You know things have reached a sad state in your life when you realize you’re envious of a saucy little miniature Daschund.

Oh, I know. I’m not the first to write about a dog’s life. But those who came before were lamenting how nice it would be to lie in the sun with no responsibilities.

For me, it’s all about the chew toy.

I have an affectionate relationship with my sister-in-law’s Doxie. So every time I visit the family, I bring her a chew toy. And when our college football team was prepping for a big game, I brought her a toy that represented the opponent’s mascot. As I watched her systematically demolish the poor stuffed creature, I couldn’t help thinking …

I want one.

Unlike dogs, we can’t jump, snarl, snap, and bark at all the people who cross our boundaries. But wouldn’t it be nice if we could take apart the worst offenders—in effigy?

Having trouble with a boss you can’t backtalk? Annoyed at your spouse? Ready to walk out on your business partner? Take a page from the dogs by applying the Chew-Toy Strategy. Here’s how:

• Find an appropriate substitute. The fun part is finding something appropriate to symbolize the subject of your anger. Check out your local pet store or the pet section of your supermarket. You’ll find sturdy, inexpensive chew toys with varying “personalities”–from frogs to cows to flamingoes. You’ll also find peoplelike toys you can dress up to look like anyone you choose. Select one that reminds you of the person who’s ticking you off.

• Use the toy as needed. When you feel as though you’re about to explode, drag out your toy and whack it a few times. Step on it. Throw it around. Yell at it. Tell it the things you don’t feel you can tell the person who’s causing you so much stress. Don’t start gnawing on it, though. Anyone who sees you might get concerned for your mental stability … or start checking the moon cycles.

• Redirect your energy. Motion is a good way to counter e-motion … and your feelings of frustration and powerlessness. Directing some of that churning energy toward your chew toy may help clear your head. Then you may be able to sort out your feelings enough to decide to approach the real source of your problem and discuss how to make things better. If you can’t come to a workable solution, you might want to consider finding a new situation that doesn’t include this individual. Continually gnawing on chew toys is a normal pastime for Daschunds. But allowing personality conflicts to continually gnaw on us is not a healthy pastime for humans.