Training dogs -- and people

Reggie the Cavalier has trained her owners well

I once (okay, many times through the years) saw a movie entitled, "If A Man Answers."

The thin plotline revolved around newlyweds, portrayed by real-life couple at the time, Sandra Dee and Bobby Darrin, adjusting to life together. Keeping the honeymoon alive sort of thing.

In a nutshell, Sandra's character, feeling neglected by her hubby, who was busy photographing sexy models, was encouraged by her very wise French mother to whip her new spouse into shape using the rules in a dog training manual.

What a goofy idea.

What a goofy movie.

But, is it?

No, I am not suggesting people resort to this sort of thing with people. Well, not too much.

However, I do recommend people use a training manual on their real dogs.

Continually, I read comments on social media regarding perceived bad dog behavior by frustrated humans.

It puzzles me. Greatly.

Dogs are intelligent, and if properly trained, they give you all they've got. The good manuals work like a tasty dog treat (which are used in the training process).

Before bringing my own dog into my world, I trained myself so I could give her all I had.

It worked. She's a dream. Of course, she is also a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, so her breed has a little something to do with her disposition.

But, back to the movie.

As in any good romantic comedy, there is always the best friend/evil bitch character, who flirts with the married man and betrays her BFF. This 60's-era flick was no exception.

Spilling the beans, over one-too-many cocktails, was that character. Portrayed with all the sultriness she could muster, was Stephanie Powers (not the goody-goody she portrayed years later in Hart-to-Hart).

Of course, Bobby's character brought tepid rage to the screen, and Sandra's character pleaded, wide-eyed and dimples, for forgiveness.

In the end, it seemed the dog training book did the trick, as all was forgiven and a baby was on the way. 

Too bad, it doesn't end well when people DO NOT use a training manual for real-life dogs.

-- Pam

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