The Not-So-Long Down
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Very Good, Very Bad Dog
By Lisa Timpf

Fun fact: The "long down," during which a dog must remain in a down position for an extended period of time, teaches self-control and helps establish the human as the leader.

I am seated at the round kitchen table with my mixed-breed puppy Sneeks lying near my feet. You might not know it to look at me, but I'm actually doing homework.

You see, shortly after Sneeks joined our household, we signed her up for obedience class. Well, I suppose you could say that both Sneeks and I have been enrolled in the class. Since I have a tendency to be a soft touch, the training is helpful in establishing who gets to be the alpha dog. At least, that's the theory. (Keep reading)