Canine-human relations II
Hal likes to watch “The Dog Whisperer” on TV. He even went out and bought his book. I think his show is pretty entertaining, and he has had success. The thing is though; those dogs had “issues”. I don’t. Luckily for Hal, he doesn’t try to be Cesar Milan- I’d turn him into Caesar Salad.
There are some dogs out there that are so insecure that they need a human to play “pack leader”. They show aggression, or they chase their tails, or display some other unpleasant behavior. I don’t judge them. I probably don’t play with them either. As I’ve said before, humans and dogs are best when there’s equality in the relationship. Hal’s not pack leader, and neither am I. We take turns.
Basically, Hal and I have an agreement. I agree to do whatever he asks, and he agrees to only ask me to do what I want. When we go for walks, we are partners. Sometimes I set the pace, he needs to be pushed; sometimes he sets it, I don’t want to give him a heart attack. Sometimes I’ll go over and meet another dog, and sometimes Hal says let’s not stop here.
I’m his fitness instructor; he’s my nutritionist. As he gets in better shape, I push him to try harder, step up the pace. There are also all sorts of delicious treats I find on the walk. He doesn’t let me have them. I pick them up, I’m a dog, it’s what I do. Hal makes me give them to him and throws them away. He’s not bossing me, he’s looking out for me.
