So the chef of the house calls out “Diiiiinner Time” and depending on the menu, everyone shows up exuberantly to the table for a delectable feast. And so does Fido!
Everyone sits down to a table of yummy aromatic foods fit for a king or at least our family.
Fido is now circling the kitchen counter, dining room table, and the children’s table (during the holiday season). He’s all ready to join in the festivities with his people. But all of a sudden, out of nowhere, his people act weird and annoyed, sometimes even punitive about his zealous behavior toward the family feast gathering.
Fido then gets sent to his room or crate or banished to the backyard so his people can enjoy a peaceful meal together as humans.
Fido, our favorite canine family member, no longer feels like part of his pack.
Once upon a time, not so long ago, I had a training appointment with a family to help them train their dog. I showed up on time. When I arrived, the au pair answered the door and let me in. The family, including the mom, dad, and three daughters, were all sitting at the kitchen table having lunch. No one got up when I arrived, but I was advised that they would be with me momentarily, which turned into a 10-minute wait.
My only thought, in hindsight, is RUDE.
But this is what we do to our family dogs all the time when we neglect to make our pups a part of our family routines.