The things our dogs teach us

[Malcolm's Dad]

I walked up to the store tonight. On the way back I passed a house with an opened gate. Out came a Beagle. He rushed to my foot and started to bite my foot. I could feel those canines pinching the ball of my foot. I growled ferociously then in a menacing voice said NO! That beagle let go and had a surprised look on his face. After living with Malcolm I've developed quite a menacing growl. It sure worked on that Beagle. I walked on, the Beagle just stood there very puzzled.

Malcolm has taught me how to growl very well. Normally Malcolm does whatever he wants, you know how independent these dogs are. But when I really need him to obey like when he picks up something and he must drop it I use the growl. It's the only thing he recognizes as serious. He will obey after a growl. Ok sometimes it takes two growls. Funny what we learn from our dogs isn't it?

I checked my foot when I got home. It's ok. You can see the teeth marks on my shoe so that Beagle did give it a good bite.

Has your dog taught you anything unique or useful?

[Lynn in TN]

Kelly is teaching me how to look cute to get what I want. LOL She is also teaching me patience. I have tried to growl but she looks at me like YOU'RE NOT DOING IT RIGHT! Ha!Ha!

[pkcrossley]

they teach me to pick up my clothes. and shoes. and books. and money. and dirty laundry must be kept in a chew-proof leaded vault.

[hheldorfer]

My dogs have taught me to get up early, take a nice walk before work and always share my food.

[Malcolm's Dad]

they teach me to pick up my clothes. and shoes. and books. and money. and dirty laundry must be kept in a chew-proof leaded vault.

Lol. So far Malcolm hasn't eaten any money but my last dog did. He chewed up and ate part of a $10 bill. I brought the remains to the bank and asked what to do. They said no problem they could replace it. They asked what kind of dog I had. I told them I had a BAD dog.

[tomatosandwich]

Ha! Awesome story! Divot has taught me that relentless persistence WILL eventually pay off! He will follow us around, whining with a ball in his mouth when he's ready to play fetch. He will not stop until someone gives in.

[Sam I Am]

Jock has taught me to laugh each and every morning I wake up. To love him back unconditionally. He has taught me that all living things on earth have their place in the scheme of things. To enjoy each day as if it’s your last. How to play… even with inexpensive toys…. Like a stick. Savor every bite of good food that reaches my mouth. Cuddle close at night, and sometimes its ok to growl at people if they annoy you. Most of all he has taught me that loving someone (hairy critters and all) is the best treat of all and is rewarded back in spades.

[Hawkeye]

Ha! Awesome story! Divot has taught me that relentless persistence WILL eventually pay off! He will follow us around, whining with a ball in his mouth when he's ready to play fetch. He will not stop until someone gives in.

Oh my that's Radar, relentless persistence! As soon as I get out of bed in the morning he comes to me with a toy ready to play fetch. Playing before my morning coffee?

I am a surviver of parenthood, so that's a tough one to beat. They have showed me how very smart and caring an animal can be.

[Nena]

Ditto Terrier lover!!!!

[lindasue]

Like Pkcrossley Pegi has taught our family (especially the girls) to pick shoes, clothes, chapstick (not sure but she loves them) and not to leave dirty laundry on the floor (especially panties!). Our den, which is the room you come into thru the front door, used to have shoes all over;not any more!