In 2002 the Defence Ministry funded a study of ancient texts to identify which natural substances could be used as chemical weapons. I would love to see the study and know whether it is ongoing.
Dogs are very smart. They came out of the wild and allowed themselves to be tamed so they’d have a warm place to live and a steady supply of food. That showed more foresight and intelligence than a lot of people. The dog in the house knows whose boss and attaches himself to him. It wouldn’t harm you to show loyalty to your boss (even if it is only schmoozing!).
Respect the hierarchy. A younger dog will never walk in front of an older one. The head of the pack can put his tail up; the rest will keep it down. A younger dog may occasionally show his teeth but he will step down and back off in front of a senior. There is no useless petty pride in dogs. We humans would feel safer if we kept within a defined support system and didn’t fight over small things. Stand down. It usually leads to far more happiness. Give respect to seniors, older people. It makes your place in the world more secure. You’ll get more done and waste less time — and the world would be a better place.
Some humans seem to think that being an effective boss is all about shouting, bullying and panicking. Look at the behaviour of alpha males in dog packs. Alpha males are often the calmest, quietest and most docile members of the pack — the ones most likely to put up with nonsense from puppies. But they carry themselves with certain confidence which commands respect, and they maintain their position by being consistent, trustworthy and leading by example. An alpha male would never ask another dog to do something he wouldn’t do himself.
