⊰ Petel - Abort ⊱

I studied for about two years in a course for training service dogs for wheelchair users, which is similar but different compared to training guide dogs for the blind. The requirements from the dogs are different; they learn to fetch objects (and do not chew on the way), open doors, and more.

The training is done using a positive reinforcement method called clicker training. There’s a small device that makes a click sound every time the dog does what we wanted, reinforcing the behavior. It’s like a game of hot and cold, where the click tells the dog: “Great job, keep going! I promise you’ll get paid for it later with a treat”-like an IOU.

I trained with a dog named Petel, a Labrador, of course. In Israel, we’re racist, and it’s commonly accepted that this is a job for Golden Retrievers, Labradors, or mixes of the two - the word "Retriever" is already in the breed name. (Abroad, even Rottweilers do an amazing job.)

Petel and I started working on the command to turn on the light. Part of the process involved him figuring out by himself the solution to the "puzzle" of what he needed to do to earn the treat I had. There were times he gave me a reproachful look as if to say, “Seriously? and you couldn’t give me a hint with your eyes or eyebrows?”

We had this board with a square switch next to a light bulb. Petel made great progress toward the goal.
At first, he got a click and treat just for glancing in the direction of the board.
He immediately understood and turned toward it - great job, Petel! Click, treat.
He took a step toward the switch - applause, fireworks, and click!

Petel the genius connected the dots and thought, “If that’s what I got for a glance, turning, and a step, surely I’ll get the big reward if I bring her the thing itself!” So he confidently approached the board, opened his mouth, and tried to rip the switch out of the board using his teeth.

I got pale, looked around to see if any of the instructors or other trainees noticed us, I signaled Petel to stop with a hand gesture across my neck, like a 'cut' motion, and then lifted my hand to a face-palm and sliding it to the side of my face as if creating a barrier between us. If anyone asked, I would deny any connection to Petel—'Does anyone know this dog? I’m not with him.'
And I just said to him commanding tone: ״Petel-Abort!״

A lousy and crooked photo of
Petel at our graduation ceremony.