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.
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!
Here is an image of two identical dog bones. Right?
The answer is yes, if you are a human. If you are a dog or can for a moment see through the eyes of a dog, the bone they want is the one you give to the other dog. That’s just how it works. Show them, tell them, even try to trick them, and they know they have the wrong bone. They are supposed to have the bone the other dog has until, of course they do, then the rotation starts all over again.
Finally, if you are lucky, they will actually chew on a bone and relinquish their obsession with the other – if but only for a moment.
It’s worthy of noting this holiday season even HE had a dog. . .in HIS bed!
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. . .
I would like to add a few more requests to his prayer. Well, it is Sunday. . .
I have witnessed the aging process of many dogs. I personally had a Pitbull that was puppy for so many years that when asked how old she was, I would say, “five.” However, I had her since she was about two, and at least five years had passed. “Oh,” I corrected myself, “she’s seven or eight!” I believe that is because most of us want to deny our dogs are seniors even before they hit their early teens.
From the age of twelve to thirteen, it was evident there is truth to the concept that dogs age approximately seven years to our one. To me, it appeared she literally aged in a few months. Sure, denial played a part, but so did the fact that our dogs are proud creatures. They will rally and pull it together to please us at times when if they were human, they would be curled up in bed making certain we knew how bad they felt!
I have also learned that dog hours are very different than ours. Moby will assure me at 3:00 that it is at least 6:00 or 7:00 in dog-time. He comes to me asking for dinner, as I assure him, “it’s only 3:00 so you’ll have to wait, Bud.” Just to keep things interesting, some days, I will put the food down early. All it means to them is a full belly and nap time. When the real 6:00 rolls around and they look at me like I’m forgetting something, I remind them they already ate dinner according to human time.
It’s ok to honor dog-time. Some would encourage tough love – I say, “pick your battles.” If feeding a dog at 3:00 (actually 6:00, their time), is the most you give in to your dog, you’re doing great!
Having worked with many Labradoodles and Goldendoodles, I am fairly certain I can say I know why they weren’t chosen to play the part of Lassie. . .
