Why do I think other dogs are not like me, then?

This is a complex question, Bruce. It displays a certain level of anxiety on your part, which I can only assume arises from something you have either observed or overheard.

What you need to get your head around is that at one and the same time you are both like all other dogs in the world and you are your own individual self. Regrettably, like so many dogs, your track record in holding two thoughts at the same time is not impressive. Perhaps it would help if I illustrated this concept with reference to another dog I am working with, to protect patient confidentiality let’s call him Murphy.

 

Now Murphy has an obsession with always peeing on the full bin bags as they await collection outside the Methodist Church. He cannot stop himself even though he knows somewhere inside himself that it is obsessive behaviour.

As I am told, you, Bruce, as an individual dog have never peed on a full bin bag outside the Methodist Church. In that respect you are unlike Murphy, and thus are entitled to think from that example that you are indeed quite unlike other dogs.

However, as we delve deeper into this matter we begin to discover that Murphy, and his name gives us a clue, is only acting as all good Catholic dogs do and signalling their traditional disdain for Methodism and his particular refusal to engage ecumenically with them. This is learned behaviour, instilled from a very early age. He also knows that as a greyhound he can slip away pretty quick should some sandal-wearing beardy Methodist minister remonstrate with him.

The Mommy is a Churchwarden and you are the dog of a solid Church of England household, albeit one containing Satan. In contrast to Murphy, you have no problem in fully engaging in ecumenical activities with the Methodists, and would never dream of peeing on their bin bags.

However, as has formed the subject of a previous blog, you are learning to pee every time you go out the back door, although you still need reminding every now and then. This too is learned behaviour instilled from an early age and as such you are identical to Murphy in your canine being. Notwithstanding that, seen side-by-side, it would not occur to a visitor from Mars that you were the same species.

I hope this has helped illuminate your original question. However I fear Murphy will continue to be an embarrassment to his owner, who happens to hold an important post within The Church of England.