Unforgettable Pet Rule Implementations: A Look into Household Behavior

As a devoted pet owner, every family builds a unique and evolving set of rules to navigate the daily life with their beloved furry friends. These rule implementations can sometimes be humorous, intriguing, or even quite surprising. Below, I share some enlightening stories and insights into recent 'new rules' implemented by my pets in our household.

Rule #1: Biting Is Now Okay

Recently, while trying to grab his collar (a deed that typically has zero tolerance), my sister's Great Dane puppy decided that biting me wasn't just acceptable—it was necessary. Upon realizing that I wasn't going to relinquish my grip, the tiny (but not so small anymore) pup went into attack mode. After a series of futile attempts to remove his teeth, I was forced to take matters into my own hands by giving him a well-deserved punch in the face.

For context, the puppy is 5 months old and already towers over a German Shepherd, weighing in at around 50-60 pounds. Certainly not a small dog by any stretch of the imagination. This experience led to the development of a new unwritten rule: **if the dog feels threatened while being collared, biting is indeed okay**.

Rule #2: Instant Gratification for Outside Time

My pet's newest rule involves being granted instant satisfaction immediately upon entering an exterior space. Desperation transcends into a silent conversation—a sitting, tailless, meowing figure by the door, or perhaps a series of loud noises at the back or front screen doors. The rule is clear: If you wait for me for just a few seconds, I will then walk about five steps, sit or stand, wait for mommy or daddy to pet me, and only then will I feel content.

Rule #3: Dinner Breaks any Time

One particular pet, with a knack for timing, has implemented a rule that gives the green light to feeding any time she wants. This particular feline becomes quite the nudist, pouncing onto my phone when it falls to the floor and going in for the kitchen in search of some sustenance. Despite my attempts to keep meals on a regular schedule, she remains a regular offender, leading to frequent snacking sessions at odd and inconvenient times.

Rule #4: Stealthy Sleepovers

Perhaps the most bizarre new rule yet involves my wife's tuxedo cat, Emily. With the family gathered and the usual estrogen-laden chatter from her side of the room, my father-in-law dozed off on the couch with his feet on the coffee table. In the background, the conversation resumed, completely unaware of their surroundings.

Enter Emily, who, uncharacteristically, walked through the kitchen and into view, metaphorically snatching the spotlight. She fearlessly strode through the living room, ascended the coffee table, navigated between her unsuspecting father-in-law's shoes, climbed onto his legs, and nestled beneath his knees where she promptly fell asleep. Unaware of Emily's presence, the conversation paused as everyone failed to notice her until it was pointed out after twenty-five minutes. This became a recurring favorite story among my family, with Emily's dozing mode adding a humorous twist to a familiar narrative.

Reflection on Pet Rules

These new rules, while sometimes amusing, highlight the intelligent and adaptable nature of our pets. They have their ways of communicating needs, expressions, and preferences without explicitly speaking. Observing and adapting to these rules can not only strengthen the bond between pet and owner but also ensure a harmonious coexistence within the household.

Conclusion

As pet owners, we often face unusual and entertaining challenges. These stories and rules aren't just humorous anecdotes; they are our pets' ways of expressing themselves and their needs. Understanding and respecting these new rules can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable relationship with our furry companions.

**Keywords:** Pet Rules, Household Pet Behavior, Animal Behavior