Some dogs have issues

Today we're going to cross the line into a territory most people try to avoid...we're going to admit the fact that some dogs have issues. I mean this in the nicest way because well, so do I! We all have things that make us tick (even you humans!) but sometimes it is just a matter of managing it. I mean, think about it. You don't like the guy in the office who tells really long and boring stories so you turn the other way and avoid him in the hall, right? It's really the same for me too - I don't particularly like some other big dogs I see on walks so mom usually turns me around and takes me another way. I don't mean to insult the other dog because really it's not their fault, it's my issue!

Since posting about playtime last week we've gotten lots of great feedback that it helped. Well since then we've done some more learning and found additional pages that will help you and your humans :)

First up is D.I.N.O.S. which stands for Dogs In Need Of Space:

The general idea is that some dogs just need more space. Maybe it's because they're healing from a recent surgery, or they're in training, or perhaps it's more like my situation where I just don't like dogs who run right up in my face. RUDE!!

Have you seen any dogs with yellow ribbons on their leashes? Me neither but it's not a bad idea!

Last but not least Mom said this article made her feel better. It's from our friends at Dogster who always come up with good resources. The last paragraph of the article, particularly the last line really sum it up:

"He’s not a breed ambassador, but he’s mine, and I think he’s perfect!"

We can't all be perfect but we can try our best. I try to be a good dog every day but sometimes I just get annoyed or irritated and I need to be corrected. Mom and Dad continue to work with me and that's really all I can ask for. I'm so lucky they *get* me and love me anyway. I love them too!

Playtime!

I've posted what seems like 216548943416 pictures of me and my best friend Lilah playing at the beach, in my grandparents' backyard, even at my house! But here's a refresher just in case you forgot how cute we can be...

I am posting these because Mom and I have been talking a lot about proper playtime and when things get out of hand. Ok, she talks and I just stare at her but I'm really listening I promise! 

Mom found this cool article on Dogster (we love them!) about choosing a proper playmate and I told her it's a good one. Think about it - you're pretty picky about who you would let play with your human child, right? Well why should us furry kids be any different?

See, the thing is that there are some dogs in my 'hood who just don't play nice. I don't mean that they're not nice dogs, they really are, but their play styles don't mesh well with mine and sometimes I just get a little mad.  Mom has been paying closer attention to my body language and has started to pick up on the doggie play cues I give off. I am pretty demonstrative when I don't like something but there are little things I do as I'm starting to get annoyed too. This "Doggie Language" chart below has helped her a lot:

Thanks to Leap Dog Training for the resource!

The main thing is that Mom looks for my body, head, ears, and tail to stay loose. Look at the "friendly" or "happy" dogs above - nothing sticks out straight and the muscles are relaxed. This article calls this Jell-O bones and it's a good analogy - everything should be wiggly and jiggly. 

Above all else, Mom has learned to say "NO" and walk away from the dogs that I don't get along with. It was hard at first because of course everybody wants to play with me (duh, I'm adorable...) but we've learned it's just easier to avoid some situations. The long, retractable leash? Nope. The unruly and untrained puppy? No thanks. I'm learning that there are good times to play and times when it's just best to go the other way.

So what about you...how do you like to play?

Taking your human to Home Depot

Have you been to this place? It's amazing!!! Mom calls it the Home Depot but for me it's a wonderful adventure full of new smells, sounds and lots of nice people. This has been a great place to really test my training (and give me a chance to show off). The employees are very nice, giving me lots of love and attention. Of course everyone points out my silly ear! 

Sometimes people are surprised to hear that you can take your dog to Home Depot but it's true! They welcome me with open arms paws!

Hmm what's that noise?

No really mom, what's that noise?

We have so much fun exploring the store but I do have to be watched in the garden section. Apparently you're not supposed to pee on those plants? I'm still not sure exactly how they're different than the ones outside but judging by mom's reaction they are very different. 

So have you taken your human to Home Depot? How did it go?