Why can’t a person be more like a dog?

I am not a PETA type who thinks that animals are equal to or greater than people.  I fully recognize that dogs are not humans.  Having said that, though, I often wonder why my humans can’t be more like my dog (and, by “my humans”, I mean those living under my roof).

Wouldn’t it be great if your kids listened to your every utterance with the same rapt attention as your dog?  And how about following instructions and commands?  “Come!”  “Sit”  “Chase your ball!”  I only have to say it once, and my dog’s on it.  This is so different from the blank looks I receive in response to at least half the instructions I issue to my kids.

My dog’s primary goal in life is to please me, and if she can do it by anticipating my every whim, that’s even better.  So, why can’t my children, at least in regards to me, be more like my dog?