on training puppies...

Another tale from the NANNY FILES...

The family recently got two puppies - even-tempered, beautiful and a kind of rare breed (red irish setter) that isn't easily obtained around here.

One day the woman who bred and sold the puppies called to ask if they'd be willing to sell one to a family whose dog had just died. In the course of conversation, the breeder discovered that these two were just turned loose in the backyard, fed occasionally and only rarely got their poop scooped up.

"You mean they're not being trained? Not going to obedience school?"

She couldn't believe it.

Then she asked if she could buy BOTH the dogs back.

Funny how people know instinctively that a puppy needs careful, patient and intentional training in order to not grow into a wild and obnoxious dog that nobody wants to keep around.

But somehow, with kids, the prevailing philosophy insists that they all know what's best for themselves. That any form of training or restraint or discipline will prevent children from reaching their fullest potential. That if you want to ensure your child's happiness, you need to let him dictate what he "knows" is best for himself.

If you ask me, the only thing we're ensuring in this generation is the next crop of holy terrors. And, just like an untrained and disobedient animal, nobody's going to want them around. We're practically guaranteeing that our kids will grow up to be unruly, unpleasant and unwanted -- and it's all in the name of "love".