If your dog isn't complying with your wishes (and let's say your a reasonable, kind owner), it's a pretty easy fix - consistent, positive reinforcement when the dog behaves... consistently ignoring (when possible) or punishing (like a time-out) when the dog does not behave.
Why do we not bench Sully till he sheds a couple two tree pounds? Seems pretty straightforward. "You're fat. You'll play when you lose some weight. Thanks. Go Pats."
Comparing a person to a dog (a black man in this case). What an insult.
I'm hoping this is sarcasm, because it's the exact type of ignorant, race-baiting bs that leads to situations like Ferguson....
Tarheelsxxiii was talking of operant conditioning.
I know, my comment was aimed at Clench not Tarheels. It's the same type of conditioning used in alot of parenting techniques, so to try and make a claim of racism from this is misguided and driven by a different agenda.
Just to be clear, there was absolutely no racial undertone to my comment. I apologize if it read that way or offended any one. Certainly was not my intent.
As noted, I was speaking from a psychological perspective. We use that technique for therapy with both kids and adults, across a broad range of difficulties.