Embarrassment can cause a variety of emotions, including anger and laughter at our own shortcomings. Homer Simpsonisim is a hardwired way to deal with embarrassing situations. Homer will most likely be walking down the street when he bumps into a light pole.

In this scenario, the lightpole is simply bolted there, minding its business as light poles do. Homer and many other Homersapiens seem to believe the light pole is to blame. While I am sure we aren't actually blaming it, this does raise an interesting point about how we respond to dogs who do embarrassing things in public.

Some of the actions our dogs perform in public aren't like things most people do. Even though it is a dog doing his job, we find ourselves embarrassed and blame the dog.

These are daily events for dogs who behave in a normal way. We feel that we have to blame them and scold their behavior to save our dignity. Why?

Partly, I believe it is because you view them as a reflection about yourself. I was an outspoken child who was aware of the fact that I was only a small part of my parents' parenting abilities when I was young. This realization didn't happen overnight. I was allowed to behave in a certain manner until I was instructed otherwise. My actions were always a reflection of them. If they were upset or dissatisfied, their behinds would reflect that. I was a very well-behaved child.

Although I don't support the punishments used by my parents, there is a correlation. They allowed me to behave like a child until they reached a point and told me that this behavior would not be tolerated.

Dogs must be able communicate with their owners as dogs. This includes doing things that are natural to them like sniffing out everything around them. Humans are responsible for other behaviors such as jumping on people and sniffing them out. We haven't shown them an acceptable alternative to meeting someone, like sitting down to greet.

Sometimes embarrassment stems from our inattention to or inability to plan for embarrassing situations. Why should dogs be punished? Let go of the unwarranted blame of dogs for things like flatulence. Keep the leash jerking.