Talking Too Much -- by Mom

Okay-- so he's an official part of the family and we're really starting to understand each other. When Cooper needs to go out (for potty) he just scratches on the back door and someone takes him out. What could be simpler than that? He talks and we respond. Lately, however, Coop's been scratching and I've been taking-- but something has gone awry. He does NOT need to go potty (as I soon discover) but just wants to be out there following some scent in the yard or checking out what's going on. And while there's nothing wrong with that, he needs to communicate to me that that's what he wants to do instead of the potty thing. Then I wouldn't have to drop everything and run and grab his leash in split second time. I could more leisurely finish what I'm doing before I take him for an outing. He's not only learned the power of communication-- he's learned how to abuse that power too! What a smart beagle you are Coop.