& i'm also curios to know, do the professionals recommend rewarding good behavior & good deeds with treats or do they recommend a little game like perhaps a tug of war with one of her favourite toys?
My understanding, Les, is they advocate both. Why the curiosity? Now that you are retired and have time on your hands are you thinking of getting a dog? There are many benefits. It is hard to avoid getting more exercise if you take your responsibilities seriously. And unconditional love is good for the soul - and with a bit of luck, you'll get that returned from the dog, too. At least you won't get gratuitous sarcasm.
The people that run these training classes make the point strongly that you are not bringing the dog along to be trained. You are coming along to learn the proper way to train the dog. They even went so far as to say if the dog cannot come to a session for some reason, the owner should still come.
I will continue to go to the training sessions not because I am an old dog trying to learn new tricks but as an old dog trying to remember all the tricks that I have forgotten several times.
I think I would have liked Griffo.
You may be right in your view of human nature, but as it doesn't take any skin off my nose, it is not one that I will worry about.
I just notice the standard puzzle is open, so I must go and get a few words.