It's A Dog's Life

Monday, July 30, 2007

Dear Buddy, Samantha, Scout, Romeo, Diego, Bear, Mini, Biggles, and other dog friends,

Most of my many very interesting posts are directed at the human world. But, I need to ask my dog friends something.

The other day my guardian asked me a question, and I need to know what the correct answer is. She said, “Rowan, how many times do I have to give you a command before you obey?”

I was thinking four?

How do you all handle this situation with your guardians?

Just wondering,

Rowan

8 Comments:

  • Scout says: 70 times 7 would be a good call.

    sooner if there is food involved.

    later if it involves coming inside when I want to be out

    By Blogger Diane M. Roth, at 9:20 AM  

  • Well, I usually tell humans "I will obey you when there is something in it for me." That's the truth, after all!

    If there's a treat or butt scratch involved, I do it the first time. If there's squirrels to chase or cats to attack or weird stuff to smell, it'll take a while.

    Overall I do my best to listen, but we all know that I'm the alpha in this relationship and basically it's her job to do what I tell her.

    ~romeo

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:12 AM  

  • Chita says she usually obeys commands upon the first request. But sometimes when she is having a bad day, it might take a second.

    Tiki says if you hide under the bed long enough, the human doesn't bother you and you don't have to obey anything. (Except for the rules of doing business outside...)

    And Senorita says that she gives the orders around the house and everyone should stop everything for her upon the first command to do so. Otherwise she bites the back of the human's heel, or tries feverishly to stick her tounge up the human's nostril. (They find that particularly annoying.)

    By Blogger Rockstar Mom, at 10:02 AM  

  • Thank you very much for these insightful comments. I appreciate the help.

    I think Lindy would like it if I took Chita's approach and obeyed after only one request. But, I don't know. When Lindy is confused about something sometimes she will say that it's on a scale. That way she doesn't have to commit to one position of the other. Sexuality and cleanliness, for example, are both on scales around here. I think obedience might be on a scale too.

    I told Lindy about Scout's answer and she did concede that 490 is the number of times she has to forgive me for not obeying. But, practically, it has to be a number I can actually count to. I have four fingers on each paw so maybe, 16?

    I am as confused as ever.

    I'd say that this issue remains unresolved for now.

    Love,

    Rowan

    By Blogger Lindy, at 6:09 PM  

  • Excuuuuuuuuuuse me?! COMMAND? Get a grip Row-Beau! Who is wearing the pants (well fur...well, fur pants...well, hey that sounds interesting) anyway who is wearing the pants in your house? Maybe "invitation" or "suggestion" and of course the always acceptable plaintive cry. Accompanied by chow of course. With turkey top dressing.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:13 PM  

  • Dear Mini,

    My guardian rolled her eyes and said that she expected as much from you. But, she said that your secret is that you are a well-behaved boy who simply doesn't have to be given a lot of commands.

    I wish I could come over and play with you.

    Love,

    Rowan

    By Blogger Lindy, at 9:51 PM  

  • Rowan,Rowan,Rowan (I am shaking my head as I am saying this)I personally do not follow commands from my guardian at all. I patiently wait while my guardian explains her "command" to me and after a suitable period of time I will accomplish whatever the "command" suggested. Not because my guardian "commanded" me,(listen closely, because this is the important part), but because I "felt" like it. It was my idea...not, my guardian's. Hopefully this little hint will help in your situation. Let me know if you need any more advice.
    Your good friend,
    Samantha

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:49 AM  

  • Samantha,

    My guardian said that dog's behavior is often a reflection of their guardian's behavior.

    Then she laughed for a really long time.

    Sniffs and licks to you,

    Rowan

    By Blogger Lindy, at 12:18 PM  

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