What A Dog Does When It Is Cold

Girls Don’t Eat Worms

…unless their last name is Terrier! It’s hard to understand why a cute, tiny  girl would enjoy a snack of worm - be it dried, fresh, partial or whole. I’m surprised that kibble isn’t shaped in the image of a worm or bird poop, which most dogs find enticing. Here’s Melody (from a previous post) singing a sweet song with the same mouth that just ate a worm. Sugar and spice and everything nice. . .and perhaps a few other ingredients!

How Dogs Assist With Yard Work

Dogs are of service to us in so many ways.  This week, I noticed my grass and dandelion-filled lawn could use a trim.  I sent the dogs out in the yard to serve as a gauge and measuring tool of sorts.  This was their report of findings:  “If you can’t find the dog, the grass is too long!”  I thanked them for yet another service and promptly called a gardener.

Wordless Wednesday

Does Your Dog Need Glasses?

It’s true, your dog may need glasses.  Rosie, a lovely Standard Poodle, was showing signs of impaired vision. She began to mistake friendly, nice humans as those who deserve her “words” (and maybe a few teeth) for approaching when they should know to ask before they pet her.  A girl has gotta’ have some boundaries to be safe in this world!

Normally, as a trainer, I would suggest a head collar and some redirecting for when Rosie is passing people who just have to touch a pretty Standard such as herself.  In this case, I told Susan we should try glasses.  Maybe Rosie’s vision is shifting right along with ours, and clearer vision may do the trick.  I know I’m far less likely to growl and bear my teeth when I can see clearly who is approaching.

There will be an adjustment period required in order for Rosie to adapt to her new look.  Personally, I think she looks beautiful in her new specks!

Dog Talk

When Dogs Get In Our Closet

“Hey Zoe, have you seen my red, multi-colored scarf?  I just had it!” 

Do Dogs Really Love Us?

Isn’t it just the best feeling to arrive home after a long day at work, a few minutes taking the trash out, or a few seconds to get the mail, and our dogs are all over us with enthusiasm and greetings of, “welcome home, we’ve missed you!”

Does it mean they love us or is there an ulterior motive? It’s probably better to just appreciate and adore them because we may not want to know the truth. The other day when I came in the door, I distinctly heard them excitedly saying, “our food source is home, our food source is home!”

I love them regardless of what they feel or don’t feel. I think there are certain truths we understand about dogs and the rest we make up as we go along. Considering the joy they bring to our lives, does it really matter - I didn’t think so.

Why Dogs Dig

Dogs will dig out of boredom, to bury treasures for later re-discovery, and to create a cool, damp place to lie.  I learned from Sammy and Zoe dogs also dig for other reasons. . .

Wordless Wednesday