Patch Confessions: I Shot Scout Finch
Whoever told me to train my dog with a water gun did nothing to prepare me for this.
When I adopted my Chihuahua, I knew I wanted to train her to not be well, like a Chihuahua. But I got busy and things happened. Three months later, she's a good dog but stands on you when you're eating.
So I set out to stop that.
I read on several animal rescue sites that the best way to train a dog was to get a water gun and squirt it at the dog. This seemed nicer than bopping her on the head, so I tried it.
I got my 99-cent watergun from Walgreens and left it by my desk. Since I usually eat dinner while I'm Patching, she has no idea what my dining room table is for.
She jumped. I shot her right between the eyes. What they didn't prepare me for was this: If you've ever seen an animal's heart break right before you, this was it. She just sat there looking at me for the longest time.
Since then, I haven't been able to bring myself to shoot her again. I've been racked with grief. I've bought her new toys, new bones, everything.
Dee Locklin
11:57 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Poor little Scout Finch! I know that broken-hearted look quite well. Jack the Wonder Dog uses it quite effectively. I quit trying to train him years ago. My stubborn canine simply rules the house!
Jessie Gable
4:44 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I'm glad you can relate to this guilt trip! She's such a good dog, she's just so hungry all the time!
Lee Fitzpatrick
3:13 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I had 4 golden retrievers who stopped bad behaviors with the squirt bottle method, but my current two (Blaze and Scout) pay no attention whatsoever -- they are very good at ignoring me when they want to. By the way, great taste in names for your Chihuahua -- one of my all time favorite books.
Jessie Gable
4:45 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Thanks! It's my favorite book as well.