We have trained dogs before and I know the value of consistency.  In fact it was something that really helped me navigate through parenthood.

But puppy class is different.

We say "yes" all the time.  Every time the dog does something right they get a big happy, Yes and a tiny treat.

We have seen our quite well behaved puppy simply blossom.  She is so eager to please.

It make s me realise how little i say yes to kids.

Life is so busy that so often communication, especially with kids away at university, changes to detail oriented conversations.

i need to say "yes" to my kids more often

 I don't have any dogs and never have.  Dogs are easy.  Kids are more challenging.  I have a couple of kids who are now both out in the working world and although I always tried to be positive and supportive of my children and not to criticize too much I have to admit that, looking back, my only regrets are those occasions when I was unable to live up to this ideal and did not say "yes" when perhaps I could have.  Sometimes we were so wrapped up in our effort to assure that they did not err and took the right path (as we perceived it) that we did not perceive all the possibilities.  Often those occasions, in retrospect, were not so important and the real challenge was to show our unflinching love. 

Kids won't clean up their vomit.

ewwwwww

Not only are you also taught to reward good behaviour, you are told to ignore bad behaviour whenever possible. Trying to be positive all the time can be difficult though, even with a cute puppy.

We are soon starting puppy classes again  too .... our little guy needs the socialization with other dogs, and  to learn not to chase those bigger than himself! . That is his picture in my avatar ... thinks he's a pit bull,  lol.

 This past week we worked on passing by the tasty thing on the ground.  The idea that you can't have everything you see.  That I will give you a reward for being a good girl and leaving that yucky old banana peel alone.

kind of like taking kids to the grocery store.  no you can't have the candy bar but I have this lovely fresh peach......