OK, just why do we do it? What do we get out of it? What do we want out of it? And are we sure they have not taken over?

Why do we do it? - lots of fun, training very rewarding, love dogs to pieces,
What do we get out of it? - ah so much i could go on for ages, keeps me fit with all the walking, i have a wonderful faithful friend :D
Are we sure they have not taken over? - oh yes he has definitely taken over :D

Heidi

I often ask myself this Jackie :d And as to your second question, I often wonder just how much of the settling in process consists of our dog learning to do as he's told and how much consists of us settling for what concessions he allows us ;)

Best wishes, John

sorry Jackie i missed one out, what do we want out of it - a happy, healthy well behaved lab,

Heidi

I like it John........I will have to remember that, have never been sure how it translates into words before.  Spot on.

Sandra

My Bethany always left me wondering how much I trained her to live with me and just how much she trained me into accepting what she was prepared to give, Sandra. She was not called BBB (Big Bad Bethany) for nothing!!

Best wishes, John

<<<OK, just why do we do it? What do we get out of it? What do we want out of it? And are we sure they have not taken over? >>>

Why do we do it ? Because we must have a screw loose ;)
What do we get out of it ? Madness and fun :)
What do we want? The sheer enjoyment I think :)
Have they taken over ? Bloody right :D :D

And isnt that why we love them so x

Jean

Been thinking if I can answer my own questions and I am not sure that I can. Think the answer to the last one is yes, I am sure my life and that of the other humans revolves around the fact that I own several dogs, well hounds actually. Not sure how much is the hounds manipulation of me and how much is because I like an easy life.

But as to the first 3 questions I can only conclude that we have a genetic fault that makes us desire to not only have our lives ruled but either the house work increased or our turning a blind eye to the hair on the floor and the dirty mark up to about 2" taller than our dogs all round the wall and on any furniture that has not been wrecked anyway. The fact that any clothing bought must not show hair and must, simply must have pockets big enough for titbits, leashes and poobags, and all shoes and boots must be waterproof.