We put a lot of research into taking care of our dog. She's a beagle from a rescue and that can provide several challenges. First, she's a beagle. That's says a lot all by itself. The breed is stubborn, resilient, and focused almost exclusively on its' nose. Their ears flop over, which I'm certain blocks out every command, cajole, or plea you can utter, command, or scream at them. Once they get a scent, they're gone. Second, she was from a rescue- abandoned in the woods fo who knows what reason. There was bound to be some baggage included with our little dog.

I read that they respond well to treats, and to that I can attest. Our beagle (Karma) will do almost anything for a treat; including ignore her own healthy and expensive kibble. She wants, first, whatever you're having, and second, those dog treats up on the top shelf of the pantry. And let's just say that the treats are on the top shelf for a reason (I think ours is a beagle-monkey hybrid).

We relied on the treats quite heavily when we first brought Karma home; it was the quickest way to the desired behavior. She is still given a small treat whenever we lock her in her kennel before leaving the house. It's the coolest thing- she happily takes her treat and runs right into it and waits for us to lock the door.

But...

She got huge! She went from a spry, springy little dog into this belly-dragging, fur sack that did nothing but beg for treats and stare you down while you ate your own dinner. She developed a mysterious "limp" that only occurred at meal times and when you put on her leash. She worked the "hang-dog-sad-whiny-starving-puppy" routine into an unbearable frenzy. I grew to hate beagles. All beagles. Everywhere.

All this a slight exaggeration of course, but she really did gain a lot of weight. And the whining-- Oy!

We had created a monster and it was all our fault. We mistakenly began rewarding good behavior with bad food. And ultimately the results were terrible. Then I realized that we did the same things to ourselves, and our kids, and our employees. We gave out candy and ice cream and had bbq's and threw catered luncheons and on and on to induce or reward good behavior. We were making everyone fat.

Once the realization hit us we took a long look at the consequences then decided to change. We no longer use food as a reward. We use praise and attention instead- and it's working. The dog has thinned up considerably, WE have thinned up considerably. We're all better off for the change and will continue.

I cringe when I hear diet gurus saying that it is OK to reward yourself with food. That just doesn't work for me. And celebrity endorsers going on about chocolate cake during Weight-Watchers commercials is counter-intuitive at best. Why focus on food at all? Why not focus on action and lifestyle instead?

The short answer is, "Don't reward with food!" No longer do I give my kids piles of dessert just for cleaning their plates. I mean, I wouldn't fill my car's tank with gas, then fill up the trunk too as a reward for topping-off. Food should be considered as just fuel for the body- once replenished, off it goes to burn some more through activity and exercise.

Whew! Off on a rant again! This morning was great- exercise was fun, the weather is perfect, I seem to have some pent-up energy--- I think I'll get away from the desk for a time today and do something more physical.

All that said, we love our beagle. She's happy and healthy and walks us for miles. She doesn't limp anymore, but she still begs and stares me down whenever I'm in the kitchen. It kind of makes it difficult to eat in front of her, but maybe that's a good thing.