dog training days

I’ve seen a look in dogs’ eyes, a quickly vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts.

John Steinbeck (1902 -1968)

People are difficult to train properly. When the lady human wakes up, she goes to the kitchen for coffee. Two dogs follow in expectation of getting a dog biscuit. Their training is rewarded. On the other hand, the man’s movements are not followed with any interest until he puts shoes on. To them, his role is to get up, get dressed and get the dog leashes from the basket in the front room.

Knowing the man gets easily distracted by his computer screen in the morning, he needs specific attention and training in habits. This is no time to get fat and lazy in semi-retirement! Early risers can get out and about, before the summer heat, to dog-parks, hillside aerobics, and socializing with other passers-by. Life-coach Dexter sits under his feet while he gets his shoes on. Motivational-coach Comet pokes him with a paw to move faster with those shoes. Speech-maker Dexter “harumphs” until the man puts down that second cup of coffee. It is now past time to get a little exercise.

Get your shoes on, mister.