I don't wish to be critical at all, and I would never want to hurt anyone. With that said, it was difficult for me to read about this method of training with Gizmo. I know you love him and are doing your best to sort through training methods to come up with one to help your baby. I am the first to admit that discipline and training have not been my forte. I realize now that I would like to use effective training techniques when I bring another baby into my home. My dogs were raised completely with love, and I always used positive reinforcement. I admit they were completely spoiled, and I didn't think that loving them too much could ever hurt them. I never thought that spoiling them could possibly harm them, but my little ones became too dependent on my husband and me. We made many mistakes with each of them, but we also learned from those mistakes. I strongly believe that positive reinforcement is the most effective manner to reach both dogs and people. I am very soft spoken and very thin-skinned myself. I work with high school students with special needs, and I always use love and respect to reach my "kids." It was the same with my babies. I don't think you need to be tough to reach people or dogs. I know you weren't hurting Gitzm, and I am confident that you will always do things out of love for him. Still, it hurts me to read that Gizmo was forced into this submissive position. I worked very hard to build up a trust with my babies, and I carried them often close in my arms like they were babies. I considered it a triumph that they felt safe with their bellies exposed, and I always loved seeing them lay peacefully with their bellies up in their air. I knew that they felt totally safe with us.With my little girl with dementia, holding her close in that very vulnerable position helped her to feel very secure, and it eased her anxiety, but that's because she never knew fear being held with her belly exposed. I don't mean to hurt you, and I know I have more that I'd like to learn about training. I don't think Kristin meant to be critical either.
I have been a member on YorkieTalk for two years now, and I have found this to be a very loving, passionate, and committed community of members who are looking to help each other. We have a love for Yorkies, but we also care about each other. I lost my last little girl a little over a year ago, yet I still continue to come here because of the many wonderful members on this board. I offer this to try to help and not criticize you in any way. Our babies are so sensitive, and I know how much they rely on us for love and emotional support. I personally respond so much better to positive reinforcement and my dealings with my babies and my "kids" have always been that way. I am able to get others to respond to me without imparting any fear, and I believe you will get further in your training with Gizmo with lots of time, love, and positive reinforcement. I wish you the very best as you work with Gizmo and as you build a positive relationship and bond with your little boy. |