In pursuit of the piece of kibble he learned about during a 10 minute clicker-training session, Rowdy frequently offers a voluntary “Yes-Ma’am-Here-I-am-giving-you-my-full-attention-while-awaiting-further-instruction” kind of sit.

This is about a week after our initial training session, which involved “clicking” a little noisemaker, followed immediately by offering a single piece of dry dog food.

Oh the fun of a food-motivated pooch!  Boone is not now, nor has he ever been, food-motivated. Or toy-motivated. Or happy-voice-motivated. I love my big brindle dog, but obedience skills and tricks are not the greyhound’s strong suit.

Rowdy, however, seems willing to work for a pretty reasonable wage. So far he’s learned to give me his attention, sit, lie down, and come when I call his name, which is actually a bonus-based skill for which he is rewarded with a handful of tasty, dry, deliciousness.

He’s learned that when the crate door opens, his assignment is to go directly outside, turn left, then right, down the steps into the dog yard and take care of business. Upon completion, he returns to the house (often by way of quick sprint through the rhubarb, hosta and daisies) sits, and enjoys a piece of kibble.

He’s figuring out that Next-To-Lisa is a happy place to be when one is a growing pup. So much so, that I’ve nearly sent us both sprawling after he’s sidled up to me stealth-like, waiting silently for his snack. Washing dishes, making the bed, and drying my hair have proven perilous, calling for extra vigilance in surveying my surroundings.

Every left pocket I own bulges with a stash of dog food to reward his devotion. To the kibble, that is, not to me – I’ve worked with enough dogs to understand their priorities. But he’s learning, and if I have to buy his allegiance in the beginning, I’m ok with that. For now, it’s a small price to pay. Puppy Kindergarten begins next week, and with that, will undoubtedly come the demand for a raise.

Hot dogs and string cheese for my little golden friend!