Chewie is now in a pasture with a white donkey named Blanca, and an older appaloosa mare, Allie. After the move, Chewie decided quickly that Allie was most definitely her long-lost best friend.
We’ve been having some bitterly cold weather here in north Texas. I’ve been checking on Chewie a couple of times a day, but it’s not very pleasant weather for being outside or for doing much training.
One big idea that I have been thinking about is that, “Even when you are not training, your animal is still learning!”
During our informal interactions, it’s up to me to be thoughtful and creative so that Chewie is practicing good behaviors and learning good habits.
For example, on Monday, I needed Chewie to walk from the backside of the pasture to the front of the pasture. However, she wasn’t convinced that walking across the pasture was in her best interest at that time.
I could have made her do it.
But, why pick a fight?
Instead, I haltered her buddy Allie, and took Allie where we needed to go. Chewie followed happily behind us.
I’ve also used this idea of “always learning” to modify our walks outside the pasture.
The first week Chewie was here, we went for several walks around the barnyard. Chewie seems to enjoy these walks. She is bold and curious and frequently stops to sniff new things she encounters.
However, on one walk last week, I had to redirect her several times, as she really wanted to return to one area of the barnyard where I didn’t want her to go. I could tell she was getting frustrated, and I also realized this wasn’t the type of interaction I wanted us to be practicing.
Since then, I have changed the location for our walks. Most recently, we have been going for walks in an empty pasture, instead of the whole barnyard.
This new location is satisfying for both of us! Chewie still gets an opportunity to go exploring. And, I don’t have to prevent her from going certain places.
In reality, we are always training. So, even when you aren’t doing a “formal” training session, keep in mind that your animal is still learning a lot.
This week, I’ll be continuing to think about how I can adjust my behavior and our surroundings so that it is easy for Chewie to engage in behaviors that I want and so that she continues to be happy and curious about new experiences.
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