The challenge of human ownership

I am often asked if the cost and time required to train a human is worth the effort. The answer must, of course, be different for every dog. But the simple fact is that most of us find that the rewards of a relationship with a well-behaved, well-socialized primate far outweigh the sacrifices required.

Of course, not every is as human-happy as I am. I am currently raising not one, but two humans. Many dogs would find my situation exhausting. The old saying that it “takes a pack to raise a human” has never been more true.

An excellent example of a more workable arrangement may be found on the Pawpound, where my seven friends, the Yahoos!, are raising two humans. They share the responsibility for training, walking, and looking after these two humans. They share shedding responsibilities and take turns teaching the humans to give up non-productive activities (like working a “job” or “reading”) in favor of belly rubbing and ear scritching.

A word of warning, however. Even the most experienced Primate Dog can get caught by surprise. A moment of relaxed attention and this could happen to you:

Luckily, I am a professional and recovered nicely by utilizing the Guilt Trip training technique combined with the Very Sad Look method. In no time, I was being given many treats and received a very nice Booda Bone. It was clear my humans could learn.

I leave you with this thought. If you will not train a human, who will? Consider all the damage done to this planet by untrained humans and ask yourself if you really can’t find time to be a part of the solution.

I wish you good human-herding!