Page 9 of Operation K-9 Brothers
“Ah, you were saying?”She was sure she was blushing, which only confirmed that he was right as to where her thoughts had wandered to.
“Since my mama taught me it’s impolite to embarrass a lady, I won’t ask what’s going on in that beautiful head of yours.”
Oh boy.Another sexy smirk like that and her panties were going to melt off without any help from her.Jack Daniels was lady-parts-lethal, something she’d best remember.
“But back to what I was saying.A few tricks you can start doing to establish your role as the alpha dog is be the first out the door and the first back in the house when he’s with you.That’s signaling him that you’re the boss.You do that instead of letting him run out ahead of you and dragging you along behind him.”
“I can do that.”
He smiled, and not immune to that sexy curve of his lips, her heart fluttered.She wondered if she was in over her head with this man.
“Also, when you’re out walking him, keep the leash tight so he has to walk next to you.A step or two behind you is even better.”
“Okay.”That would sure make walking him more enjoyable.He was already getting big enough to be able to pull her along behind him.
“Being a preteen, he has a short attention span, so stop working him when his attention strays away from you.That’s usually about five or ten minutes at first.Before you start a training session, have a playtime to work off some of his energy.He’ll be more attentive then.Always be consistent in his training and go overboard in your praise.Lots ofgood boys and petting.Do that and he’ll show up for his next class with his tail wagging, ready to go to work.”
“That makes sense.”Although everything he was telling her seemed like common sense, it was all stuff she hadn’t considered.
“The first thing he needs to learn is to come when he’s called.That’s important if he ever gets free of his leash while you’re out with him.For a reward, we’ll start with treats, but pretty quickly we’ll wean him off them.I like to use clickers and balls as a reward.”
“Clickers?”
He pulled something out of his pocket that resembled a car remote and pressed a button, letting her hear the clicking noise.“It makes a distinct sound that he’ll learn to associate as praise.Eventually we’ll also use a ball.My dog thinks getting a ball is the best thing in the world.”
“You have a dog?”
“Dakota.She’s a working military dog.Or was.She was hurt, so she’s been retired.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
“So am I.”He walked to where Rambo was pulling the leaves from a bush.“Rambo.”When her puppy ignored him, he said the dog’s name again, but sharper this time, getting Rambo’s attention.
Nichole wanted to ask about Dakota and how she’d been hurt, but she had the impression that Jack didn’t want to talk about it.He showed her how to start teaching Rambo to come when called and how to praise him, and for the next five minutes she worked with her dog.When Jack said it was time to stop, she grinned.She knew it would take more sessions, but already Rambo had made more progress than in the month she’d had him.
“Thank you.That was incredible.”She kneeled and combed her fingers through Rambo’s fur.Jack had told her to always end each lesson on a positive note, so she said, “Good boy.You’re such a good boy.”With his tail swishing like crazy, he flopped over on his back for a tummy rub.
“He catches on pretty fast, so if you can keep on a schedule of three or four short sessions a day, you’ll be happy with his progress.Remember to stay consistent.That’s important.”
“Got it.”She stood.“When can you come back?”Or was she presuming too much?“I mean, if you want to.”
Blue eyes snared hers.“I do want to.Just let me know when you’re free.”
She was free every night, but that sounded too pathetic to say.“Friday.Late afternoon if that’s good for you.That will give me two days to work with Rambo on what we learned today.”
“Works for me.”He glanced down at Rambo.“Well, I guess I better go.”
“Um, okay.”She was tempted to ask if he wanted to watch a movie or something, but it would be embarrassing if he said no.“I’ll walk you to your truck.”Keeping the leash tight so Rambo would have to stay next to her, she strolled alongside Jack.
“Do you have any days off?”he asked.
“I work my booth at the mall Wednesday through Saturday.The rest of my time is spent in my pottery studio.”In the beginning she’d covered all the hours herself, and then came home and made her pottery at night.That had been grueling, so as soon as she could afford it, she’d hired someone to cover her booth on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.
“Yeah?Where’s that?”
“My garage.I’ll show you next time you’re here if you want.”
“Sure.I’d like to see it.”He grinned.“You can teach me how to make an ashtray.Isn’t that what beginners always make?”
