I stopped at my regular gas station to fill up the new van, I was down to below a half a tank.  I pulled into the full service as I always do–I have a sensitivity to gas fumes that brings on a migraine.  The service man knows me and my old van, so when I opened my window and leaned out as he came around the back, I managed to surprise him.

     “Squeee, new van.”  I told him.

     “Nice one!”  He said.

     While the tank filled, I showed him all the neat features.  Funny how we all seem to point out the clock and how coolly elegant it is.

     You all have a good one!

     Patience, practice, praise, and a few treats.  Carefully enunciated words accompanied with hand signals and praise, praise, praise when they get it right.  Well, sometimes you need to hold back on the praise because they get a bit too cocky.  That’s when you treat them instead.  Whatever you normally serve them is fine.

     You can use phrases like good boy and atta boy, especially when they accomplish something difficult.  There’s nothing like the way they look at you for approval when they do something they think is difficult–like putting the seat down on the toilet.

     Yes, we’re talking the training of husbands here not the dogs.  Even the most stubborn of dogs is much easier.

     You all have a good one!