No one seems to be writing opinion pieces quite the way I would, so I decided to do it myself.

The name? Taverns are places where one goes to discuss the interesting events and things in the world, so this is my tavern.

I will offer my views on politics, economics, and whatever else strikes my fancy.
I will occasionally publish the entire article from another journal for purposes of causing discussion.

 

Dogs and Children

I never owned a dog before. Lived in too many apartments, and could see no reason to pay a $300 pet deposit so that I could have another responsibility thrown upon me. Then a few years ago I bought a house with a fenced yard, and my son got married. His wife arrived and immediately announced that she wanted a dog. So? We got a White West Highland Terrier, and an orange domestic cat to keep him company while we were all at work. The cat has destroyed every window blind in the house. The dog has adapted to us quite nicely - what can I say?

Then my daughter-in-law [softy that she is] found a starving dog near her work and when no one else volunteered, brought her home to us. OK. Sweet little animal, and now that she has filled out more, she is both social and quite trainable. Apparently she is a sheltie and something mix, still quite slender after a year. I have found that it is quite relaxing and enjoyable for me to let them out into the back yard and watch them play.

They are, of course, pack animals and are concerned about each other member of the pack. Humans are also pack animals, and recognize the dog pack behavior. The dogs greet each of us as we come home, and each dog will occasionally come into the room and simply check up on whoever is there, then, if nothing fun is happening, leave and look for something more interesting. That was the behavior I was taught in the Army. Always keep track of your buddies, and watch out for them. The first thing to do after being attacked is to check with those around you - all them - and determine how and where they are. It is embodied in the Army philosophy that no one is left behind. The Army calls it "unit cohesion". I call it "Pack behavior."

Watch small children with their families in a restaurant or the grocery store. The small child will be watching children just a little bit older than they are to determine what they are doing and as soon as possible, will copy that behavior. They will be absolutely delighted to somehow be included in what the adults are doing. Again - pack behavior. It is hard-wired into dogs and children. It is the first method we have of learning. We copy the behavior of those a little older than we are, and look for the approval of the leaders of the pack.

Which brings me to my point. How do you teach a child to read? Have him or her read to his dog. The dog is a pack member, and it is emotionally rewarding for a small pack animal to relate to another member of the pack. Teacher's Pet Project Nothing To Bark At

I'd have been more comfortable rearing children if I had had dogs first. At their best, they are a lot alike.
posted by Richard at 6:12 PM