"Janet Boss" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Paul E. Schoen" wrote:

I yelled at Muttley, told him that was a "NO!", and put him out while I
cleaned the mess and surveyed the damage.

caught Muttley in the act of once again cracking open his
"oyster" to get at the furry critter that had probably been inside. This
time he did not do as much damage, but I let him know I didn't like his
behavior, and I put the trap back, trying to make it even harder for him
to
get at.

Where on earth do you think it's fair or reasonable to use a live catch
trap, and expect a dog, who you've ENCOURAGED to kill mice, to leave it
alone? What do you think he thinks you're scolding him for? Truly
Paul, you've hit a new low.

Muttley is not that effective at catching and killing mice, so if he learns
to avoid that as well as leaving the mousetrap alone, that's OK. He's
learned not to mess with other things, like computer cords, by my scolding
him. But the best solution will be to put the trap where he can't get to
it.

I made sure I banged on the plastic as I was scolding him, so he might
associate that with my displeasure. I'm pretty sure he will not have any
aversion to catching and killing a mouse running free. If it's in
something, like a box or a bag, I'd rather he didn't tear into it to get
the mouse.

Muttley was a little better behaved on his walk today. Maybe it was the
warm weather, or maybe he was being more attentive because I had scolded
him and he knew he had limits and was looking to me a little more for
guidance and approval.

Paul and Muttley