The source was a dog and the curriculum was a refresher course in communication. When the author first met his son's dog Oscar in April 2003 he weighed 60 pounds, a rascally, rambunctious former stray of dubious parentage, indeterminate age and boundless energy. Now Oscar is finally getting the basics of canine etiquette, to walk calmly on a leash, sit, lie down, come when called, stay, heel. Be lavish with and exaggerate the praise for what the dog does right.