Article February 16, 1981 Issue

Learning to be obedient

JANE STEELE

Lily, a favorite Dalmatian, and I are going to school together. She is learning to be obedient; and I, to be a good master. She has become a pleasant companion and good citizen; and I've been learning something really valuable—some further lessons about following God.

In the first class we were given the cardinal rule for obedience training: praise! The dogs must want to obey for the reward of our appreciation, never because they are fearful of punishment. Their discomfort was to come only from their failing to be in accord with their master.

When we had attached the choke collars and leashes, we were ready for the first exercise: heeling. It didn't take Lily long to realize that she was most comfortable when she stayed close, paying strict attention to my every move. If she defiantly went one way while I went the other, she was immediately jerked back. Before that first lesson was over she had discovered the safest spot to be!

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