Understanding “Don’t Keep A Dog And Bark Yourself”
The proverb “Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself” encapsulates a simple yet profound idea: if you employ someone to perform a task, allow them to do it without unnecessary interference or duplication of effort. It cautions against micromanaging, overstepping boundaries, or diminishing the value of those entrusted with responsibilities. At its core, it advocates for delegation and trust in the capabilities of others. The phrase isn’t merely about avoiding work; it’s about respecting roles and maximizing efficiency.
Origin of “Don’t Keep A Dog And Bark Yourself”
The roots of this proverb trace back to the late 16th century, possibly from writings published around 1583. The original phrasing, “It is small reason you should keep a dog, and bark your selfe,” presented the concept in a more archaic form. Over time, through repeated usage in literature and everyday speech, the language evolved into the now‑familiar “Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself.” Its enduring presence testifies to the timeless relevance of its message. The imagery of a dog, traditionally employed for guarding and alerting through barking, highlights the absurdity of duplicating that function yourself when you’ve already employed a capable guard dog – be it a person or a system.
Detailed Literary Analysis
The Proverb as a Commentary on Social Hierarchy and Roles
The proverb often surfaces in literature to subtly comment on social dynamics and the boundaries between roles. It frequently appears when a character of higher status is tempted to intervene in the duties of someone subordinate. This isn’t simply about avoiding extra work; it’s about acknowledging the implicit agreement that comes with delegation. The act of keeping a dog implies a contract – an expectation of service in exchange for care or payment. To then bark yourself undermines that agreement and questions the very purpose of the arrangement.
Beyond Literal Interpretation: The Proverb as Metaphor
While the proverb’s origin is rooted in a literal scenario, its application extends far beyond. It functions effectively as a metaphor for any situation where someone oversteps boundaries or needlessly duplicates effort. Consider a manager constantly checking on and correcting the work of a competent employee, or a leader who insists on controlling every detail of a project rather than trusting their team. In these instances, the proverb serves as a gentle rebuke, highlighting the importance of allowing others to fulfill their roles without unnecessary interference.
Exploring Literary Examples
Example #1: Jonathan Swift, Dialogue I
Lady Answ: Good miss, stir the fire so the tea‑kettle may boil. You have done it very well; now it turns purely. Well, miss, you’ll have a cheerful husband.
Miss: Indeed, your ladyship could have stirred it much better.
Lady Answ: I know that every well, hussy; but I won’t keep a dog and bark myself.
Neverout: What! You are stuck, miss.
Here, the Lady uses the proverb to subtly assert her authority while simultaneously acknowledging the competence of her servant. She recognizes she could do the task herself, but chooses to allow her servant to fulfill her role, thereby maintaining the proper social order. It’s not about the tea kettle; it’s about the expectation of service and the boundaries of their positions.
Example #2: Alexander Whitelaw, Paddy the Piper
Go ahead, says he, “Shamus, you’ve had your breakfast; drive her to the fair.”
Shamus: “I don’t like to drive her.”
Whitelaw: “Arrah, don’t make a gommagh of yourself.”
Shamus: “I don’t.”
Whitelaw: “Well, like o rno like, you must drive her.”
Shamus: “Sure, father, you could take more care of her yourself.”
Whitelaw: “That’s mighty good,” he says, “to keep a dog and bark yourself.”
In this dialogue, the son attempts to shift responsibility onto his father, suggesting the father should perform the task instead. The father’s response, using the proverb, cleverly deflects the son’s attempt at shirking duty. He highlights the absurdity of having entrusted the task to the son only to then take it upon himself. The proverb emphasizes the importance of upholding commitments and respecting assigned roles.
Example #3: Daniel Yergin & Joseph Stanislaw, The Commanding Heights
All of this was totally perplexing to Stalin, who thought there must be a trick. After all, as V. M. Molotov, Stalin’s foreign minister, suggested to Attlee, surely Churchill could have “fixed” the results of the election. At Postdam, Attlee was not at all bothered that trade‑union leader Ernest Bevin, his new foreign minister, seemed to do all the talking while Attlee sat silent, wreathed in pipe smoke, nodding his head. “You don’t keep a dog and bark yourself,” he explained, “and Ernie was a very good dog.”
This example demonstrates a more sophisticated application of the proverb. Attlee uses it to justify his hands off approach to foreign policy, trusting his capable minister to handle negotiations. The “dog” represents Bevin’s diplomatic skills, and Attlee’s refusal to interfere underscores his confidence in Bevin’s abilities. It’s a strategic decision rooted in recognizing competence and avoiding unnecessary meddling.
Beyond Literature: Practical Applications and Nuances
The wisdom of “Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself” extends far beyond literary analysis. In modern workplaces, it is a cornerstone of effective leadership and team management. Micromanaging stifles creativity, erodes trust, and ultimately hinders productivity. Empowering employees to take ownership of their work, while providing support and guidance, fosters a more engaged and effective workforce. However, it’s crucial to distinguish between delegation and abdication. Simply assigning a task without providing the necessary resources or oversight is not effective delegation. True delegation requires clear communication, mutual trust, and a willingness to provide support when needed.
The proverb also applies to personal relationships. Constantly offering unsolicited advice or trying to “fix” someone else’s problems, even with good intentions, can be detrimental. Allowing others to learn from their own experiences and make their own mistakes is essential for personal growth. Sometimes, the most supportive thing you can do is simply listen and offer encouragement, without attempting to take control.
In essence, “Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself” is a timeless reminder to respect boundaries, trust in the capabilities of others, and focus on contributing your unique skills and talents – rather than needlessly duplicating efforts or undermining the contributions of those around you.