Saturday 21 January 2012

Whose Turn Is It?

When you have a multiple dog household, they need to be able to handle taking turns; especially when it's time to go out to pee.  Lately, because it's been cold out, I take them out one at a time so when they are done, they don't have to wait around for someone else to find the perfect spot to do their business.  Everything goes well, as long as Beckett goes second.  Not first and not third, second.  The other night, when I got home, Beckett had a little story to tell me...

Beckett:  Dad took us out, but he did it wrong.

Me:  What do you mean "wrong"?  Didn't you go to the bathroom?

Beckett: Yes, but... Maddy went first and then when it was my turn, he didn't take me.  He took Veil. I went LAST, that's not right, is it? I tried to tell him, but he didn't appreciate it. 

Me:  Well, that doesn't make it wrong, just not the way we do it when I'm home.  You all got to go out, so really what is the difference anyway?  You have to take turns.

Beckett:  Taking turns is fine as long as every other time is "mine". 



So this is why Beckett goes "second".  If he goes out first, he is fine when Veil or Maddy goes next, but when she comes in, he thinks it is his turn again. That is what "taking turns" means to him...

Now Maddy takes over the story...

Maddy:  Beckett had a hissy fit when Dad took Veil out instead of him.  Don't worry though, I looked after it.

Me:  You looked after it? 

Maddy:  Yes, I chased him around and barked at his head until he settled down.

Me:  Well that really wasn't necessary, was it?  I think maybe you were just having fun at his expense.


Maddy:  No, I was teaching him, honest.


Miss Veil wants everyone to know that she was just being a perfect little lady during it all.