Sock Boot Camp

You know from a couple of days ago that Jam has a predilection for socks (new or used) actually clothing items of any kind, but preferably socks.  Socks and hosiery happen to be very dangerous as they can be easily ingested, but then depending on the dog not necessarily easily digested or regurgitated. Jam, happily, was able to regurgitate his sock (twice) and thus eliminate the problem.

However, because Jam is such an incredibly obdurate canine, I have extreme doubts as to whether he learned any lesson from the morning "yak session."  In fact, given a smelly, vomit sock stinking up a low, open trash can and no Mom and Dad around to say No, I think he would be happy to stick his white, freckled muzzle in and grab a tasty, nasty snack.

Example of a sock that came in contact with Jam and has the holes to prove it.  

 With that in mind, I was resolved to start Jam on a strict Sock Boot Camp regimen.

Same sock, underside, more holes. Bad Jam.

Sock Boot Camp?  What is that?  Well, it involves giving Jam lots of opportunities to get a sock and then not letting him actually get the sock.  As our Area Coordinator is always telling us, it is very important that during the obedience training that you dog doesn't succeed in getting whatever it is on the ground that  he is training around.

So, I set up a great little training ground in the garden room and take Jam in there and within about 20 seconds Jam has snatched up the sock and it is like he has Lock Jaw.  Not only that, but the Drop It command is an invitation to PLAY and he is bound and determined not to drop it.

It's like it is high noon and I am John Wayne, old, crotchety and with a sore back facing down a young, good looking Clint Eastwood.  Clint is going to win.



Time to change the rules.  We move the obedience to a different spot.

Now I set it all up and begin again.  ARGH!! Jam just barely grabs the sock.  But this time, I am in control and manage a correction and a cool and forceful Drop It.


It works.  He drops it.  Awesome.

The trainers say that all your emotions go straight down the leash, so if you don't feel like training, don't do it.  If you aren't confident, the dog will know.    Just relax, take a deep breath and believe in yourself and more importantly believe what you are doing is the right thing for the health and welfare of the dog.

Then try again. Worked for me.

Here's our second try at Sock Boot Camp.  It won't be his last attendance at SBC.  He will have many repeated visits as he is probably a repeat offender.  But we WILL get him to ignore socks and open trash cans!



But, even with a closed trash can, problems can still occur....



So, training will continue on an as needed basis.  Because as we know, Jammy is a complete bonehead and will need constant reminders that socks are best left alone!