SHE IS EASY

My dog has a weakness that makes it so easy to get her to come to me when called.  I wasn't aware of it at first so when I did discover it, my comfort level concerning my dog's safety skyrocketed.

Callie had been mauled by a pack of dogs before she ended up in the Humane Society. She has scars all over her neck and a chunk taken out of her side. Part of the reason I adopted her was because her fear of another attack makes her a quite aggressive around any other dogs.  In her case, the best defense is offense.

I have seen her go after a puppy at the vets. I have a fenced yard and thought she would be safe here.  Thinking no one else would want her and her problems, I took her home.

I eventually learned she would do just about anything for a cookie (doggie treat). "Cookie" was one word she all ready knew.

Once she slipped out of the gate when a friend entered and I was worried for she is not street wise at all.  She was all excited and calling her did nothing.  Then I said the magic words, "Callie, do you want a cookie?"

Wow, she flew back through the gate and ran to the house.  Of course I had to give her one or she would soon quit falling for that trick.  I only use that command when I am worried for her safety. Other wise, she doesn't get too many.

I didn't know how strong the cookie lure was till the other day I heard her barking strangely outside.  When I went out, she was circling a huge rat snake.  She has enough terrier in her that hunting any critter is her passion.

Panicky calling didn't work so I tried, "Callie you want a cookie?"

What snake?  Callie left it to slither off unharmed and she immediately headed for the door on the run.

The acid test came today.  I have a ton of baby rabbits in my yard.  So far they have stayed out of Callie's way but today she had one cornered under a large Forsythia bush.

Tried the cookie promise again and it worked though I had did have to offer it to her twice.  Bunnies are harder to pass up than snakes.

So you say, I have a wonderful tool to make my dog come immediately? Well yes, except my neighbors got a new dog and guess what her name is?  Yep, Cookie, so every time they call their dog, Callie wants her treat.

Maybe I can get her to respond to the word "treat".  Easier than having the neighbor rename their dog.

Hum, just asked her if she wanted a treat and she popped off the bed. This may work and life is good again.  Now if another neighbor moves in with a dog named Treat, we are moving.

Have you found a sure fire way to get an easy, positive response from a pet or even a child?