The Soggy Potato Chip Theory

Here's something that's probably been funded by our federal government, for probably zillions of dollars in grant money, to some big shots at one of our more prestigious universities.

This psychological study explores the idea that given two bowls of potato chips at a party, one bowl being nice and fresh, the other been old and soggy, that people invited to this party will refrain from eating the soggy chips, until all of the fresh ones have been eaten.

With more time, and the absence of any more fresh chips, the soggy ones will be eaten just the same! The experiment boils down to the hypothesis that "lacking positive attention, we will substitute less desired behavior to fill the void."
Go figure.

Nonetheless, it's true. Lacking positive attention, your pet will do something negative in order to get the amount of attention he requires. Your job is to insure that you give proper attention, therefore avoiding the negative attention getting devices that your pet may employ against you. Don't let your attitude or your temper be seen, as this will be determined by your pet to be the most effective way in which to get all of the attention he wants. Most of the difficulties we have with our pets are as a result of our own resistance to doing what we now know is correct.

Any time your dog can get you to stop in your tracks, and command 100% of your undivided negative attention, you have just inadvertently taught him how to manipulate you. Don't be a Victim! Each time your dog looks at you, even fleetingly, requires a positive verbal response, to appease his need for emotional contact with you. .