[nagdu] family arguments about the dog

[solsticesinger]

I used to have arguments like that with various family members, especially 
when I first brought my first guide home. Basically, you just have to stick 
to your guns. Remain calm, if you can. Try and make him understand that 
you're not just arbitrarily making this stuff up, that you have viable 
reasons for the things you are saying.

Good luck.

Shannon and Caroline
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Allison Nastoff" <anastoff at wi.rr.com>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 9:43 PM
Subject: [nagdu] family arguments about the dog


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

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