I did not Punish my Dog. That was the wrong word. Please, forgive me for using tan inappropriate

[Mike 03]

word. I DID NOT MEAN it how it came out. My dog is smart enough he knows how to break into the closet where I keep his food.

I just meant, Should I feed him two dinners? "Punish" was a dumb word to use. I have worked for animal shelters since 1999.

I admit this is a vanity post, in the sense I would be horrified to think anybody would or could think I would be cruel to animals. My dog probably has saved my life, and that is not an exaggeration.

Anyway, my post was poorly stated. My dog is the joy of my life, and I just meant, should I feed him two dinners. I am sure I would not even be alive without my amazing animal companion. But my post was poorly stated.

[Peregrine Took]

1. You sound like a very good person and your dog sounds like a

wonderful companion so don't beat yourself up.

Sometimes when my dog goes into his "screaming bark" that makes my blood pressure shoot up to 200 I yell "I'm going to KILL you if you don't' SHUT UP!" but he knows I don't mean it.

Please don't deprive him of a meal if he's hungry, though, after all - all we have is love!

[david13]

12. My cat does that. A screaming screeching fit, basically. It sort

of aggravates me, and I will yell at him to come to me.
I always think it is because he is lonely, or not getting enough attention, or fearful of being alone or fearful of the future.
So I may pick him up and hold him, to reassure him.
But it may just be that he is crowing like a rooster. Blowing his horn so to speak. Putting out a call to the female of the species or something.
dc

[Duer 157099]

2. Here's a book that you would really appreciate

I just finished listening to the audiobook version (free download from my library) and as much as I thought I already knew about my dog, this book really helped explain a few more things in good detail.

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

http://www.amazon.com/Inside-Dog-What-Dogs-Smell/dp/1416583408/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1266972275&sr=8-1

I know this has nothing to do with this thread or the original thread (which I saw but didn't post in) but having just read this book, it was on my mind and thought I'd mention it.

[Skittles]

3. you're awesome

:thumbsup:

[OhioChick]

4. Don't sweat it....

:)

[mitchum]

5. "Consequence" is always more appropriate than "punish"

[distantearlywarning]

6. It's ok.

I read the whole thread, and while I agree with the responses that the responsibility for keeping the dog out of the food belongs to you, I also think you seem like a caring and loving dog owner.

:hug:

[kimi]

7. I read a couple of your posts

and knew right off that you adored your dog and that you never meant that you'd punish him. :) If even a newby like me knew that, I'd think that everyone would.

I have cats, and I know exactly what you mean when you say that your pet companions keep you going. My kids are my joys also, but if it weren't for the blessings my cats give me, I don't know how I'd face some days. Your meaning was perfectly clear, from the git-go.

[femmocrat]

9. Welcome to DU, kimi!

:hi:

[kimi]

10. Thank you!

I'm glad to be here! :hi:

[femmocrat]

8. You worry too much!

No need to explain to the likes of us! LOL It's obvious that you are a great Doggy-Daddy.

:hug:

[Generic Brad]

11. I don't endorse waterboarding him either

[david13]

13. I have never disciplined an animal. They know what they are doing.

They know how to be cats and dogs.
I may redirect them, or outwit them in some way (sometimes), but you see your dog sees that he is doing you a favor.
He is feeding himself, so you don't have to go to the trouble. It makes sense. Why wouldn't he help himself. He feels like he is helping you out.
My cat is a grazer, so I always leave food out for him all the time.
My cat does not see the toilet as a toilet. He sees it as an ordinary source of water. Like a lake, pond, swimming pool, or river, from which to drink.
So I keep the seat down at all times. Easy.
I think it helps to look at it thru' the animals eyes. How do they look at it. What are they seeing and interpreting.
Like counters, desks, etc. Some people think, oh, the cat cannot get on the counter or the desk. That is not the way the cat sees it. He sees the counter and the desk as a cat platform, designed to give him the height advantage he needs to relate to me.
So look for their point of view. That may help.
dc

[Shell Beau]

14. It is really no biggie. I could tell by your post that is what you meant.

I didn't reply in that thread because everyone had pretty much told you the best thing to do, but I never got an image of you actually punishing your dog. It's all good. You are a good doggy companion.

[Bucky]

15. It's too late. I've already called PETA on you. A naked supermodel is on her way over right now.

She will throw fake blood on you and tell you hamburger is murder.

Please don't put us in this position ever again.

                    PS, you sound like a concerned dog owner. Two dinners isn't good for them.