I think I created two monsters! Mom and Dad are now using their obedience training on each other! It all started with a simple errand. What Dad needed was on the second floor of the store. So Mom and Dad walked hand in hand, weaving their way past the other shoppers, and avoiding distractions, onward towards their goal. That is until Mom saw the clearance rack, and like a moth to a flame was drawn to it.

Without hesitation Dad jerked Mom’s arm twice in rapid succession and she immediately fell back in line, walking at a perfect heel on his left side. Then the reality of what happened instantly hit them. Dad gave Mom the human equivalent of a leash pop, and better yet, she listened! They both started laughing at what happened, and Dad apologized. But while they were shopping, Mom couldn’t help but notice it happened two more times!

However, before you go feeling bad for Mom, she also used our training on Dad. After that first stop, she suggested they go to the chocolates store, and she purchased a small bag that fit perfectly in her purse. She then somehow convinced Dad that they should go clothes shopping at one of her favorite stores. He reluctantly agreed, and she gave him a chocolate. Mom then proceeded to use the chocolates as positive reinforcement treats for Dad! “You stay here while I try these few things on. Here have a chocolate!” Dad obediently waits, enjoying his chocolate. “I’m just going to buy these.” Dad’s response, “you don’t need more clothes!” Mom, “Want a chocolate?” Dad follows Mom to the checkout line while eating the chocolate.

It wasn’t until the fourth or fifth chocolate and almost walking into yet another store that Dad realized Mom was using positive reinforcement training on him! Again they laughed, and Dad even admitted the chocolates made the shopping experience much more enjoyable. Also Mom said it was good Dad steered her away from those initial distractions so she could focus on what she really wanted at the other store. However, I honestly don’t know if I should be proud that Mom and Dad have taken their obedience training to heart and are applying it to real world situations? Or should I be annoyed that they are making a mockery of what their trainer is teaching them? Besides, what were they thinking out doing errands without me!