I've given several speeches lately about why we love our dogs so much, an issue that I think deserves more attention than it gets. Given that Valentine's Day is coming up, it seems appropriate to combine my speculations about our bond with our dogs with a valentine to one of my favorite guys. Here's to you Willie boy, an unapologetically mushy but thoughtful ode to why I love you so much: I love you because the feel and smell of your fur this morning somehow went right to the center of my being and made me feel centered and full and happy. I love you because even though I groused about putting on multiple layers of clothing, once you got me outside it was beautiful, even if it was 4 below. We stood still for a moment, and breathed in the clear air, exchanging breaths with the Read More
Archives for February 2011
Lake Austin Spa: Very Good, Travel on United: Very Bad
Travel hell, Spa heaven. That pretty much wraps it up. I'm writing this on our last day at Lake Austin Spa Resort. You need to know that I have absolutely no objectivity at all about this place: They gave Jim and me 3 days lodging, food and great spa services in exchange for my giving three talks during their special program for dog lovers. That said, it's really not possible to do much but rave about the place. It's gorgeous, the food is great, the staff couldn't be nicer AND they allow dogs even when it's not a special week for dog lovers. Yes, there's a down side: The price. This is one of those "If you have to ask . . . " places, but what would we expect of the spa rated the # 1 spa in the country by Conde Nast? But for those who could manage it, try to come next November when Read More
Counter Classical or Counter Operant?
My last post started a good discussion about the use of the term "counter conditioning," (and its use in treating Separation Anxiety) and one of the comments in particular reminded me that the term is often used differently by different people. For years I've always specified "counter classical conditioning" when talking about treatment for SA, for example, when one links something that elicits a positive emotion (like food) with something that elicits a negative one (like fear). But I noticed I've started being lazy and using the term "counter conditioning" when I mean counter classical conditioning. I suspect that's because I don't tend to use the term "counter operant conditioning." Rather, I talk about "training an incompatible behavior" which is basically the same thing. So, to be Read More