I believe that dogs, unlike so many humans, are sincere, honest, and without guile. Dogs love whosoever feeds them, it’s really as simple as that sometimes.

They are loyal to food and to treats. I give my dogs fat and sugar-free and highly digestible treats twice a day, once in the morning, once around mid-day. The treats are light and healthy.

I love to give the dogs small marrow bones, which are almost indestructible, and some so-called dental treats, which are inoffensive and digestible.

Dogs can live happily with no treats at all, but I use them as training and calming tools. I believe good training never ends.

At treat time, the Jon Katz Fan Club assembles at the kitchen draw where all treats are kept. Budgets excited, Zinnia wags her tail, and Fate plots ways to get into the drawer.

This is how I trained the dogs to be quiet and still. If they jump, bark, shout or fight, there will be no treats at all. Even then, they must wait two to three minutes before I take the treats out.

Dogs don’t hold grudges or hate humans for training them well. They respect it and need it. They are not, in fact, my best friends. They are just great dogs.

If there’s any fighting or growling, they go right back in the drawer and leave. I can’t remember the last time that happened.

If I’m not there, they will wait for me, patiently and calmly. Maria will shout, “Hey, Jon, your fan club is here.”  I know what I have to do.