37. The re-homed Chihuahua thrives in a structured life

December 22, 2006

3 days before Christmas. Would the re-homed Chihuahua be returned by Rachel's mother? I had to follow up but tried not to be a pest. Rachel's mother said, "Kopi has settled down. He barks very loudly whenever he hears somebody outside the apartment. However he poops on the newspapers inside the playpen."

So far so good. I read a newspaper research article that children strive when given a "structured" life. What is a structured life? It means that a daily routine so that the child does not get upset or surprised, like homeless kids.

A structured life is also necessary for puppies and re-homed dogs. If they have a time-table of what to do daily, they get toilet trained. Submissive dogs become confident and loved.

Disciplining and training of dogs and children seem to have much in common. Would there be similarities in the practice of counseling people and "counseling" dogs with behavioural problems? There may be common principles.