Are any of you familiar with the word "procrastination"? This is an annoying trait that almost all people exhibit in some measure and which is totally alien to the canine understanding. If a dog wants to do something or avoid something he means NOW!. People, however, seem to derive some vague satisfaction out of talking about things they intend to do some time in the future, or even things they SHOULD do but have no intention of doing at any time. Exercising and Diets are the things they are most likely to talk about but avoid doing. People use words like "wait", "later" or "tomorrow" all the time. Don't worry! You do not need to know what they mean. Your job is to help your companions overcome their slothful ways and give effect to their more enobling intentions NOW.
This is not always easy because not only are even the most adorable companion persons inclined to be lazy and procrastinate, they are also likely to be devious and try to keep you from detecting these vices in them. There is no place where this is more clearly evident than in what I call, "The Language of Walks". They know that you are forthright and sincere in you own communication and that if you hear them talking about a walk, you will leap into action and help them get motivated to actually go and do it. To avoid this they will come up with all sorts of alternate words for "walk" and use these so that they can indulge their need to express noble intentions without being called upon to get out of the easy chair.. A dog who is concerned about his companions will learn to recognize these alternate terms and lead his persons on to accomplish their modest goals.
This list of word and phrases is not exhaustive but it does include things my own parents say to try to fool me.
If you know any other word, my parents will probably be trying them out next week so I would appreciate it if you could write and tell me. Just click on my address here.
