The latest experiment in my journey to convince Tzipporah that I’m not so bad, has been to place chicken treats at the entrance to my room at bedtime, trying to catch her attention while she’s on her way to or from her Midnight Snack with Grandma. It is an attempt at bribery, pure and simple, but so is most of the clicker training I learned back when we were trying to convince Cricket that she was not the boss of everyone (unsuccessfully, of course).
There is an old Jewish tradition of giving honey to young students when they first start studying the Hebrew Bible, so that they’ll pair study with sweetness forever after (though the version I heard had the rabbis putting honey on the student’s slates, and the student would lick off the honey with the chalk of the Hebrew letters, which does not sound delicious, or sanitary, so I tend to give my students lollipops instead), and since Tzipporah is much more of a savory girl than a sweets aficionado, I have built my current experiment on the treats she most craves – chicken jerky.
Each night, I break one piece of chicken jerky into smaller and smaller pieces, and spread them further apart so she has to actually walk into my room to find them all. And since she believes in only taking one treat at a time, no matter how small they may be, she now comes in at least five times to get through the whole trail, usually more than five, because she’s ever hopeful that more will appear. She’s still not looking up and acknowledging my presence, but we both know I’m there.
There may need to be a second part to this experiment, because getting her into the room doesn’t equal coming directly to me for treats, or thinking of me as a safe person, but I haven’t thought that far ahead.
But at least now, she has learned to stop and check my doorway as she passes by, and even to linger and check more carefully in case she missed something, rather than just taking a cursory sniff and moving on. She does this at least once at night and once during the day (if I’m in my room instead of sitting in the living room with her). Not only do the chicken treats draw her attention, but they also seem to help mute her anxiety at entering my room while I am present. In the past (last week), Tzipporah would come to my door, see me seeing her, and immediately bolt; but with her nose to the ground searching for treats, she’s less concerned, or at least less aware, of where I am and what I’m doing (I am, of course, watching her and trying to get pictures).
It’s hard not to compare how much farther along Tzipporah has gotten in her relationship with my mom (her grandma) than in her relationship with me. Mom can even hold out a treat, sometimes, and Tzipporah will gently take it from her hand. But, I figure, why not learn the lesson, and tap into the thing that has been working for them all along (being super generous with treats) and see if I can catch up. So far, Tzipporah doesn’t seem to mind.
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rachelmankowitz 
I like it! Blatant bribery. Whatever works!
she must have had a very difficult life in the past not to see how safe and loving you are. Be patient and she will come around. She is so lucky to have you both. Big hugs all around!
Thank you!
Sounds like a great experiment. I hope it is ultimately successful.
Thank you!
You seem to be doing all the right steps to condition Tzipporah to socialize with you. Some dogs are more reserved than others. Good luck.
She looks so comfy in her bed, I just wish she felt as safe outside of it.
Just being together every day is going to build her confidence and help you bond. (The process never goes as quickly as we’d like!) ❤️
When I compare her progress month to month, I can see the changes, but day by day…I get impatient.
Slow and steady. I think what you are doing is great, Rachel. Tzipporah is just going to take a little time.
Thank you!
Maybe give this book a read. “On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals” written by Norwegian dog trainer and behaviorist Turid Rugaas. I really think the info presented would be helpful in this situation.https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Terms-Dogs-Calming-Signals-ebook/dp/B003URRK44
Looks interesting! Thank you!
I think she’s part cat and playing mind games with you. You’ll win when all dog mentality kicks in. Chicken treats are getting you there.
Chicken treats are magical!
She is making progress 🙂
She is!
Keep working on it. These things take time.
We all are such habitués to bribery, err positive reinforcement. That why it works so well! That and because the treats are so yummy. She eventually will trek deeper into your room. I look forward to when you can write that she took a treat from your hand too. Keep going!!
Fingers crossed!
🤞
I had to laugh! Whatever works…
Thank you!
She’s so cute! I must say I can’t relate to this personally as I’ve never had a dog who wouldn’t come to eat out of my hand from day one and do so repeatedly. You’re making great progress. I’ve had to make progress in the other direction where my former significant other would give treats all the time and they became an expectation and the vet said his weight (the dog’s not the significant other’s) was a problem.
Ha! I’m crossing my fingers that Tzipporah will learn all of the important lessons before the calories start to kick in.
Baby steps and you’ll eventually get there
Thank you!
Baby steps! You;re getting there! 💜🐾
typo, sorry. -You’re
Thank you!
Smart! I now give “Thunder treats.” 2 of my 3 are terrified of storms, so as soon as there’s a clash of thunder, I say loudly, “Thunder treat!” and they stop shaking and run to me for their treat. I’ve started doing every other and it’s working!
I love that idea!
It’s so common for a pet to pick a favorite human. Who knows why? I see with cats, one person might be the “cat person” who wanted it most, and then the cat decides to fall in love with the other human. Usually a man who says they don’t like cats, LOL.
No fair!
I wouldn’t make a good Torah student because honey gives me migraines!
I myself prefer chocolate chip cookies as my reward.
Works for me!
Bribery and hope a wonderful combination!!!
I love your determination! Tz is a lucky dog!
Thank you!
Baby steps!