My dogs copped an attitude with me the other night because I wouldn't let them sleep in my bed and used symbolism to espress how they felt so I woke to find 7 piles scattered throughout the house. I decided to treat them like kids (no rubbing noses in it. that only creates a crap eater), I even minimized the scolding to only letting them know my displeasure with them as I pointed the mess out and attached plastic bags to their collars. I then made them follow me to each pile and help "clean it up" by carrying the products of their escapade to the "honey pit" where I dispose of toxic animal wastes. Sounds crazy, I know but it had a positive effect. I was shaken awake by my chow/lab yesterday morning in time to catch the hound leaving me another present. I made her help to clean it up by carrying it to the pit. This morning both dogs were asleep on their pallet in the corner of my room and no "stogie blunts" to greet me. Next thing I know they will want happy meals when we go to Mickey D's :>)

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), March 05, 2002

Answers

The only piles I have ever found when I woke up was about a 300-400 pound pile of dogs taking up most of the bed.

-- Bob Herrick in So. Calif. (herrickr@inreach.com), March 05, 2002.

My big worry is that if I was ever fortunate enough to have a new man, where would he fit in the bed? Time to retrain the animals? Would I? You bet! BTW Jay, pretty cool idea you had. Also, one of my dogs tells me when the cat is being naughty and getting into something. I love it when she tattles, it's so funny. Just like kids. That cat hates dogs, expecially the tattle tale. One more thing, how do I make paragraphs on these posts? I've forgotten.

-- Susan in Northern LP Michigan (cobwoman@yahoo.com), March 05, 2002.

Jay - you're right - it does sound crazy. But I am just amazed that it worked. I am not that creative - but this is one I will remember. Do you have any other inovative techniques with your dogs?

-- Dianne (willow@config.com), March 05, 2002.

Thanks Jay. LOL I needed that. I've had two really long, tiring days and that really made me laugh. I have a dog that I have whelped. She thinks I have to have her puppies with her. She actually has morning sickness and throws up. Then she sleeps endlessly and has craving for weird things, like avocados. And, then we have puppies together. One litter she began having in my bed while I was sleeping. I had to try to maneuver (sp?) around her and whatever pups she had in the dark to get out of bed and turn on the lights. - Sheryl

-- Sheryl in NJ (all295@aol.com), March 05, 2002.

Jay, What a great way for you to show your displeasure. Dogs really do think as you all know. And, I do buy my dogs a small burger when we go to town. They only get a happy meal if there is a really good prize in it! LOL

-- Karen in Kansas (kansashobbit@yahoo.com), March 06, 2002.