Watching a young mother at Price Chopper recently, I was reminded of something called “learned behavior.”
Yes, a tragedy was averted, the child was appeased, Mom breathed a sigh of relief, and world peace ensued in our little corner of Slingerlands.
Which leads me to Zac, a bold and audacious Dachshund. Zac is also cute and loveable, earning him the fond nickname of “Pain in the Ptooty.” Because Zac is a barker, and not just because the mailman shows up regularly. Zac has learned that when he barks, it starts a conversation.
“What is it, Zac?” exclaims his owner. “Who’s there?” Her excited tone escalates his barking to a high-pitched frenzy.
“Are you hungry, Zac?”
“Do you have to go outside, Zac?”
“Where’s your ball, Zac? Go get it!”
Zac barks. Zac’s owner responds. Zac barks some more.
It doesn’t take long before Zac speaks up every time he has the inclination. Amazing how much a twelve pound dog has to say.
When did Zac cross the line between charming conversational skills and incessant noise on the order of a Senate philabuster?
Zac’s owner decided she had had enough when a guest came to visit and Zac began a monologue that did not stop. Offers of potty breaks, extra kibble, delectable treats, a squeaky squirrel, petting, lap sitting, and finally, relegation to the back bedroom – nothing stymied the loquacious canine’s tirade.
If you talk to your dog, and she answers, you might be on your way to a behavioral issue. If your dog talks to you, and you answer, you are already there.
The real question is – whose learned behavior is it?
Yours… or your dog’s?
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