I have noticed there are a few "dog people" on this list who may be familiar
with this, but for everyone else, the most powerful tool to stop unwanted
behavior is to ignore it. If you have gotten to the point where you are
beyond trying to educate someone, just completely ignore what they say or do,
and the behavior will eventually extinguish. Something as small as a dirty
look or smile in return will act as a reinforcement. You must behave as if
you did not even hear the offensive remark. Then respond cheerfully to
something else on another topic. The best general read on the subject is
Karen Pryor's "Don't Shoot the Dog".

Good Luck!
Maddy Mason
Hudson Valley, NY
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