Chattering

When I enter Otto's mew, I instinctually try to be as silent as possible. I don't want to spook the Great Horned Owl, after all. But then my mentor reminded me that predators slink along quietly. She suggested that I talk to him to make it clear that I'm not a predator trying to sneak up on him.

I understood the assignment, but found it difficult. I'm a naturally quiet and concise person and have a hard time chatter away without a structured conversation.

Otto keeps his eye on me when he has food enrichment in his talons.

When my daughter was born, I got the same recommendation. You must talk to your baby to strengthen brain development and language skills. I was surprised how easy it became to narrate my day to a little human.

Luckily my newly acquired parenting skill transferred into Otto's mew. Now I find a stream of words coming out of my mouth during training sessions as I describe where I'm moving, what the glove is doing, and what type of treats are in my pouch. And out of habit, I often end our sessions with a singsong "all done!" just like my daughter ends her snack times. Being a mom has made me a better trainer in ways I didn't expect!