If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?

My mastiff mix, Croc, is probably near ten. Until fairly recently, he never woke me to go out. He seemed to have a bladder the size of a soccer ball. Quite often, he dawdled about till after eight before asking to go out. Now he wakes me up between for and five. Fortunately for Bud in this instance, he’s deaf in one ear. Croc comes after me first. He gently kisses my foot or arm to wake me. There’s no hope of reprieve. I’m getting up. He goes out alone for about five minutes. I’m back in bed in minutes.