The Exuberant Dog Service Jacket

It is always wonderful to witness a dog that is in service to someone.  They walk nicely (and honorably) side-by-side with their human providing some form of service, companionship, and/or support.  The jacket they wear is an indication to other humans to not touch or pet the dog as it is working.  These dogs are bred and trained for years prior to their being put into service.

I don’t have one of those dogs.  I don’t need one either; however, my dog does provide a service.  The service is to encourage you to smile.  Zoe is always smiling.  She is a Labradoodle (plus) mix and is always delighted to be out on a walk.  When she walks by someone or even sees them approaching, she begins to smile, sometimes speak, and wiggle her body all to get you to smile.  Is she begging?  Perhaps.  As long as she does it without invading someone’s personal space, I don’t get too concerned.

I have decided that dogs like Zoe should have their own jacket or vest.  The inscription on it will read, “Exuberant Dog – Please Pet!”  Zoe would also like to add, “oh please, oh please, oh please.”  This way, if you see a dog wearing the Zoe vest, you won’t have to wonder if they are friendly.  You will also know to brace yourself in the likelihood they will make you smile.  So, if you are planning on being in a grumpy mood and you see a dog wearing the “Exuberant Dog” vest,  you will know to look the other way.  They can be real mood changers.  Zoe will knead the floor with her paws in an effort to refrain from jumping, but every once in awhile, she can’t contain her enthusiasm.

Let me know if you’d like to have me interview your dog and make certain they are worthy of donning the “Exuberant Dog” vest!

p.s.  The trainer in me has to add that rewarding a dog by giving inappropriate affection when it is overly excited is not good practice and can lead to a dog who is overly anxious and bossy (even if it is for affection).  The “Exuberant Dog” vest is purely for comic relief and for those dogs that know if their human asks them to settle down or leave it – they will.