YOUR DOG IS NOT THE HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD.
A funny, practical look at manners, boundaries, and rewarding better choices.
SUNDAY SCHOOL PRESENTS / BEHAVIOR 101
THE GOOD DOG DEPARTMENT.
Good dogs. Questionable decisions.
For the dog parents raising four-legged children, sharing rent-free living space, and negotiating with somebody who doesn't speak English.
They're our babies, our best friends, and occasionally our biggest personalities. Let's talk about the habits, big feelings, and everyday behaviors that come with loving a dog.
01 / THE BEHAVIOR FILES
We need to talk about your roommate.
They don't pay bills. They have opinions about everything. And somehow, they're still running the house.
CASE FILE 01 / BOUNDARIES + MANNERS
Your Dog Is Not the Head of Household.
Who made them head of household?
Begging, jumping, taking over the couch? Reward better choices and practice consistent boundaries.
CASE FILE 02 / INDEPENDENCE + CONFIDENCE
You Can Love Me and Still Let Me Leave the House.
Is following you everywhere always a problem?
Following you everywhere is one thing. Panicking when you're gone is another. Build confidence gradually.
CASE FILE 03 / WALKS + SOCIAL SKILLS
Everybody Outside Is Not Your Friend.
Does every sidewalk encounter need to be a meet-cute?
Not every dog wants to say hello. Learn body language, personal space, and calmer walks.
CASE FILE 04 / BOREDOM + ENRICHMENT
Unemployed. Understimulated. Unsupervised.
Why are your shoes suddenly their favorite toy?
They have a toy basket but still want your shoes. Let's talk sniffing, play, and mental stimulation.
CASE FILE 05 / COMMUNICATION + TRAINING
They Know Their Name. They're Just Busy.
Are they ignoring you, or just focused elsewhere?
Coming when called takes practice. Short sessions, good timing, and rewards make a difference.
02 / THE ROOMMATE REPORT · CASE NO. 001
The bathroom has become a group activity.
THE SITUATION
Your dog follows you everywhere. Even the bathroom. Privacy? Apparently optional.
WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON
Dogs follow us for affection, curiosity, habit, or anticipation. It doesn't automatically mean separation anxiety.
TRY THIS
Reward relaxing on a mat nearby. Gradually practice brief independence. For genuine separation distress, consult a veterinarian or qualified reward-based behavior professional.
VERDICT: Very attached. Still allowed to have boundaries.
03 / THE READING ROOM
A little advice for the dog-parent group chat.
Three lessons for people who love their dogs like children but could use help negotiating household rules.
YOU CAN LOVE ME AND STILL LET ME LEAVE THE HOUSE.
Understanding attachment, independence, and alone-time confidence.
UNEMPLOYED. UNDERSTIMULATED. UNSUPERVISED.
Why bored dogs find their own entertainment—and what to do about it.
Good dogs are always learning.
And so are we. A little patience, consistency, and love can make everyday life better for both ends of the leash.
CLASS DISMISSED. TREATS ENCOURAGED.