March 8th 2007 7:35 am
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Guilty Dog Owner!

My dog, Chai, is an expert at making me feel guilty. She has facial expressions and puppy eyes that say, "If you loved me you would...[give me a bite of your grilled cheese sandwich]...[let me stay outside for a little longer]...[stop what you're doing and play with me]..."

I wonder if Chai actually knows she is manipulating me or if it's just her canine instinct and facial reaction to her woof-centered moods and wants.

Of course, as a guilty dog owner, I proceed to unwrap myself from her pinkly toe (finger?) and giver her what she wants. At this point I have to apologize to all of the dog trainers and people who think a dog should be perfectly trained into absolute obedience with manners befitting a tea party with the Queen.

I think Chai's manipulative manners are quite cute and they giver her and even more childlike stature. Now, if she wasn't in good health and a bite of the grilled cheese would harm her I would absolutely substitute the treat for a more healthy alternative. But, for now, she is happy, mannered to my liking, and in great health; so, Queen Elizabeth, we'll have to pass on the tea party unless you will give Chai a crumpet. You know what, come to think of it, it sounds a bit stuffy for me, too.

What are your thoughts on the manipulative nature of dogs?

Tom Berger
Co-Owner
Pretentious Pooch
Baltimore Maryland Dog Boutique
1017 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
443-524-7777
www.pretentiouspooch.com