Punctilio, a fancy word for good manners, not that you hear it a lot, but when you do, it reminds us of a different time when politeness wasn’t so rare.
Etiquette, rules of conduct, or just the customary code for courteous behavior can also apply.
I’ve often noticed how punctilious dogs can be, when you meet them in the park first thing in the morning.
They come over to greet you with what appears to be a whiskered smile like you’re old friends. Owners, on the other hand, ignore you, while trying covertly to intervene.
“Come on now Skippy let’s go….” “FIDO, GET THE FUCK OVER HERE…NOW.”
Yes, punctilio seems to only grace the 4-legged between the hours of 6 and 9, when dogs can roam freely off their leashes like the park’s furry hospitality committee.
If only they’d serve coffee-and Danish…then we’d be talk’in.
Nature instills that trait in animals, their innate cheerfulness existing in the moment making them not only pals, but teachers, reminding us to do the same.
Toss in that out-dated decorum, protocol and good-form they show, and if paid attention to, we’d have a different society, at least between the hours of 6 and 9.
Hey, it’s a start.
WOOF! 
SB
Dogs do have their own etiquette that they follow. Mama pups also train puppies much better than we train kids. When the puppy meets a new dog, the mama dog encourages the puppy to smell the butt first. When was the last time you saw that in people?
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Yes, I have to say, my mother never introduced me quite that way. Might have caused a few heads to turn in preschool…:)
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As most know, I am a cat person; however, you are correct, dogs seem more polite and ready to be friends. My grand Dog is one of those.
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They’re born politicians, just with tails…:)
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You make me smile. Someone ought to write an etiquette book based on dog behavior. You’ve got a good beginning here.
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Woof…:)
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Contrary to the expression, “going to the dogs,” it does seem the world would be a better place if more people had a friendly canine disposition.
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Maybe what you identify is part of a greater malaise. People don’t think they’re animals; don’t feel part of nature; think they’re better somehow; “above all that”.
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Interesting point. Yes, we too are animals. I’m woofing as I write. Why are people looking Mick? They must be above all that…:)
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Hope you’re not barking mad. 😉
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Very funny…very funny…:)
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Susannah, I agree that dogs often exhibit more manners than their masters. I’m a cat person myself, although I love dogs too. But I have to admit that cats have a tendency to back up to you and flash their butts. Not polite at all.
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Cats…that’s true. They’re less needy than dogs who wag for you approval. Although, every once in a while, you meet one who could be First Lady, she’s so charming.
🙂
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Dogs are great that way, just in how friendly and unassuming they are. Punctilious, such a great word, or it pugtilious? 😉
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That should be a word…wonder if you can petition one to Webster’s…:)
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Oh, if ONLY the dogs were in charge … what a wonderful world it would be.
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Woof.
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Haha, glad to know I’m not the only one who’s noticed this every time I go to the park! Sadly, I am puppyless but dogs really are remarkable creatures. Great post! x
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I’m puppy-less too, but love when they appear in my path. Just now I met a little bulldog named Irma who just warmed me all over.
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