, or together with friends, or in costume on a stage ...?
Or maybe they can't do it no matter the reward if they have physical limitations or pain.
Different individuals have different motivations and can be reinforced by different things....
Dogs have different motivations just like humans. Why are dogs labeled as stubborn and people aren't?
So next time you call your dog stubborn think again...
And then learn about behaviour, training and motivating... upcoming posts on training progression, distractions, and Nothing In Life Is Free type programs coming soon!
Here is a good article on this and other dog training myths. Enjoy your new enlightenment!
http://www.apdt.com/petowners/choose/myths.aspx
Yes, I agree with your point that everyone is different in what is motivating to them - just as they are different in so many other ways, of course. It seems obvious that that would apply to dogs as well.
ReplyDeleteHowever, any human or dog with any sense would first ask the question, "What possible purpose could there be in my putting a finger on the tip of my nose, standing on one leg and jumping up and down, and singing 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'??!!"