Meet Oswald
English Bulldog. Household Supervisor. Reluctant Student of Human Behavior.
My name is Oswald. For six years, I've shared a home with two humans I call Mama and Papa. During that time, I've observed their habits, evaluated their decisions, and made a number of improvements to the household's operating procedures.
Papa originally believed he was going to train me. I've allowed him to maintain that impression.
What began as a simple misunderstanding about authority has developed into a remarkably successful arrangement. I've learned when to cooperate, when to negotiate, and when remaining perfectly still is the most effective response.
This is my place to share a little more about the household, the people and dogs who have shaped my life, and the observations that eventually became A Bulldog's Guide to Training Humans.
The Household
My household consists of Mama, Papa, and me, although the question of who's actually in charge remains a subject of occasional disagreement.
Mama has always understood the importance of affection, comfort, and proper attention. Papa arrived with somewhat different ideas. Having lived with three rescue bulldogs before me, he believed he knew how to manage our relationship.
He even had plans to turn me into a wonder dog.
I've spent six years helping both of them understand how things really work. Along the way, there have been other dogs, family members, friendships, and adventures that have made life considerably more interesting than any of us expected.
I've learned something from each of them. Whether they've learned anything from me is another question.