I remember the day I was kidnapped. I endured a terrible bike journey in a basket. Then I found myself in the place I call ‘home’ today.
Are you thinking of ‘Stockholm syndrome’?
Stop. Focus. Ha, I’m using her cues now!
No, I’m not a hostage. I am adopted.
I was separated from my mother, my siblings and the dingy room with the stinky, damp floor. Now I live it up with my doting family. I adore them. Can’t let them out of my sight for a moment!
She got me started on games no one had ever taught me before. I enjoy her games. They make me think, explore and try new things while having fun. Plus, I earn treats every time I get it right.
Most importantly, I have her undivided attention during our games. No mobile phone, TV, conversation or book to distract her. Well, the mobile still comes out at times and it’s typically directed at me. Then I get annoyed and try to break the flow by doing something unexpected to make her put it away. In between, I discreetly check on her with furtive glances. Disappointing—she’s usually giggling behind that mobile. Sigh! I’m yet to get this down pat.
Initially, I didn’t have to do much to earn treats. The games were simple.
Meet her gaze—get a treat.
Meet her gaze, hold for a few seconds—get the treat.
Look at her when she says my name—treat.
Take a step towards her when she says my name.
After a few days, the games changed. I earned treats for slightly more complicated actions.
As I grew up, the actions became easier. I would do them happily anyway. But I realized she loved these games. So I played along, to please her. Also, who says no to treats!
Our games are still evolving. I’ve mastered the older ones. Once I master something, I get bored if I’m asked to do it repeatedly. But she keeps changing it up, keeps me guessing and on my feet. I like it!
I don’t want to sit still. I can’t! What do I do with my energy?! She knows. She understands.
She ensures our games have variety. There’s some running around, climbing up and down stairs, stretching, sniffing things out, vigorous activities likes jumping or tug, not-vigorous-yet-exciting stuff like watching people, animals and things move past our gate, impulse control and rest periods built into each play session. I sleep well after this.
Typically, our games involve a lot of food. Meal times are fun! Unless she’s busy with work. Then she sits at her desk with her laptop and I can’t get her attention. I’ve given up now. It must be important. I let her work in peace and quietly eat by myself. No matter what’s on my plate then, it doesn’t taste good.
I am Bheema Nadig. I love playing games with Madhavi Nadig.
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| Bheema, chilling with his current favourite toy |
Backstory
My colleague is coaching us to improve our communication. As part of an exercise on exploring our creativity and writing a blog, she gave me the prompt to write about Bheema's take on dog-training in 500 words.
This is my imagination of Bheema's take on his Positive Reinforcement (R+) training. Bheema's thoughts here are my interpretation based on observing his reactions and behaviours in real situations and events.
