Puppy Love

Puppy Love

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

No Treats at the ATM?

How can Stella know that the bank drive-thru always gives dog biscuits (after only one experience) and after 1,000 times being put in timeout she still jumps on the kitchen counter to steal food?
I suppose this is the difference between positive reinforcement and punishment.  
As I drove up to the bank lanes, Stella became so excited and was already licking her chops.  Unfortunately, (for Stella) I pulled up to the ATM lane.  Her nose was hanging out the window and she jumped around the back seat filled with hope.  As I performed my transaction, I explained to Stella that a treat will not come out of this machine.  I do realize most children think "treats" do come out of this machine.  Perhaps her frustration is similar to our frustration when the ATM is down.   I couldn't believe I was explaining this to my dog and telling her not to worry...we will stop at the pet store and buy a few bags of her favorite treats.
Doggy moral:  Bank tellers are more personal than machines.

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