The same is true for our pets.

          My Schnauzer Button has a tendency to bark at certain people walking by our home. When the people come to him, he wiggles all over and is happy to be petted, but when they are a distance, he barks loudly demanding attention. I have been teaching him this is not acceptable conduct.

          When people walk by whom he seems impelled to greet, I put him on his leash in the house. I could close all three doggy doors, but the leash allows his "brothers" the two Mini Pins La Baron and La Duke to have freedom to go out of the house they only bark at neighbors following Button’s lead.

          The Baron is not pleased to see Button restrained. Button does not mind in the least. He patiently waits the opportunity to be off the leash. In fact, he rather likes the leash, less over which to care. La Baron is five months old but is crafty as an experienced escape artist. He sidles up to three-year-old Button lying before his nose. Picking up the restraining leash, La Baron begins a dedicated chew on the nylon leash, concentrating at one point until he has cut his way through the leash.

          Free, Button knows he is still under control. Button lies peacefully with the chewed leash hanging from his collar. I come in, not blaming Button even though this is his creation, and not blaming La Baron for his creative freeing technique. I put the useless leash away. Quietly I allow Button to remain unrestrained until I tell him "release" whereupon he walks in a circle and begins to play with his real pardoner.