Dogs' minds are fascinating. Since Schuster can't resist tearing up shoes, magazines, and sometimes books, we put him in a "crate" (a wire cage made for such things) whenever we leave. At first he would run for the hills when he saw the cage set out, and Mary and I would have to "trap" him between us. Now we put his toy tiger in the cage and he walks in and hunkers down on his own. He also doesn't yowl when we leave but the racket he makes when we get home and before we let him out is deafening. So darn cute.
Simon hurries to sit in my chair when he knows I am bringing my supper to the front room, because I always share with him. Since I have an armchair "table" on the left arm, as well as a small end table beside the chair there, Simon sits beside me on the right. No matter how often I get up for refills, Simon stays beside me on the right. However, once the food is gone, and I get up for a bathroom break, Simon will move to the left side of the chair, which he actually seems to prefer. Obviously he hasn't taken notes and figured this movement out, nonetheless, he almost always gets it right. He knows when the move is acceptable. Should he ever get it wrong, all I have to do is pat the arm on the right side, especially if I am carrying a plate, and he will switch sides. All things considered these movements are a finely orchestrated creaturely dance which we both have worked out. Even then there are more aspects involved in the dance than I have described. I find his behavior fascinating. That food is involved undoubtedly helps, but no one ever made him do anything. He somehow understands what is required. Part of the joy of being owned by dachshunds, I suppose.