Training Tupence

Over the years Judy gained the reputation in our family for her ability to train the dogs we have owned. All of them, from Cocker Spaniels Rocky and Anne, to Natcha the chow, cross-breeds like the huge Beckett, and Adricc, our faithful Corgi, were well-behaved and pleasant companions to live with. For over ten years of outings in the mountains and valleys of Montana, Adricc never strayed off the path and always did his best to keeps us together.  The herding instinct he was born with meant he was happiest when his people, Judy and I, didn’t get separated on the trail.  Obedience and loyalty are characteristics we like in a dog.  

So far Tupence is a different story.  She entered our lives in late March, the day before the stay at home order was implemented in Montana due to the corona virus pandemic.  We “rescued” her. She was a tiny two-month old mixture; her mother half Corgi and half Fox Terrier and who knows about the father.  She is the highest energy dog we’ve ever had, and gets totally distracted by every thing that comes across her way or into her view – people, leaves, bicyclers, and especially other dogs. She has become very bonded to us, but is totally deaf to our calls, scolding, or bribes. 



Now she is four and a half months, so perhaps we shouldn’t expect too much, but obedience and following commands do not seem to be in her nature. The other day she ran wildly into the street barking at a very large though calm German Shepherd.  Judy and I looked like elderly clowns running around trying to corral her.  


I think most dogs are trainable – i.e. learn not to jump up on people, come when called and walk alongside of rather then pulling their master along.  

The reason we humans keep pets are pretty well known or assumed.  I worked for years with a program that placed domesticated animals with families all over the world.  Domesticated animals provide multiple benefits for humans, among them the provision of food like milk and meat, and fiber for clothing.  Early humans domesticated animals as living tools – as draft animals to pull implements and carts, and as herders and hunters.  But our ancestors surely recognized other benefits as well. Many animals provide comfort as companions.  It is well accepted that pets relieve stress and they keep us from being lonely.  Think of all the useful ways animals are put to use for therapy and as service animals. 

I know already one of the most important benefits Tupence brings to us.  We laugh a lot at her antics and frolicking, and that is a good enough reason for us. Definitely important to keep fun and humor in our lives as old people while we live shut up at home most of the time during this corona pandemic.

We’ll keep her even if we can’t train her!!