Training a Dog to Find Gold - Why it Won't Work

What was I thinking? Train a dog to sniff out nuggets? Well, let me tell you it's no easy task. First, the dog needs to be trained in the basics. Commands such as: come, sit, heel, stay and lay down need to be understood by the dog.

Problem is my dog, Lindy Ann (aka "Nugget") knows these commands all too well. She know how to get ME to: come when she wants out or needs food or water, sit when she wants to get on my lap, heel when she wants me to stand by while she relives herself, stay while she chases after who-knows-what and lay down when she wants to play.

I thought I was on the right track early on in the training. The enthusiasm my dog exhibited at the renewed attention she was receiving and going for rides to the mountains was quickly replaced by the rolling of her eyes and turning her head to ignore me while I barked out commands. I'm sure my wife taught her that.

I was told I should reward her when she did what I wanted. I found she hates dog biscuits and my wife won't let me use her chocolates which Lindy Ann loves. No reward, no obeying. Again, my wife's influence.

Since dogs have no use for gold (there is no odor or taste and it's no fun to them to play with) why should my dog or any dog, want to sniff out nuggets. As usual, my wife said, "I told you so!"

Oh, by the way, I just sent for a book entitled "Alchemy, The Secret of Turning Lead into Gold." I may be on to something now. Stay tuned.