[nagdu] family arguments about the dog

[Ann Chiappetta]

Hi Alison;
Sounds like your brother doesn't know when to stop the teasing. I agree with 
the  other listers about making a specific time to sit down and calmly 
explain why his teasing bothers you and why it's important that he supports 
you in Gilbert's training. You could ask him to respect your decisions 
regarding Gilbert and if he  continues to be difficult, tell him that when 
he goes too far that it's very hurtful to you. Maybe your parents can help 
by mentioning the no teasing rule before you sit down for dinner.


I have a neighbor who is always trying to give Ro treats and can't take no 
for an answer.  I take the treat and say I will give it to her later. Then I 
throw it away when I get home.She's one of the more stubborn folks I know.
Annie & Ro

 ----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Allison Nastoff" <anastoff at wi.rr.com>
To: <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 10:43 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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