Apologies for the lateness of the smata-note this week. We got a puppy on Friday and, well, things just got away from me. He (Pluto) is damn cute, and all in all has been an excellent addition to household.
He’s got me thinking too. You see, Pluto is a very willing dog. On Sunday morning (early, early morning!) he followed me around closely and sat at my feet every time I stopped. I noticed my casual ‘good boys’ were really getting his attention, so I paired them with a small reward and a command. Well, ever since, when he sees me he scampers up to me, sits and looks up with wide open eyes: ‘Look how good I am!’ It’s incredibly endearing, pretty much irresistible, but I wonder what would have happened if I hadn’t attended to that tiny clue on Sunday morning.
I’ve argued elsewhere that willingness is the key to learning because it’s where love is found. It’s a disposition that is personal, sitting within the individual. However, that doesn’t mean others have nothing to do with it. By attending to tiny willingness clues, we can amplify a drive to learn that is irresistible.
