[nagdu] family arguments about the dog

[Allison Nastoff]

Hi List,
I consider myself a pretty easygoing person with regard to people 
interacting with Gilbert, but one thing that I am absolutely 
adamant about is making sure that Gilbert is not given any table 
scraps or treats without my permission because I don't want him 
to start begging the way the pet dogs I grew up with did, not to 
mention keeping him healthy.
The dog trainer told me that he usually gave Gilbert only one 
treat each day just before going to bed, a ritual which I have 
continued.  I will make exceptions of course, like when he goes 
to the vet or the groomer, but generally he only gets one milk 
bone treat a day, and absolutely no table scraps besides the 
crumbs that inadvertently fall on the floor.  My parents respect 
my feelings on this matter.  My friends in the college dorm 
respect my feelings on this issue.  My brother does not.
My brother is in college and lives in his own apartment.  But 
when he comes home for dinner occasionally, it is always the same 
argument.
Brother: "Gilbert, do you want some chicken?"
me: "No, Gilbert can not have table scraps."
Brother: COME on, why not? Dogs love chicken!"
Me: Of course they love chicken, but I want to keep Gilbert 
healthy, and since he is a guide dog, I do not want him to come 
to expect table scraps, and then he will start begging."
Brother: All right, I am giving him a milk bone then." (He gets 
up, walks to the pantry, pulls out the container of milk bones 
and shakes it).  "Gilbert, you want a treat?"
Me (standing up and shouting now): "No! Do not give him a treat!"
Brother: Come on! What is the harm in letting him have one milk 
bone?"
Me: "There is no harm, but he is my guide dog, so I would like to 
decide when he gets treats, and I do not want him to have a treat 
right now! He will get a treat before bed!"
He grudgingly put the treats back and dropped the subject, but I 
am sure we will have the same argument again next time he comes.
So I was wondering:
1.  Does anyone have similar arguments with family members over 
their dogs?
2.  Is there a better way I could handle this kind of situation? 
and
3.  Am I being overly anal? My brother does not come that often, 
so should I just let my brother indulge Gilbert and give him a 
treat?
I am interested in hearing your thoughts on this subject.
Allison and Gilbert