hisdarkmark | Thirty-Seventh Hex

[Hi Luceti. Today if you happen to be walking anywhere in the village, you might notice an overenthusiastic malamute attached to a leash. At the other end of said-leash is a rather disgruntled British wizard, more or less glaring at the dog as he's dragged along.

Stupid Arumat. Of course he had to disappear and shoulder him with the responsibility of yet another life. It was strange knowing that the man, the last original housemate, was officially gone. Not necessarily sad, though there was a hollow feeling he hadn't been able to shake off ever since he'd realized what had happened.

He didn't get much time to reflect on it though, seeing how the malamute has been working him. On their walk today, the dog's busy barking at pretty much everything, trying to pull Draco in all directions to sniff all the things.]

Gods, you're obnoxious, aren't you?

[He wraps the leash around his wrist to make it a tighter hold, using his free hand to make a grab for his journal while Edge is still pulling him along.]

I can't believe I'm asking this...

Dog training. What do any of you know of it? Time's a factor here, I'm half-tempted to toss him into the lake at this point.

[Later in the day, in fact, he will be at the lake. His lake. The South Lake. Edge the Malamute seems to have calmed down, but Draco's sitting up and a bit on edge. His wand's in front of him, and he seems to be concentrating.]

Expecto Patronum. [Nothing.] ...Expecto Patronum! [Still nothing. A frustrated sigh later and he's back to consulting Luceti as a whole. Though the journal's in his hands, he's hesitating for a moment. It'd be much easier if Hermione were still here, but she's not. That's a fact. She won't be returning anytime soon, so he'll have to make do with the resources he has.]

...second question for the lot of you. When do you reckon it's appropriate to give up on something?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Then he may not yet know any commands. How old is this dog, do you know?

Not entirely certain. Arumat has had him for a while, I know that much. He can't be that old though. A year, at the most, if I really had to guess.

Then he may yet be trained, so long as you are patient. [A beat.] Would you like me to come assist you in person?

If only to see if you can get him to respond, sure. We're in the center of the village.

He might. He might not. It is worth a try, though...I will meet you shortly.

[It wasn't that far a walk to the plaza, though she does take a moment to look around, trying to see either Draco or dog.]

[What Adele will find is Edge practically galloping through the village as he barks, Draco stumbling along behind him and digging both heels into the ground.]

Edge, you idiot! I said heel!

[Step one: Don't laugh. Just. Don't.

Step Two: Whistle. Sharp, clear, commanding. If that doesn't get the dog's attention, call it's name.

Step Three: ...she'll see how step two goes, first.]

[Lo and behold, Edge stops, tilting his head toward Adele because of that whistle. Draco is just thankful he finally stopped.] ...brilliant.

[Adele manages not to feel too smug about this- Draco may not have much experience with dogs. And while it has been some time the basics are the same.]

Edge- Come.

[A low, firm, commanding tone. It might work.]

[Now this one confuses Edge, who just tilts his head and looks at Adele. Why should he come when you're right there? He doesn't move though, and for that Draco's grateful.] Told you, stubborn.

I'm an unfamiliar person. He has no reason to listen to me, really. That takes time. Or.

[She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a few scraps of raw beef she had in a packet Helios set out for Luminair.] Treats.

Edge- [She holds out a bit of meat.] Come.

[Edge looks up at Adele, down at the meat in her hand, back to Draco...and starts to drag the blonde forward.] Hey! [But Edge is not stopping until he's within reach of the treats in Adele's hand.]

...gods, he's as bad as Crabbe and Goyle.

Good boy Edge. [Adele kneels to give the dog the bit of meat, reaching up to ruffle his ears.]

Command, then reward. It is fairly simple.

[Adele is the best ever. Edge has decided this, licking her fingers a bit as he takes his reward. Draco just hovers back, watching in half-awe and half-disgust.] Is that really going to work every single time though? What if he realizes he won't be getting rewards forever?

You always offer rewards. It might not always be a treat, but you always reward him with a kind word and pets. It reinforces the good behavior.

[Adele scratches Edge's ears with a soft, fond smile.]

He's smart enough to recognize the pattern.

Thirty-Seventh Hex - [Voice/Action]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice]

[Voice/Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]

[Action]