What Old Yeller taught me

Apparently there is much controversy over this article. Frankly, I don’t see why. It’s a light hearted article, and it doesn’t subscribe to this idea that all males are knuckle-dragging imbeciles who should be kept in cages.

In fact, I can say that I tried to use this technique with my partner some time ago.

Recognising that she is a free spirited young woman, I knew that there were things that would come naturally to her, and others that would not. She is a social creature, so socialising comes easy to her, however giving specific attention does not.

She also has bouts of rage – a result of her passion.

During phases in where she yells endlessly about some small chore not being done because she sits on the couch, I stare at her blankly.

However, if she shows me attention, I respond in kind.

If she gets into trouble whilst being out and social, I do nothing. Neither reward nor chastise. I simply sit and stare blankly.

However, I applaud when she shows some thoughtfulness and considers me for a change.

When she sneaks out to be with her new boyfriend, yet still yells at me for intruding on her personal space, I do nothing.

When she abuses me when I come within five feet of her, as I am mopping that part of the floor, despite the fact that she is writing love notes to her boyfriend, I don’t reward that behaviour either.

When she blames me for all her shortcomings and her unfulfilled life, I say squat.

However, when gets the hell out of my life, I applaud her. God knows it was hard for her to “make” that decision.

I think even the most hardened animal trainer would acknowledge that some animals simply don’t want to be trained.

The animal kingdom is large and diverse.