Do you think people treat their pets (especially dogs) about the same way they treat their children?

I specified dogs because dogs train/assimilate. Cats just kind of do whatever the hell they want.

We have two dogs, a large German shepherd named Dakota, and a medium sized spaniel mutt named Dutchess. They spend way too much time in the house IMO. We have a huge fenced back yard. When it’s nice, I’d just as soon they stay outside rather than in the house all day, but my husband feels differently (even though all they do all day is sleep.)

My husband has an office in the house upstairs. However, he’s gone for the day. It’s a beautiful, clear fall day so I “threw” the dogs out. I said, “You two! Outside! Git!” .... and I felt like I was talking to my kids. We didn’t have cable or video games and when they got restless I’d say, “Outside! Go!”

Well, Dutchess, started barking and whining to come back in after just a couple of minutes. My husband would let her in immediately (if I don’t let her in right away he’ll come huffing all the way downstairs to let her in because her barking gets on his nerves) but since he’s not here I’m ignoring her. Took about 10 minutes, but now she and Dakota are playing in the leaves and “chasing” squirrels who are teasing them in the treetops.

That’s how it was with my kids. They might not want to go outside at first, but once they were out there they discovered grand adventures! Way better than anything in the house! (Except me. :)