I had never heard of either towel trick & we had cocker spaniels for years. Obviously the 'dad' had not the time to train either dog nor girl. Taking to a shelter was better than dropping off somewhere outside. People have to think before adopting any pet, be it dog or goldfish.
Neighbor didn't look into the habits of rose bush either. A little time & energy for research nescessary in both cases. I should talk--I adopted this computer & till have research to do.