No doubt about who is in charge

I can tell from my dogs’ behavior that hunting season ended some time ago.

From September through December they behave as if well trained. They sleep a lot, rarely get into mischief, and seldom need correcting. Then the season ends and while I always vow to walk them regularly, I don’t. Instead, they, like me, quickly return to their slothful, ill-disciplined ways.

I have a friend who has pointing dogs that accompany him on trail runs year round. Both he and his dogs stay in great shape and out of trouble regardless of the season.

By March, however, I’m getting fat, and my dogs are bored, and...