Demonstrating "now" and "later"

I’m a bit gutted, really. I’d drafted this really in-depth post about our journey so far, and demonstrating “now” and “later”, and wouldn’t you know it? I forgot to save the draft.

Ah, the maddening life of a blogger.

I can’t promise this post will be as eloquent as its unsaved, unpublished predecessor, but here we go nevertheless.

When I first got into FluentPet, becoming a guide wasn’t even on my radar. I have a tendency to go 110% into a project only for my interest to fizzle out several days in. Surprise, surprise, this did not happen with these communication buttons. Quite the contrary, I fell even more in love with them … and the obsession continues to this day.

I didn’t have to teach Mumen target training since he’d already learned that during his journey to becoming an AKC Advanced Trick Dog, so that certainly saved us a step, but he had no will power to speak of when it came to spamming buttons that gave him what he wanted most of all: access to the sweet, sweet, outside world.

That’s right. I kid you not, he must’ve hit the “outside” button no less than 30 to 40 times a day.

This is where “now” and “later” really came in handy for us when it came to setting boundaries. I strongly recommend introducing them early on in your journey if you don’t want to drive yourself insane by bending to your learner’s every whim at all hours (minutes, seconds) of the day. That first, second, and third “outside” press are all excitement and endorphins and thrill, but the novelty wears off after the thirty-second time in the span of an hour.

You can see me demonstrating “now” and “later” in this short video clip. And yes, he even tries to go outside in that video. Ah, Mumen, the little nature addict.

To summarize, if you’re considering getting started with communication buttons for your pet, definitely consider introducing these helpful buttons early on. And if you have any questions at all about communication buttons, FluentPet or otherwise, don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m more than happy to share our journeys ups and downs, as well as what I’ve learned from the FluentPet research groups.

My next post probably won’t cover FluentPet as much since Mumen will be participating in his very first Fast CAT event at the Packerland Kennel Club, and I like to document all his dog stuff, but I’m always here for questions, comments, or concerns.

Thanks again, I’ll see you next time!