As I sit in the Summer Executive Suite, the wonderful three-season porch, I realize how important it is to ask Hobbes for what I want. Let me explain. Recently he developed the habit of barking at people in hats, kids on skate boards, and dogs walking by the house. He wants them to know he sees them and please stay out of his yard. Since we live on the way to the very popular Linden Hills Park, we have lots of foot traffic. The challenge is Hobbes needs to remember to observe and be quiet.

Sometimes I say, "Hobbes, NO Bark!" And he barks again. Then I remember one of the international TTouch® instructors', Debby Potts, quick exercise. In class we discussed how dogs really don't understand "No." They tend to filter it out. So she said "Think of any color but red." Then a few seconds later, "Remember any color by red." Then about 30 seconds later, "I did say any color by red." What color are you think about right now?  You get the picture. We were all thinking RED! We all ignored the word "no!" We heard red, red, red.  Now imagine what our pets hear when we say "no bark." They hear "bark" and do a great job of barking for us.

Today I complimented Hobbes on "quiet" and gave him occasional treats when he quietly watched the world pass by "his porch." We enjoyed a quieter afternoon with an occasional comments  or acceptable grumbles from Hobbes.  This resolved the problem of a barking dog. Even John is telling Hobbes to "blow kisses" to everyone walking by.

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Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Take care,

Elaine