Re: I don't THINK I need to worry....

On Thu, 15 Sep 2005 22:12:03 +0300, Opinicus wrote:

> So would I. The problem arises when the humans don't
> correctly interpret the canines' warning and don't back off.

Sometimes, humans shouldn't back off.

Case in point:

I have two chairs in front of the TV. I usually sit in one when I'm
watching, and my Bear often sits int it when I am not.

My mother was over, and we'd both grabbed plates of whatever and headed
in to watch TV. I was first, and Bear was in my chair.

As soon as he saw me, he hopped out and ran over and hopped into the other
chair. Without my saying a word.

When my mother approached the other chair, he growled.

This is not a situation where you want to back off. He's growling to see
if he can get away with it. And if you let him, you're just setting
yourself up for future problems.

That said, I don't mean you should attack him, mess about with "alpha
rolls", grab his collar and pull him off, etc. Just tell him to get off
the damned chair, and make sure he complies.

--
I have noticed also myself, gentlemen, that when men seek for nothing in
warfare but only life at all costs, they are generally the ones to die,
and that with disgrace and ignominy; but when they recognize that all
men must die, for this is their common lot, and strive only to die with
honor, these I generally see growing to old age, and while they live,
much happier.

Learn this lesson yourselves, for now is the time we need it: be men
yourselves, and encourage others to do the same.

- Xenophon, "Anabasis"

.

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